Global Citizenship and the Role of the United Nations: The Promise of the Early Childhood Peace Consortium.

Abstract

Today millions of children are trapped in situations of war, conflict, violence and displacement. Science shows that violence has a detrimental effect on the development of young children. It, also, heralds in a new era, with opportunities to contribute to sustaining peace and prevention of violence, through investment in early childhood development. The commentary argues that we have every opportunity to make a transformative shift and raise the voice of science to join the voice of "we the peoples..." The voice of "we the peoples" to stop war and violence in the world, promoting "a Culture of Peace," adhering to the principles of freedom, justice, tolerance, and advancing the concept of Global Citizenship, is clear. It is amplified by the historic adoption of the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" and the "Sustaining Peace Resolutions," calling on every member of society to participate in peacebuilding and development efforts. The promise of the Early Childhood Peace Consortium (ECPC) is to join forces by creating a global movement to build more peaceful homes and societies, drawing on the experience of early childhood development and the transformative power of children and families.