“Through education, we cultivate tolerance, empathy and respect — the foundations of lasting peace,” Ananto Kusuma Seta said in his opening remarks at a regional meeting in Jakarta on peace education in Southeast Asia.
The conference, hosted by UNESCO Jakarta, aims to explore how education can tackle the root causes of conflict, counter hate speech and discrimination, and promote reconciliation across the region.
Ananto emphasized that well-educated youth are the region’s most valuable asset and key drivers of a peaceful future.
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He urged policymakers to go beyond teaching knowledge and focus on instilling values of peace, empathy and inclusiveness.
“When classrooms practice inclusion, teachers show compassion, and curricula prioritize humanity, education becomes a strong foundation for enduring peace,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to work together to embed peacebuilding into education systems and advance a more just, peaceful and sustainable society.
The regional meeting, titled “Countering Hate Speech and Preventing Conflict through Education,” gathers experts, educators and officials to align efforts with UNESCO’s global agenda for sustainable peace.
Indonesia’s National Commission for UNESCO (KNIU), established under the UN agency’s constitution, coordinates national engagement with UNESCO programs and promotes Indonesia’s interests in global education, science and culture forums.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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