London Round Table Brings Community Leaders Together for International Day of Peace
Peace advocates and representatives of community initiatives came together at the Church of Scientology London for a round-table discussion held in connection with the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Discussions centred on practical peacebuilding, particularly the contribution of human rights education, community responsibility and cooperation across different backgrounds.
This year's discussion reflected the United Nations emphasis on investing in peace through action by individuals, organisations and communities.
Lorna Marah, a Peace Ambassador and United Nations Women Advocate, told participants that peace requires conscious choices and sustained effort.
Marah stressed that peace is built deliberately through choices, leadership and compassion, describing every person as having a role in designing more peaceful communities.
Eleanor Daibowon Moore, founder of Eleanor’s Children Foundation, spoke about the relationship between peace, responsibility and support for vulnerable communities.
Suraiya Kassamally of Rotary Club London also presented the work of Rotary Peace Centers and their international fellowship programme.
Human rights education formed another major part of the discussion.
Tracey Coleman, Community Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology London, said that peace and human rights are closely connected.
She highlighted the educational work of Youth for Human Rights International, which presents the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in accessible materials for young people and educators.
Human rights education is among the social initiatives supported by the Church of Scientology and inspired by the humanitarian objectives expressed by its founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and United Nations, linked the initiative to European principles of human dignity and Charity respect for fundamental rights..
The complete story can be read in this report on human rights education and peacebuilding in London.