Nobel Laureates—Working Behind the Scenes for Peace

The World Tribune interviewed Dr. Michael Nobel, chairman of the Appeal of the Peace Prize Laureats Foundation (for the Children of the World) and of the Nobel Family Society, on how Nobel Peace laureates worked to realize the U.N. Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence and the Manifesto 2000 pledge.

World Tribune: How did the Appeal Foundation get started?

Dr. Michael Nobel: The Appeal Foundation was established in New York by representatives of the South African Peace Laureates. The Appeal had begun its work in 1998 through offices in Paris and Cape Town. In 2001, the decision was made to formally establish the foundation in New York. The Appeal is a network organization at work in sites round the world, notably the peace process in Sri Lanka, Balkans recovery, Mid-East dialogues, and developing a 10,000 person network in Africa with America Education Development, USAID, Search for Common Ground and others.

WT: What was the inspiration for the drafting of the Appeal of the Peace Prize Laureates?

Nobel: The 20th century was going on record as the deadliest and most war torn century in human history. By the end of the period, the great majority of casualties were innocent women and children, not soldiers. The human and economic costs of war and violence were destroying any hope to build stable and sustainable societies in the world’s most vulnerable areas. On behalf of the children of the world, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire and French children’s activist Pierre Marchand, drafted an appeal to the world?s leaders. After consultation with then every living peace laureate, who signed the appeal, the document was presented to the United Nations where it formed the cornerstone to the resolutions declaring the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World, 2001–2010.

WT: How was Manifesto 2000 formulated and what is its intent?

Nobel: The Manifesto was composed by Peace Laureates at the request of the U.N. to put into everyday words and concepts the fundamental values expressed by then United Nations. It is a personal human commitment.

WT: What are some achievements of Manifesto 2000? How is it making a difference in people’s lives for peace?

Nobel: Nearly 80 million people signed the Manifesto between January 2000 and Sept. 11, 2001. Sadly, after Sept. 11, the Manifesto has sat idle. But efforts by UNESCO and leading NGO’s around the world have begun to re-focus attention on the commitment in advance of the Decade’s mid-point assessment in 2005.

It is of course difficult to say how signing a document can make a difference in any one life. But we all know the only lasting change begins with each of us and with our own personal commitment to peaceful change. The Manifesto, reflecting the basic values of the United Nations, is a worthy learning instrument for all of us.