International Cities of Peace

International Cities of Peace is is a global association of independent Cities of Peace. Established in 2009, the organization's vision is to foster peace as a consensus value in Cities of Peace around the world.
An Advisory Council of leaders from local City of Peace organizations is collaborating to create an all-inclusive, non-polarizing global network of citizens working to bring peace to their communities. International Cities of Peace provides a consensus-based definition of peace as safety, prosperity, and quality of life. The organization provides the tenets of UNESCO's culture of peace as a guideline for developing goals and objectives on a local level.
According to the only scholarly paper to date on Cities of Peace, "Idee und Geschichte der neuzeitlichen Friedensstadt," written by scholar Peter van den Dungen, the following are major categories for consideration. Though many Cities of Peace are now being established by resolution or proclamation, or even through a community action campaign, this document shows that the City of Peace movement has deep roots. For a more extensive description, see the original text.
1. Cities where a significant peace treaty was concluded, such as Münster
2. Cities where international institutions dedicated to world peace are located, such as The Hague.
3. Cities where peace prizes are awarded, such as Oslo.
4. Cities that have suffered in war but rededicated their focus to peace, such as Hiroshima.
5. Cities remembering an important historical figure of peace, such as Atlanta.
6. Cities where an important peace conference or institution existed, such as Luzern.
7. Cities where peace research or training institutions exist, such as Bradford.
8. Cities where peace organizations play a significant role, such as Manchester.
9. Cities enjoined in peacemaking to lessen tensions, such as Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salam.
10. Cities associated with an important peace document, such as Pugwash.
Becoming an International City of Peace
A City of Peace, as officially defined by International Cities of Peace, is a community that by history or proclamation endeavors to make progress against violence and foster a culture of peace.
With an understanding of local concerns and considerations, a culture of peace is determined by the citizens of each community. As a guideline, United Nations Resolution A/RES/52/13 defines a culture of peace as a set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups, and nations. A community valuing a culture of peace will:
• Foster a culture of peace through education
• Promote sustainable economic and social development
• Promote respect for all human rights
• Ensure equality between women and men
• Foster democratic participation
• Advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity
• Support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge
• Promote international peace and security
Cities
Historical Cities of Peace
• Hiroshima, Japan: Peace Memorial Park
• Nagasaki, Japan: Nagasaki Peace Park
• The Hague, Netherlands: Peace Palace
• Geneva, Switzerland: Geneva Peace Conference
• New York, New York: Headquarters of United Nations
• Jerusalem: Confluence of three major religions
• Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salem: Oasis of Peace
• Pugwash, Canada: Pugwash Peace Conference
• Guernica, Spain: Gernika Peace Museum Foundation
• Benin City, Nigeria: City of Blood
• Leeds, England: The Peace Museum
• Manchester, England: Messenger of Peace
• Alexandria, Egypt: The Pearl of the Mediterranean
ICP Associated Cities of Peace
• Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A.
• Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A.
• Kathmandu, Nepal
• Unity Village, Missouri, U.S.A.
• Coventry, England
• Bradford, England
• Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
• Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
• Mataki, Philippines
• Pathuthani, Thailand
• Yaounde, Cameroon
• Kathmandu, Nepal
• Fizi, D.R. Congo
Other Cities of Peace
• Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
• Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.
• Ottawa, Canada
• Hood River, Oregon, U.S.A.
• Toronto, Canada
• Akron, Ohio

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