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It is an ambitious and courageous project to organise a Peace Cruise in the eastern Mediterranean Basin, which has been racked by conflicts and tension for such a long time. Developed and organised by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), it falls within the framework of continuing World Scouting's contribution to peace, which has been defined as a fundamental aim since Robert Baden-Powell started the Movement.
In August and September 1999, the Peace Cruise will bring together 96 young people from Mediterranean Basin countries for receiving training of mediators-cum-negotiators on board the Black Knight, a magnificent Polish three-master.
Peace Events planned in eight Mediterranean ports will extend the scope of this operation, and involve thousands of young people in the cause of peace all along the way! Thanks not only to its political dimension, but also its intercultural and interpersonal aspects, the Peace Cruise connects with one of the priorities of the Scout Movement, which has always been committed to building a culture of peace.
As a peace education Movement, Scouting is banking on the best of mankind. Its Founder, Baden-Powell, himself a war hero who was converted to the notion of peace, wanted to develop generations of citizens concerned by peace everywhere in the world : "One thing is essential to general and permanent peace, and that is a total and general change of spirit among the peoples, the change to closer mutual understanding, to subjugation of national prejudices, and the ability to see with the other fellow's eye in friendly sympathy."
The Peace Cruise is promoting better mutual understanding, international solidarity and universal fellowship, following in the footsteps of the major international gatherings such as World Jamborees organised by WOSM since 1920.
UNESCO has awarded WOSM its Peace Education Prize for the first time. WOSM holds Category A (general) consultative status with ECOSOC, the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
More than 40 youth organisations from the Mediterranean will co-operate in the Peace Cruise, by taking tangible steps to overcome prejudice, establish constructive relations and promote tolerance.
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