Peace Out

One of our cultural activities last week took us to the University for Peace (UPeace).  It is a University that I had never heard of, but one that everyone should learn about.  It is a University, conceived by a former President of Costa Rica, dedicated to the study of creating a peaceful world.  With his idea, the President approached the United Nations and asked for full endorsement.  The UN passed a resolution affiliating itself with the University and so the plan was executed.  It opened in the 1980's and offers 13 different Masters degrees in subjects related to peace and conflict resolution.  Some of the degrees offered are: Natural resources and Peace; Environmental security and peace; International law and human rights; Gender and peace building;  and Sustainable economic development.  

The University enjoys guest lectures from Nobel Peace Prize winners and is now affiliated with universities in something like 5 or 7 other countries around the world including one in Washington DC.  

It is set in the rain forest, outside of the capital of San Jose.  When we arrived, it was truly like being transported to another world.  It was so quiet and, yes, peaceful.  It would seem that the vision included an understanding about the type of environment that would be most conducive to the type of thinking involved in imagining a world at peace.  It has a very Eastern feel to it, like Ghandi himself could come walking out.  There is a very small tree there that Kofi Annan planted about 5 years ago.  Somehow, that felt exciting to see.  I could imagine him there planting the tree and addressing the students.  I could also imagine the tree growing over the years and becoming an ancient holder of wisdom.  The university also had a visit from the Costa Rican President this year which was very exciting for them.  

Many of the graduates go on to work for the UN.  It's a one year, intensive study program at a cost of roughly $20,000.  The University then helps graduates find employment through their UN contacts.  All study is in English because they found that this was the most commonly studied world language and so it opened the University up the most broadly to students from around the world.  It's a tempting endeavor.  

With the daily onslaught, by the American media (and many of our own politicians), of images of hate, war, murder and destruction, it is comforting to know that there are significant efforts being made toward peace.  As one of only 3 countries in the entire world who is completely without a military, Costa Rica is a perfect place for such a University to exist.  

I'll post some of the pictures that I took while I was there.  I wasn't able to get many, as we got caught in a deluge and had to run for cover.  I was soaked to the bone.  An experience required, at least once, when visiting a rain forest.  It was thrilling.

For more information on UPeace visit www.upeace.org.