India to set up first UNESCO-aided peace institute in Asia

Updated on: Thursday, September 24, 2009

New Delhi: India is set to be the first Asian country to have a world-class institute in collaboration with UNESCO for promotion of peace and sustainable development.

The Executive Board of UNESCO this month approved India's proposal to set up Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development in Delhi, HRD Minister Kapil said today.

The UNESCO Category-I Institute will foster a culture of peace through education, promoting sustainable economic and social development and respect for human rights. It will work on the several areas, including global warming and non-proliferation.

'For the first time since UNESCO was set up, a Category-1 institute in the Asia Pacific region has been approved by the Executive Board of UNESCO. It will be approved at the general conference of UNESCO in October,' Sibal said.

The government will invest Rs 100 crore while UNESCO will put in USD five lakh (Rs 2.5 crore) for the setting up of the institute, Sibal said.

At present, there are 11 UNESCO Category-I institutes and most of them are located in developed countries. The HRD Ministry had given a proposal for setting up of the institute earlier this year.

The institute will do research on Gandhian thoughts on social justice, equity and peace.

India to set up first UNESCO-aided peace institute in Asia

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