UNESCO: Master Class on Tolerance

Master Class on Tolerance 

"Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being" - Mahatma Gandhi

To commemorate the International Day for Tolerance which is held every Nov 16th and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, UNESCO created a prize Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence. The prize awarded every two years on the International Day for Tolerance rewards significant activities in the scientific, artistic, cultural or communication fields aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence.

For the year 2020 the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence is awarded to Mr Ben Mussanzi Wa Mussangu, President of 2020 Laureate Centre Résolution Conflits for his contribution and work for the defence of human rights, the rescue of child soldiers from militia groups, and their rehabilitation and reintegration into their home communities.

Congratulations, Mr Ben Mussanzi wa Mussangu for 2020 Laureate of the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence

The Webinar of UNESCO Master Class on Tolerance held on Monday 16 November 2020 at 03.00 pm - 05.30 pm (Central European Time) or 21.00 pm - 23.30 pm (Jakarta time) is moderated by Ms Vaiju Naravane, Professor of Journalism and Media Studies, Ashoka University, journalist and author. There are simultaneous interpretation in English, French, Russian and Spanish. 

Opening Remarks

H.E. Mr Vishal V. Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO

H.E. Mr Vishal V. Sharma

H.E. Mr Vishal V. Sharma is the Ambassador or Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO. He promotes that the UNESCO Master Class on tolerance will tackle several of the global issues that hinder the development of a culture of peace, non-violence and tolerance. It will also the opportunity to discuss the numerous achievements  of former laureates of the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.

Introduction to Master Class

Ms Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO

Gabriela Ramos is the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO. Her appointment at UNESCO allows her to continue supporting an agenda of inclusive growth, and the respect of human rights and human dignity.

Ms. Anna Maria Majlof, Secretary of the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize 

The objectives of the Master Class are:

• Empower young people by strengthening their understanding and capacity to combat intolerance;
• Shed light on what underlies issues of intolerance, injustice, violence and discrimination, and understand how and why they are spread online and offline, in the media, in public space and in all spheres of life;
• Engage youth to become proactive agents of change and trainers within their own schools, families and communities for a sustainable impact;
• Inspire policymakers, at the global, national and local levels, community leaders and teachers, to pursue collective efforts for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence.

Keynote Speech


Ms France Marquet, Principal Trustee, Madanjeet Singh Foundation

France Marquet is the Principal Trustee, the Madanjeet Singh Foundation. The Foundation helps students to continue their education. She welcomes Kubra Khademi from Lahore, Pakistan to tell us about her journey. She hopes that by sharing this moment will shape the future, justice, and dignity. 

In the celebration of International Day for Tolerance, she promotes tolerance and harmonious among people in the world. She requests young people to fight for intolerance and discrimination because youth is the agent of change. 

Testimonies by Young Advocate for Tolerance

Ms Kubra Khademi, young advocate for tolerance

Kubra Khademi (Lahore, Pakistan) is the first woman in her family who has higher education. Thank you to UNESCO and Master Class that helps her to gain higher education. Master Class is a global training for youth to become a champion in this world. Young participants commitment are needed to fight for inclusion, discrimination, and disability. She hopes that all of us have great session by sharing the moment in this webinar.

Interactive Discussion with Former and Current Laureates of the Prize

1. Prof. Francisco Estévez, Chairholder of UNESCO-Madanjeet Chair on promoting tolerance and non-violence in Chile and Latin America through education, 2014 Laureate

Francisco Estevez, Professor at the University of Chile and the Executive Director of the Museum of Himan Rights and Memory in Chile, is awarded the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and non-Violence in 2014 in recognition of his commitment and tireless work to promote respect for human rights, based on the principles of tolerance and non-violence, in order to build a harmonious and inclusive society, with peace and prosperity.

He promotes tolerance and non-violating in Chile through education. He also organizes tolerance workshop focusing teachers and students to try to awareness. He requests to young people to understand about tolerance, respect and mindfulness of human rights. Tolerance promotes and defences diversity of belief. Injustice can not be accepted.

2. Ms Etery Ordzhonikidze, Chief of International Relations, Tolerance Center, 2016 Laureate

Etery Ordzhonikidze is the chief of International Relations, Tolerance Centre and Jewish Museum, Russia. The Museum has educational room for students and teachers to do research for tolerance psychology and education. Her subject is bullying because she wants to speak to everyone to take seriously on bullying. 

Bullying is a repeated behaviour and causing serious problem. There are four kinds of bullying:

There are different type of bullying that can happen to girls and boys:

  

Etery suggests us if we see somebody in bullying, we can stand on him. Don't be afraid to talk. Ask others to stand against bullying. Raise awareness.  

3. 
Ms Manon Barbeau, Founder of Wapikoni Mobile, 2018 Co-Laureate 

Manoun Barbeau, a Canadian filmmaker, received the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize 2018. Her impact to community is very big. She is awarded for her defense of human rights and tolerance through the art of cinema and a wide range of activities that she develops through Wapikoni Mobile Studios since 15 years ago. It is a kind of a truck to produce film or travelling film and music studio for first nation youth. The car has some functions, such as cinema and preservation, narrative sovereignty, editing and digital literacy. Through her car she wants young people to grow together and keep tolerance. Solidarity is a key to foster against violence.

4. Mr Ben Mussanzi Wa Mussangu, President of 2020 Laureate Centre Résolution Conflits

Ben Mussanzi Wa Mussangu is the President of Conflits and Resolution Centre. He is awarded the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence 2020. He delivers his impressive motivational message:

When you start working on fighting against injustice and intolerance, you can not stand alone, you need people behind you.

There is small group that can change the world.

Make the world a better place.

We are all united with the same God creator.

We can stand against the racism to live together in peace.

By selecting us UNESCO has honoured to Congo. You have given honour to Africa. Since the 19th century Africa has been mistreated. 

You young people are the world of tomorrow. Please take this responsibility and make sure that the entire world will be honoured, and you have the power to do this.

Dialogue Session and Closing Remarks

At the dialogue session, the speakers deliver their suggestions to create commitments to be implemented in schools and communities. They are as follows:

• You shouldn't be silent
• Find a friendly friend at school
• Go talking to your neighbour first
• We can work together trough art, culture, sport, dance, etc.

Commitment to be implemented in schools and communities:

What concrete actions would you take to fight against racism and discrimination?

What is your contribution to tolerance and non-violence on International Day for Tolerance?

Thanks to all speakers.

The musical interlude by Tizoc Romero ends the webinar.

(Leni Lesnawati is an English teacher at SMP Negeri 1 Ciasem. She participates and joins the project with KNIU, iEARN, and UNESCO)