Our education system is an important partner in the development and preservation of a peaceful society, the group said, noting that at the macro level, schools support the effort towards this goal when they prepare students to function as well-adjusted, productive, thoughtful and conscientious citizens.

According to the text, the role of schools in providing the skills to negotiate compromises, manage emotions, communicate effectively, and critically evaluate changing situations and make sound judgments is the foundation of any peace-building initiative.

With the slogan Learning for lasting peace, the day promotes an active commitment to this purpose around the world on Wednesday, a matter considered more urgent than ever by the United Nations.

Caricom’s message points out that the world is in the midst of multiple complex transitions, and climate change, rising youth unemployment, conflict and discrimination are driving migration and creating tensions within and between societies.

While the region has historically been a zone of peace, this should not be taken for granted and all efforts to preserve it should be celebrated, the organization said, noting the choice of the theme to celebrate the date.

Caricom is comprised of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and British Virgin Islands are associate members.

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