Flanders must do more for international peace

The next government of Flanders must do more for international peace and has more levers to pull than it thinks. This is what the Flemish Peace Institute says in a report prepared with the help of politicians, trade unions and industry.

The institute, which was set up as an advisory body to the Flemish Parliament to carry out fundamental and topical peace research, wants the government to provide an annual update on its efforts.

"2024 will be a key year for Flemish foreign policy," it says. "Flanders, as a federal state of Belgium, will co-chair the European Council. In the same year, elections will be held, and a new government will draft foreign policy papers." It argues that the next government should pursue a foreign policy in which peace, along with human rights and security, are a guiding principle.

The social consultation model can play an important role in this. Flanders has expertise in consultation and conflict management and this knowledge can be shared with other countries to resolve conflicts.

Post-war reconstruction

Flanders also has expertise in post-war reconstruction that could benefit the international community. An international network of Flemish researchers could strengthen this exchange of knowledge.

The policy areas of cultural heritage, education and science can contribute to peace education. The institute suggests supporting scientists in need and focusing on exchange programmes between students, teachers and experts. Flanders can also contribute to agriculture through projects on food security and climate adaptation.

The Peace Institute is due to present the report to the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

 

#FlandersNewsService | ​ © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK

 

 

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About belganewsagency.eu

Belga News Agency delivers dependable, rapid and high-quality information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from Belgium and abroad to all Belgian media. The information covers all sectors, from politics, economics and finance to social affairs, sports and culture, not to mention entertainment and lifestyle.

Every day, our journalists and press photographers produce hundreds of photos and news stories, dozens of online information items, plus audio and video bulletins, all in both national languages. Since the end of March 2022 English has been added as a language.

For public institutions, businesses and various organisations that need reliable information, Belga News Agency also offers a comprehensive range of corporate services to meet all their communication needs.

Contact

Arduinkaai 29 1000 Brussels

www.belganewsagency.eu