Friday, 11 December 2020

RUniPace: the Network of Italian universities for peace

The University of Trento is a member

Versione stampabile

49 universities inspired by the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution, the Charter of the United Nations, the founding treaties of the EU. Together, they have established RUniPace, the Network of Italian universities for peace, promoted by the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI).

The network was unveiled on 10 December during an official presentation event, which took place in the morning, and many other local events across Italy to promote it among academic communities.

"It is not a coincidence that we chose 10 December to present this project: today is the International day for human rights, and peace is an inalienable right, said Ferruccio Resta, President of CRUI. We have seen how economic inequalities have grown during the pandemic, as the problems and conflicts within our societies emerged. Only universities, with their multidisciplinary approach, can provide effective solutions through analysis and planning. Peace must be based on a strong foundation, rooted in research, teaching and third mission".

One of the main goals of RUniPace is to encourage research into inequality, underdevelopment, poverty, which are among the main causes of conflict. Research that has a purpose and whose goal is to design actions that can be implemented: that is the same approach adopted at international level in the area of Peace Studies.

The network also aims to promote peace education, non-violence, non-discrimination and dialogue; strengthen the role of women in peace processes at all levels; create the conditions to encourage youth leadership in peacebuilding.

"The pandemic highlighted the importance of education, training and research as common goods and as an instrument to close gaps both nationally and globally – said Gaetano Manfredi, Minister of University and Research. One of the Ministry's strategies, at a time of great technological transformation, is to increase the role of universities in promoting the universal values of tolerance and inclusion. The Network of Italian universities for peace will work for this, on proposals inspired by values and principles that have a great social impact".

"When we started to design the network – commented Maurizio Tira, founder and Rector of the University of Brescia – we thought that it should focus on what is out of the academic world but also on academia itself. That is why RUniPace also aims to encourage a reflection within the academic community on the social responsibility of all disciplines. This will make peace stronger and promote peace building initiatives, including by welcoming and supporting the victims of human rights abuse and those who are denied academic freedom".

"The construction of the network had its most intense moment in the most difficult months of the pandemic, and was made possible by the passion and resilience of our delegates – commented Paolo Mancarella, Rector of the University of Pisa and founder of the network. RUniPace set ambitious goals that can only be achieved by capitalising on the research achievements and the expertise of universities, by improving communication and networking among scholars and universities. We must not forget to involve civil society. Indeed, the primary purpose of the network is to promote the development, even locally, of a culture of peace for a non-violent approach to conflict resolution".

For more information: www.runipace.org