The "CULTURE OF PEACE" INITIATIVE (formerly the "WE THE PEOPLES" Initiative) is a co-operative movement to unite the strengths of existing organizations, groups, projects and individuals toward making Peace a practical reality in the 21st century. The Initiative has served as a vehicle for bringing to light the previously unseen and unheard Peacebuilders working towards Peace.

Through a variety of activities and practices, people with diverse interests are taking responsibility for co-building Peace in practical ways. The dedication of those concerned Peacebuilders illuminates the purpose behind the - CULTURE OF PEACE INITIATIVE, and provides the momentum required to establish Peace for our future generations.

Acting in concert,we DO make a difference in the quality of our lives, our institutions, our environment and our planetary future. Through co-operation, we manifest the essential Spirit that unites us amidst our diverse ways.

Excerpt of Letter from Executive Office
of the Secretary-General,
United Nations

The Peace Messenger Initiative is dedicated to the vision of the United Nations in the 21st century - its role in engendering Peace through Cooperation; and the United Nations at 50 and beyond - its relevance in the post-cold war era. In your commitment to fostering peace, I hope you will continue to aim to motivate members of your community and beyond to work together with the United Nations in making peace a practical reality in the 21st century and into the new millennium.

Let me urge you to join with others worldwide for a renewal of that commitment at the personal, group, community, national and international levels in celebration of our progress along the many paths to peace. I wish you and your colleagues every success in your most worthy undertaking.

Gillian Martin Sorensen
Under Secretary-General
Special Advisor to the
Secretary-General for Public Policy