If schools and universities in America had taught more about peace, is it possible that the destruction in Iraq could have been avoided?

If the public had watched fewer films glorifying warfare and absorbed less violence on TV, would the United States have been as willing to put its faith in military forces that seem so unable to win peace?

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have forced Pandora's box open, exposing western values to critical scrutiny from many sides. Transforming our culture from the violence of the 20th century to a more sustainable path in the future will require major retraining for world leaders. But where can individuals go to discuss their questions? Who can answer them responsibly? And what does the word "peace" really mean?

A rare opportunity to participate in a series of discussions and inquiries will soon be provided by three Peace Education Conferences to be held at McMaster University in Hamilton between November 15 and 23.

With world opinion so opposed to war, peace education is beginning to be taken seriously. School boards and departments of education are recognizing there are many ways to resolve conflict and that if we do not teach our children peace, someone else will teach them violence.

Although the word "peace" (like "love" and "religion") has many different meanings, it was neatly summed up at a recent conference of children in New York who called for "an end to war, poverty, exploitation, abuse and violence." Such a definition extends the boundaries of the word well beyond its military connections. Clearly it denotes the absence of violence in all its forms and sharpens the UN concept of crimes against humanity.

November's three miniconferences have the purpose of advancing the plans and activities for peace education in Canada and building the groundwork for avoiding "Iraq wars" 20 years from now. The conferences will mark the third year running that Hamilton has been chosen as the site for major peace deliberations. In Canada generally it is a sign of growing interest that three other peace education conferences have already been held this year, in Halifax, Vancouver and Calgary.

At McMaster a three-day Leadership and Peace workshop moderated by Dr. Larry Fisk starts Monday, Nov. 15 at the CIBC banquet hall of the Student Union Centre.

Youth Day is Thursday, Nov. 18, when more than 100 area youth will consider Creating a Culture Of Peace and building A World Fit For Children. Friday is a one-day workshop for peace educators.

The main body of the conference will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 20 and 21. This will focus on major issues such as the Human Right to Peace presented by senator Douglas Roche; and the Role of the Military in Peace Support led by Captain Steve France from National Defence. Gandhi's inspiring presence will grace the conference through Dr. Shall Sinha, who simulates the Mahatma himself. Dr. Sue McGregor, professor of peace studies at Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, will introduce transformative learning; and David Adams (past UNESCO director) will explain the current status of the UN Culture of Peace Program. During the final two days he will lead a symposium on Canada's opportunities for a national Culture of Peace program.

Full details about registering for the three conferences can be obtained by visiting www.peace.ca or by calling toll-free at 1-800-574-7126.

Ray Cunnington writes on peace issues. He is a member of the Hamilton Culture of Peace Network.