India proposes first peace university in South Asia

The first university for peace and sustainable development in South Asia could be set up in Delhi if India's proposal to the UNESCO is accepted. UNESCO will be a partner in the establishment of this institution which is proposed to be a top-grade centre of studies in the areas of peace, development and conflict resolution.

HRD Minister Kapil Sibal will take up the issue with UNESCO authorities during the World Conference on Higher Education in Paris. Sibal will attend the conference tomorrow.

"Sibal will take up with UNESCO the proposal to set up a peace university in the capital," Minister of State for HRD D Purandeswari told PTI before leaving for Paris.

Purandeswari is also attending the conference which has started on Sunday.  The university will be named Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Peace Education and Sustainable Development. A team from UNESCO had come here and discussed the matter with the HRD Ministry a few days ago.

National University for Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) will be the implementing agency on behalf of the government while UNESCO will have a major contribution in capacity building. India will also highlight measures taken by the government for access, inclusion and quality in education at the meet.

"The major priority area for our government has been access, inclusion and excellence. The world conference is discussing these issues. We will present our initiatives," Purandeswari said.

Nearly 1,000 participants from 148 countries are attending the conference in Paris.

The other issues being discussed are importance of education as a response to the global economic crisis.