RiseUp4Peace initiative achieves major milestones in India in line with NEP 2020

Spearheaded in collaboration with local educators, the initiative aims to build capacities, foster cross-learning, and co-create practices to address key societal issues.

In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the UNODC's RiseUp4Peace initiative has made significant strides in promoting a culture of peace, the rule of law, and social responsibility among young people in India. Spearheaded in collaboration with local educators, the initiative aims to build capacities, foster cross-learning, and co-create practices to address key societal issues.

State-Level Consultations and Capacity Building: Key Achievements

Since its inception, RiseUp4Peace has conducted a series of impactful activities, including:

- 8 In-Person Educators’ Workshops: Held across 7 Indian states—Punjab, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Assam.

- 14 Student Workshops: Delivered in 9 states and Union Territories, with plans to extend to 4 more states.

- 120+ Dialogues and Workshops: Both virtual and in-person, engaging educators and students on themes such as gender equality, inclusion, cybersecurity, anti-bullying, and the rule of law.

- Direct Impact: Engaged nearly 1200 educators and 21,000 students from diverse settings.

These workshops and consultations have been conducted monthly in both hybrid and in-person formats, with each session followed by school-specific activities supported by UNODC’s expertise.

Innovative Student Projects and Strong Feedback

The initiative has received positive feedback from educators and students alike, who have described it as a “need of the hour.” Students have demonstrated remarkable engagement by developing innovative projects including:

- A cyber awareness app

- A web portal for documenting SDG16 activities

- A peer-led network to counter discrimination

- School drop boxes for sharing grievances

Partnerships and Inclusivity

RiseUp4Peace has established diverse partnerships with local organizations such as the Raipur Police and the Varanasi Sahodaya Complex, and has involved key resource persons like NCERT officials. The initiative has also emphasized disability inclusion, with young champions with disabilities actively participating in schools.

Special endorsements have been received from prominent figures like Indian actor Suniel Shetty and sportswoman Saina Nehwal, further supporting the initiative’s mission.

Future Directions

The program has led to various school-led interventions, including tech-related projects, social initiatives like Run4Peace, and advocacy through artwork and videos. Efforts are underway to institutionalize SDG16 in classrooms, ensuring that the principles of peace and social responsibility are embedded in the educational framework.

RiseUp4Peace continues to drive forward with its mission, aiming to foster a global community of informed and proactive young leaders dedicated to making a positive impact.

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