Education for peace: Lessons from war

“Access to education lies at the heart of humanity’s vision for peace, dignity and equality.” This is how Unesco’s Global Education Monitoring Report 2026 frames the role of education as a public good. At its core, education promotes stability, fosters justice and supports equality by ensuring inclusive access to learning systems that align with national priorities and societal needs.
Education is more than the transmission of knowledge. It is a framework of values that underpins human rights and provides the foundation for sustainable development. Today’s world is shaped by rapid social, economic and geopolitical transformations, alongside accelerating technological change. These shifts do not merely affect individuals; they introduce unfamiliar patterns that societies must learn to understand and navigate.
The recent conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran has had profound effects on societies across the Middle East. Individuals have found themselves drawn into the emotional and psychological currents of the war, facing uncertainty, anxiety and confusion. For many communities unaccustomed to such large-scale military confrontation, the experience has exposed gaps in awareness — particularly in understanding the nature and dynamics of modern conflict.
The social consequences of war extend far beyond disruptions to formal education or the temporary shift to remote learning. War reshapes public consciousness. It generates fear, misinformation and conflicting narratives, amplified by media and social platforms. At the same time, influential voices — whether intellectuals, commentators, or public figures — often contribute to polarised discourse, intensifying psychological and social pressures. Continuous exposure to images of destruction, displacement and loss deepens these effects, especially among younger generations.
This conflict has also tested social cohesion and public awareness of security. Across the region, individuals have played active roles in sharing information, documenting events and engaging with public discourse. While this reflects a form of civic participation, it also reveals the urgent need for structured awareness capable of guiding such engagement in constructive directions.
As the war moves towards a ceasefire and de-escalation, it becomes essential to assess its broader social and cultural impact. Returning to normal life cannot mean resuming previous educational practices unchanged. The experiences of war must be examined, and the lessons they offer must be integrated into educational systems. This includes addressing psychological effects, particularly among children and young people, and strengthening their ability to understand and respond to complex global developments.
Developing security and intellectual awareness is not the responsibility of individuals alone. It begins within families and extends through schools, universities, media institutions and cultural organisations. The recent conflict served as a real test of public awareness and resilience. Building on this experience requires deliberate educational strategies.
In this context, the concept of “education for peace” becomes critical. Educational practices that promote cooperation, coexistence and acceptance of others, alongside a sense of responsibility towards society and national stability, can play a decisive role in shaping future generations. Such approaches encourage dialogue, critical thinking and constructive engagement, rather than reactionary or extreme responses.
This awareness must be grounded in structured curricula and supported by clear strategies that reinforce social cohesion while avoiding ideological rigidity or exclusion. The goal is not merely to prevent conflict, but to cultivate a culture capable of managing diversity and disagreement without resorting to division or violence.
The recent war has also highlighted the influence of competing narratives on social media, where ideological and emotional responses often clash. This further underscores the need for education systems that equip individuals with the tools to analyse information critically and engage responsibly.
Oman’s emphasis on neutrality, dialogue and peaceful resolution offers a valuable model. Understanding the historical and cultural foundations of this approach can help younger generations develop a balanced perspective on conflict and diplomacy. Educational content that integrates these principles, alongside a broader understanding of global political and technological dynamics, will provide deeper insight into contemporary challenges.
Ultimately, education for peace is an investment in awareness. It prepares individuals not only to understand the past, but to navigate the present and shape the future. The recent conflict should not pass without reflection. It must serve as a catalyst for developing educational policies that strengthen resilience, promote coexistence and reinforce the values of peace in an increasingly complex world.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari. The original version of this article was published in the Oman Arabic newspaper on April 19, 2026.