This approach has a bearing on international reflection on the ‘post-crisis’ world and the new mechanisms needed for its construction. While the traditional cultural sectors (such as book sales or cinema, theatre, and concert attendance) seem for the moment to be spared by the ‘crisis’, ¡t is worth underlining that culture can serve as an ‘anti-crisis’ weapon by encouraging us to think in terms of alternative modes of development. In this connection, it should not be overlooked that economic actors are increasingly acknowledging the importance of cultural diversity, not only in public policy — with regard to education, languages, media content and the arts and culture — but also in the activities of the private sector. We are witnessing the rediscovery of the virtues of a diversity work environment, in which creativity and innovation derive less from competition than from mutual receptïveness, from the sharing and exchange of knowledge. New areas of encounter between public and private decision-makers are emerging and UNESCO has a leading role to play in this regard. Hence, Palace For Peace College (An Arm of Executive University) has a bi-polar movements to stand between and betwixt the Community and the Government to enthrone peace.

To this end, the need to bring on board and honour the image bearers and champions of our cultural heritage is given wide acclaim. Indeed, our International Directors in USA, U.K, India, Portugal, Saudi-Abia and some Universities around the globe ¡n collaboration with Universal Peace Federation, have reached a consensus on the need to honour some individuals at both local and national levels who have contributed immensely to local and world peace. Hence the emergence of this Honour with regard to our Royal Fathers and some Dignitaries.

This Award seeks to recognize and honour traditional rulers or community leaders and all classes of people who have committed themselves to promote development within their respectful domains through social work and selfless leadership across functions.

The nominee must have demonstrated significant achievements in building inclusive communities, conflicts prevention, conflict resolution and reconciliation. This Award recognizes and honours individuals and organizations that continually make exemplary commitment and outstanding contributions to the pursuit of peace, justice building, institutional development while championing the capacity of humanity to live ¡n harmonious adjustment with one another.

A genuine acknowledgment of cultural diversity is thus essential to attain the Sustainable Development Goals. The belated recognition of this truth at the 2005 World Summit must now be translated into practical action. .

Campaigning for the acknowledgement of cultural diversity in fields not immediately identified with culture does not mean lessening our vigilance in the cultural field proper. Safeguarding our tangible and intangible heritage, stimulating creativity and furthering the discovery of new cultural horizons will necessarily remain formidable challenge. While such goals may be seen by some as a pointless luxury, the preponderance of evidence and majority of reputable minds attest to the fact that Awards have a driven mechanism for greater input and output for profitability, development and the preservation of a sane society. Sound Culture and Leadership are necessary variables for growth. They are inter-twined, inter-dependent, inter-continental and mutually inclusive.

Primate Professor Mayor Noah Raimi Yakubu, Professor of Global Security and Peace Studies, Crown University, Argentina, USA.

UNO Mayor for Peace, UNESCO Diplomat, Security Architecture Icon & Archbishop, Universal College of Bishops and Overseers (UCBO), Visioner & Visitor, Palace for Peace College.