A/RES/56/2 Noting with appreciation that the Government of Uruguay, by agreement with the University for Peace, established in 1997 a World Centre for Research and Information on Peace as regional subheadquarters of the University for South America, Noting also with appreciation the vigorous actions taken by the SecretaryGeneral, in consultation with the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and with the encouragement and support of the Government of Costa Rica, to revitalize the University,3 Noting that the University has placed special emphasis on the area of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peace-building and peaceful settlement of disputes, and that it has launched programmes in the areas of democratic consensus-building and training of academic experts in the techniques of peaceful settlement of conflicts, which is highly relevant to the promotion of universal peace, Noting also that the University has launched a broad programme for building a culture of peace in Central America and the Caribbean in the context of the efforts being made by the United Nations and by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for the development and promotion of a culture of peace, Noting with appreciation that the University organized a symposium in celebration of the International Year of Older Persons, 1999, at which it emphasized the valuable contribution that older persons can make to the promotion of peace, solidarity, tolerance and the culture of peace, Recognizing the important and varied activities carried out by the University during the period 1999–2000, within its financial limitations and with the valuable assistance and contributions of Governments, foundations and non-governmental organizations, Considering the importance of promoting education for peace that fosters respect for the values inherent in peace and universal coexistence among persons, including respect for the life, dignity and integrity of human beings, as well as friendship and solidarity among peoples irrespective of their nationality, race, sex, religion or culture, Considering that, by its resolution 52/15 of 20 November 1997, the General Assembly proclaimed the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace and that it should be ushered in with One Day in Peace, 1 January 2000, 1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General submitted pursuant to resolution 54/29 on ways of strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the University for Peace; 4 2. Requests the Secretary-General to consider using the services of the University in his conflict-resolution and peace-building efforts and in the promotion of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace;2 3. Invites Member States, intergovernmental bodies, non-governmental organizations and interested individuals to contribute directly to the Trust Fund for Peace or to the budget of the University; _______________ 3 4 2 See A/54/312, para. 2. A/56/314.