Coventry’s international renown as a city of peace and reconciliation was reaffirmed when it became the only British city to be invited to attend the International forum for the culture of peace and dialogue among civilisations in the third millennium. The forum was held under the auspices of the united National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Leading city councillor Bob Waugh represented the city at the event, hosted in Moscow by the director general of UNESCO Federico Mayor and the Mayor of Moscow Yury Luzhkov.

"It was a singular honour for Coventry to be invited, and I think it reinforces our world wide reputation as a city dedicated to the dialogue of peace and reconciliation," said Cllr Waugh.

"As a representative of Coventry I was made so very welcome. It is obvious that our commitment to peace and reconciliation is recognised across the world. It was so heartening to hear at first hand how people value our contribution to international peace and friendship through our involvement in the Martyr City movement, and through our extensive twinning links.

"Promoting change from the culture of war to the culture of peace will be a long and slow process, but it is a goal that must be pursued. The difficulties along the path could not have been more clearly demonstrated than now. This forum took place against a backdrop of conflict in the Balkans and rising tension between NATO partners. As a Briton I heard plenty of criticism of our nation’s part in the conflict, but no-one let such differences detract from the business of the forum, to find a way towards a more peaceful world. It is essential that dialogue be maintained throughout difficult times, and that although relationships may cool they are not allowed to break down."

Throughout the three-day event delegates from countries including Palestine, Israel, the USA, Germany, France, Iran, Japan, Vietnam, India and Yugoslavia committed themselves to UNESCO’S manifesto 2000. Manifesto 2000 calls for a global movement for the culture of peace and non-violence and will be presented to the general assembly of the United Nations in September 2000.

"So much of today’s life is now conducted at a global level – we have an increasingly global economy and even global crime – that it is time we began to work in earnest towards a global democracy," said Cllr Waugh.

"This forum was a start. We discussed the very vital role cities will play in developing a global democracy and were reminded by UNESCO director general Mayor that by the new millennium nearly half the world’s population will live in cities.

"The challenge is for the peoples of the world’s cities to work together to develop the global economy in such a way as to encourage a sustainable peace and harmony as we enter the third millennium.

"Coventry City Council’s international role is a natural extension of the principles I embraces at home, developing trade and business links, working in partnership, learning by listening to others, striving or good governance and citizen participation. I was able to tell the forum of our progress with the Coventry Community Plan, with each of its six priorities responding to the needs and aspirations of our people expressed through widespread consultation. The city council strongly believes that democracy is strengthened if citizens are directly involved in making decisions that will affect their everyday life.

"This forum brought together people from all nations, cultures and religions to talk, to listen and to understand each others’ perspectives as we work towards a common goal. It was a very valuable and often quite spiritual experience."