Lanzarote and La Graciosa Declared International Zone of Culture of Peace

The Plenary of the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa approved this Wednesday unanimously the institutional declaration to promote the recognition of both islands as an International Zone of Culture of Peace, an initiative that aims to consolidate a common framework of action in favor of coexistence, human rights, sustainability, citizen participation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The proposal, promoted by the Association for a Culture of Peace in Daily Life, Lanzarote Civil Action, and the Alliance for Nuclear Disarmament, continues the work initiated more than a decade ago and proposes inviting the seven town councils of the island to adhere to this declaration, in addition to fostering collaboration with educational centers, universities, social entities, and citizens as a whole.

The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, Oswaldo Betancort, highlighted that “Lanzarote and La Graciosa have demonstrated throughout their history that respect for the territory, dialogue, and coexistence are part of our identity. With this declaration, we take another step to project these values outwards and to continue building a society based on understanding, respect, and cooperation.”

For her part, the vice-president and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Tovar, emphasized that “peace is also built from institutions, by fostering spaces for encounter, participation, and social cohesion. This declaration represents an opportunity to reinforce an island model that is committed to human rights, sustainability, and people's well-being.”

The minister and spokesperson for the Mixed Group, Armando Santana, thanked the unanimous support of the Corporation and highlighted the consensus reached to move forward with an institutional initiative. “Today the Cabildo sends a clear message of unity around universal values that transcend any political difference and that are part of the present and future of Lanzarote and La Graciosa,” he stated.

The approved declaration establishes, among other agreements, inviting the seven town councils of the island to join this initiative, promoting actions related to peace education, mediation, coexistence, and institutional cooperation, as well as forwarding the agreement to the Government of the Canary Islands, the Spanish Parliament, and different national and international organizations. Furthermore, it incorporates the will to promote institutional adherence to ICAN's call in support of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.