Search Results (140)

This article examines the communication strategies of religious diplomacy used by Pope Francis in his diplomatic relations with the countries of the Middle East from 2013 to 2025. The study identifies and characterizes key elements of papal communication, taking into account both verbal and nonverbal dimensions, in the context of the complex geopolitical and religious situation of the region. Based on the analysis of official documents, speeches, foreign visits and diplomatic initiatives, specific communication patterns are identified that distinguish Francis’ pontificate from that of his predecessors. The research results indicate an innovative approach of the Pope, combining traditional Vatican diplomacy with direct personal engagement, the use of symbolism of gestures and the promotion of interreligious dialogue as a tool for building peace and intercultural understanding. Full article

This study offers a unique perspective on the role of ancestral knowledge in sustainable river management and community resilience. Specifically, this study draws on (1) a systematic literature review using the PRISMA methodology and (2) a qualitative analysis of community surveys conducted with 39 women in Zambrano, Colombia, to examine the impact of ancestral knowledge on sustainability, peace promotion, and community development. The findings highlight that women’s traditional water management practices significantly contribute to environmental sustainability, conflict resolution, and social cohesion. Women play a central role in transmitting and applying ancestral water knowledge, yet they remain marginalized in decision-making processes, often facing barriers to participation in governance structures. Finally, these findings proposed strategies for integrating ancestral knowledge into sustainable resource management policies. This study underscores the urgent need for legal recognition, intercultural dialogue, gender-inclusive governance, and educational programs to ensure the transmission and adaptation of these practices in contemporary contexts. Integrating ancestral knowledge into water management policies is essential for strengthening gender equity, community resilience, and fostering governance models that harmoniously combine traditional and scientific approaches. Full article

Around the world, many post-conflict societies face the pressing challenge of reintegrating former combatants, especially women, into community life in ways that promote peace and sustainable development. Educational strategies that foster Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Complex Thinking are increasingly recognized as essential tools in this process, helping to rebuild social cohesion and empower local leadership. This study evaluates the impact of the SEL4C methodology on strengthening key competencies in Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Complex Thinking among 49 women signatories of the Peace Agreement in Colombia, who currently live in the Mariana Páez Territorial Training and Reincorporation Space (ETCR). Through a pre- and post-intervention design using validated instruments and statistical analyses (paired t-tests and effect size calculations), the study found significant improvements in areas such as Social Awareness, Social Innovation, and Scientific Thinking. Although the gains in Complex Thinking were moderate, the results show that the methodology effectively enhanced leadership skills and the ability to address systemic challenges—both crucial for successful reintegration. In practical terms, the findings support the use of SEL4C by organizations working in peacebuilding, educational institutions, and public programs that seek to empower women in vulnerable contexts. The methodology’s adaptability and evidence-based structure make it a valuable resource for designing participatory training processes focused on innovation, sustainability, and community transformation. Full article

This study examines the relationship between organizational commitment and administrative management within a public service institution operating in an emerging governance context. Grounded in the three-component model of organizational commitment (affective, continuance, and normative) and classical administrative theory (planning, organizing, directing, and controlling), the research investigates how internal psychological bonds among frontline personnel influence institutional performance. A quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental design was applied, surveying 30 operational police officers using validated Likert-scale instruments. The results reveal a strong and statistically significant positive correlation between organizational commitment and administrative management (Spearman’s ρ = 0.775, p < 0.01), with normative commitment displaying the highest effect size (ρ = 0.812). These findings underscore the critical role of ethical obligation, loyalty, and affective alignment in enhancing managerial coherence and institutional responsiveness. The study contributes to ongoing debates on public sector reform and strategic human capital management by emphasizing the need for emotionally engaged and ethically anchored personnel. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), promoting inclusive, accountable governance and resilient administrative practices in resource-constrained environments. Full article

Global peace, security, and sustainable energy development depend on effective nuclear energy governance. While the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has served as a cornerstone in this domain, it faces challenges such as trust deficits, inequitable access to nuclear technologies, and regional instability. This paper proposes the Qudrat-Ullah Nuclear Peace and Trust (Q-NPT) framework, a dynamic implementation roadmap designed to address these issues. The framework focuses on fostering trust among stakeholders, ensuring equitable access to nuclear technologies, and promoting inclusivity in governance structures. A key theoretical contribution is the integration of trust-building measures with sustainable energy transitions, highlighting nuclear energy’s role in decarbonization and global energy security. The paper outlines actionable pathways for implementing the Q-NPT framework, including enhanced oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), capacity-building initiatives, and training programs to enable safe and sustainable nuclear cooperation, particularly in developing nations. By operationalizing nuclear programs through this approach, the Q-NPT framework aligns nuclear energy governance with global sustainable energy objectives. Full article

The sustainable development of the coastal watersheds can contribute to facing climate change. This research aimed to identify the climate change adaptation measures contributing to the sustainable development: environmental, social, and economic, applied to a local project that promoted an integrated environmental management of coastal watersheds, “The Coastal Watershed Conservation Project in the Context of Climate Change (C6)”. The study used a quantitative evaluation framework and analysis of variance that considered the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Agenda 2030. The data was collected from project reports and key actors of the 29 interventions executed by 24 local civil society organizations in the Mexican Tabasco and Veracruz communities in the coastal Gulf of Mexico. The results indicate that the adaptation actions implemented through the C6 project contributed to sustainable development with the highest contribution in the social aspect (41%), followed by environmental (27%), economic (16%), peace (10%), and partnership (7%). Therefore, it can be concluded that local civil society organizations created strategies according to the local needs to face climate change and, at the same time, to improve sustainable development in their communities. Full article

This study contributes to the understanding and promotion of mental health among sexual minority college students by examining a comprehensive range of mental health outcomes, including psychological distress and indicators of well-being. Using survey data from 521 students at a US state university, we applied the minority stress model and the minority resilience model, while also considering the minority mental health paradox, to compare mental health outcomes between sexual minority and heterosexual students. Our findings indicate that sexual minority students report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and self-harming behaviors compared to their heterosexual peers. Additionally, they score lower on measures of positive mental health and well-being, including inner peace, environmental mastery, happiness, life satisfaction, life purpose, self-perceived health, and fulfilling relationships. We further found that sexual minority students exhibit lower resilience, largely due to insecurities related to safety, food, and housing. These findings underscore the need for targeted programs and services to support the well-being of sexual minority students and foster healthier college environments. Full article

The Critical Pedagogies Research Team (PEDACRI-ULL) participates in the Program for the Inclusion of Migrants at Risk of Social Exclusion (PIPE) 2023-1-ES01-KA220-ADU-000160578, funded by the European Union. This project aims to design, implement and promote a transnational cooperation network to enhance the skills and competencies of migrants. Its purpose is to provide an educational response aligned with the European Commission’s Pact on Migration and Asylum.. Among its objectives, the program develops tools for professionals and institutions working with migrants, fostering collaborative learning to envision a culture of peace. In this essay, we explore the Pedagogy of Hospitality through critical pedagogies and the dialogue of knowledge. We propose a model of migrant citizenship based on an interlinguistic didactic relationship that promotes intercultural coexistence, grounded in an ethic of miscegenation. Furthermore, we advocate language teaching as a universal right and argue that hospitality should not be seen as an act of generosity but as a moral duty. This perspective supports an inclusive and just education, where language serves as a bridge for integration and mutual recognition. Full article

Walking has been studied extensively in recent years. However, one is still hard pressed to find research examining what makes urban settings of different sizes across the Atlantic Ocean conducive to walking, especially in the presence of greenways and green open spaces. Streets and urban greenways both enable flows. Streets are mostly utilized to enable the flow of motorized traffic and people while greenways aim to guarantee the flow of water, nature, biodiversity, and people. Streets are designed to artificially separate motorized traffic from pedestrians, greenways are designed to create the natural conditions for a harmonious co-existence of people with nature. How would street users benefit from streetscape and urban design improvements aimed at promoting the peaceful, silent, and harmonious co-existence of nature, people, and vehicles? Distinct sets of codes and norms dictate how individuals ought to utilize urban public spaces and greenways. We argue that said codes ought to also be aimed at increasing the quality of public spaces and not only their flow capacities. This paper examines streets and greenways in Ballyclare, Leiria, and Scottsdale. We utilize Ballyclare’s High Street and Six Mile Water greenway, Leiria’s city centre and Lis River greenway, as well as Scottsdale Road and the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt and a segment of the Arizona Canal to analyse the positive characteristics and shortcomings of successful streets and greenway systems in three distinct geographic contexts: U.K., Southern European, and North American. The findings comprise the distillation of new results in the analysis of spaces of flows and permanence across the Atlantic Ocean. Full article

Tourists play a vital role in the development of sustainable tourism by boosting the local economy, preserving culture, and reducing environmental degradation. However, tourists’ decisions to visit destinations and promote sustainable tourism are influenced by reliable infrastructure, safety, security, and trust in institutions. A well-developed infrastructure, a peaceful environment, and efficient tourism management encourage tourism and sustainability. Therefore, this research examines the effect of tourism, infrastructure, institutions, and place attachment on sustainable tourism. Additionally, the study examines the role of infrastructure, institutions, and place attachment on tourists’ satisfaction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Primary data were collected through surveys and Google forms from five tourist districts, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Upper Dir, and Lower Dir of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A total of 250 responses were collected from tourists using a proportionate random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The results show that place attachment and tourist satisfaction positively affect sustainable tourism, while infrastructure, place attachment, and trust in institutions positively affect tourist satisfaction. Furthermore, sustainable tourism was more influenced by tourist satisfaction, and tourist satisfaction was more influenced by trust in institutions and infrastructure. The study also confirmed that infrastructure mediates the relationship between trust in institutions and sustainable tourism and between trust in institutions and tourist satisfaction. The study provides valuable insight to policymakers in assessing tourists’ behavior and sustainable tourism. Full article

Legal protests are recognized as a legitimate form of civic participation. Illegal protests, on the other hand, are an effective form of civil disobedience, which, however, can take a rather excessive form. This article tracks the trends in expected participation in illegal protests of 8th-grade students using data from thirteen countries participating in all three cycles of the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (2009, 2016, and 2022). The results of the countries’ overall trends show that students’ anticipation for participation in illegal protest activities has increased in most participating countries. The general trend across the participating countries is that male students have a higher anticipation of participating in all cycles, although in nine countries, the gap between male and female students is shrinking over time, and in two countries, the trends are increasing for both male and female students. In general, students with an immigrant background have higher expectations to participate in illegal protest activities. These findings can inform the development of curricula and teaching strategies to promote critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and constructive civic engagement. The results also suggest that integrating lessons on peaceful advocacy, conflict resolution, and democratic processes can channel student activism into lawful and impactful forms of participation and engagement. Full article

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks have gained prominence in driving corporate sustainability and ethical leadership. Despite their significance, limited researches have explored their direct influence on social sustainability outcomes within organizations. The present research examines the impact of ESG factors and ethical leadership on employee well-being, diversity, community engagement, and training. It highlights their role in fostering sustainability, governance transparency, and workplace inclusivity while aligning with key SDGs. Structural equation modeling–partial least squares (SEM-PLS) with formative–reflective assessment examines ESG variables, ethical leadership, and organizational outcomes. The sample size of 871 respondents ensured statistical validity and reliability. The study analyzes ESG characteristics, ethical leadership, and organizational results using SEM-PLS 4 using a formative–reflective measuring approach. The sample size of 871 respondents ensured statistical validity and reliability. The study indicates that ethical leadership and good governance improve employee well-being, diversity, inclusiveness, and community engagement, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). These results highlight the critical role of ESG practices in fostering a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable organizational culture, further promoting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). This research contributes to the growing discourse on ESG-driven leadership and its role in fostering long-term organizational resilience and social responsibility. These insights contribute to advancing sustainable business strategies and reinforcing ESG-driven organizational resilience. Full article

Over the past decades, interfaith dialogue has emerged as a key strategy for peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Mindanao, Philippines. This study examines the role of a faith-based movement in fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting peace in the region. Drawing from contemporary theological models of religion, this study explores how different approaches to dialogue shape interfaith engagement. Using a single case study methodology, the research highlights the contributions, challenges, and best practices of an interfaith movement actively working towards peacebuilding. The findings suggest that faith-based movements serve as crucial mediators in interfaith relations by fostering mutual understanding, facilitating community-led peace initiatives, and addressing sociopolitical challenges. This study concludes by offering insights into the future of interfaith dialogue in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration among religious communities, policymakers, and civil society actors. Full article

Self-transcendence has been extensively studied and discussed among scholars, both theoretically and empirically. However, further academic inquiry into self-transcendent experiences (STEs), particularly their nature, religious implications, and spiritual benefits, is still needed. This paper undertakes a qualitative exploration of the topic, phenomenologically analyzing the author’s first-person STEs within Buddhist and Christian contexts. In addition to personal journals and reflections, the dataset includes email exchanges with and reports to supervisors, as well as comparative insights drawn from testimonies shared by individuals of various religious backgrounds. The findings suggest that while religion may sometimes inhibit its adherents from experiencing STEs, it can also serve as a catalyst for such experiences among nonreligious individuals. Furthermore, the universal nature of STEs, which transcends cultural and religious boundaries, has the potential to promote interfaith dialogue and provide a theoretical framework for fostering religious harmony. Data on STEs could also act as a bridge connecting science with other forms of human knowledge, enabling shared discourse and offering a complementary perspective for understanding the world. Finally, a proposed mechanism of STEs highlights their role in achieving lifelong peace by balancing physical and mental needs, while also offering insights to help individuals maximize their potential and lead fulfilling lives. Full article

This article situates the papacy of Benedict XVI at the crossroads of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, focusing on theological, cultural, and political developments. It brings out his subtle critique of modernity, his opposition to relativism, and his appeal for a renewed dialogue between Christianity and Enlightenment rationality. It is his sense of faith and reason that, in mutual purifying, forms his support of the public role of religion in peacemaking and moral order. Through moments like the Regensburg Address and his inter-religious dialogues, Benedict XVI emerges as a defender of the place of religion in society while rejecting both religious fundamentalism and secularist reductionism. The paper also examines how Benedict grounded human rights in natural law, thereby differentiating those from other fundamental rights emanating from more contemporary sociopolitical claims. The article places his papacy within the larger frame of Catholic social doctrine, focusing on the role of the Church in promoting peace through cultural and interreligious dialogue, particularly with Islam. Full article