Educating for a Culture of Peace: A Comparative Analysis of Educa-tional Policies, Discourses, and Practices in Iran and Italy

This study analyzes how education contributes to fostering a culture of peace in Iran and Italy. Peace is a commitment to a better future based on shared values, through dialogue, tolerance, respect, and understanding, and begins with access to education and the creativity and innovation that come from cultural diversity (UNESCO, 2013). Today, peace has received particular attention in textbooks and official educational policies. Using primary sources, including the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Charter of Citizens’ Rights, and the National Curriculum, alongside policy and curriculum documents from Italy, this research examines whether and in what ways the education systems of the two countries foster a culture of peace, and identifies differences in the documents and their implemen-tation in educational contexts. By examining educational materials in relation to key com-ponents of peace education, including human rights, cooperation, solidarity, inclusion, and appreciation of cultural diversity, the findings show that values related to peace are affirmed in both contexts; however, in practice, they reflect different political, cultural, and social priorities. In Iran, education emphasizes national identity and defense, while in Italy, there is a greater focus on democratic citizenship and inclusion (Commissione europea/ EACEA / Eurydice, 2024). However, in both countries, strengthening peace education with inclusive practices emerges as a fundamental path to creating more just and cohesive societies.