Education Futures Peace building and education in the age of AI
Mar 12, 2026
34:53
In this episode, Svenia Busson speaks with Guila Clara Kessous, a UNESCO Artist for Peace and Harvard teacher, about the intersection of art, education, and peace-building. They explore how performing arts and literature can heal trauma and how "diplomatic entrepreneurship" can help the next generation navigate a world shaped by AI and social media.
Key Topics
- Guila’s Journey: From performing arts conservatory to a PhD with Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel.
- Art Therapy & Bibliotherapy: Understanding how drama and reading (recognized by the WHO) can increase serotonin and well-being.
- Education in the Age of AI: Why we should teach kids how to "prompt" like the game Jeopardy to find neutral information and overcome biases.
- Diplomatic Entrepreneurship: Using culture and art to reconcile communities in conflict, such as through Israeli-Palestinian youth summer camps.
- Non-Violent Communication (NVC): The importance of teaching children to "agree to disagree" and express views respectfully.
- The School of the Future: A vision of an open school in nature that connects the "heart, head, and body".
Resources Mentioned
- World Art Day International Forum: An annual event at UNESCO every April 15th focusing on arts, health, and activism. (Website: worldartdayforum.com)
- Faber and Mazlish Technique: Practical methodology for communication between adults and children ("How to Talk So Kids Will Listen").
- Femina Vox: An international forum at UNESCO dedicated to Women’s Rights.
- Movements for Peace: "Women Wage Peace" and "Women of the Sun," including the "Prayer of the Mothers" song.
- Bibliotherapy: Mention of the power of reading as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).