The Austrian Study Center for Peace and Conflict Solutions (ÖSFK) was founded in 1982 in the city of Stadtschlaining, and opened by Minister Dr. Hertha Firnberg in 1983. The original program of the institute focused on peace education in schools, along with the assistance of the universities of Salzburg, Klagenfurt and Vienna.
In light of todays issues, the ÖSFK has decided to promote worldwide peace, as well as the promotion of a peaceful solution on all levels. Consequently, the ÖSFK currently promotes research, education, and political peace efforts in personal, societal, and international areas. Their education programs focus on conflict management within the schools, as well as extracurricular peace and conflict resolution programs. In 1987 the ÖSFK and the European organization UNESCO, founded the European University Center for Peace Studies (EPU). Both institutions received the 1995 UNESCO prize for Peace Education.
The research focus of the ÖSFK constitutes the annual State of Peace Conference, as well as research projects. Since 1983 the ÖSFK has planned and organized an annual International Summer Academy. This event educates those interested in the politics of peace, by centering on specific peace topics through lectures, discussions, and workshops.
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