All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

The new military governments in Africa: Are they promoting a culture of peace?

A good approach to the problem of islamic extremism has been described by General Djibril Bassolé from Burkina Faso: privileging dialogue over military confrontation.

In the case of the new military government in Burkina Faso, it seems that they are following General Bassole’s advice. As for Niger, it seems that they continue the dialogue approach of the government that preceded the military coup.

In the case of Mali, it seemed at one point that they would also follow his General Bassole’s advice. See the CPNN articles of April and May 2024 . But as of the end of 2024, they had taken the military route instead, leading to atrocities against the civilian population.

Here are the CPNN articles on this subject:

Letter from Mali: a plea for peace

Diffa, Niger: The COSNA/CNSP regional coordination organizes a cultural evening to support youth for peace and social cohesion

Burkina Faso: Living together: Traditional and religious leaders speak to their communities

The Inter-Malian Dialogue for Peace and National Reconciliation

On the road to lasting peace in Mali: “A mother hen must reunite her chicks”

d-disarmament

Letter from Mali: a plea for peace

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

CPNN has received the following copy of a letter coming from Mali for the UN Secretary-General. It provides details for the report from Human Rights Watch about Mali government and mercenary atrocities committed on innocent civilians. (translation by CPNN)

In publishing this letter, we hope that it will be read by some in the military government of Mali, and that they will follow the example of the military governments in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger and turn to dialogue instead of military force to deal with the conflicts in their country. The rationale for dialogue is explained clearly by General Djibril Bassole.


The rational for dialogue explained by General Djibril Bassole

Open letter to the Secretary of the United Nations, New York, United States of America`

I will go straight to the facts to save time that seems to be lacking for the leaders of a world that is losing all its bearings.

On the day of January 2, 2025, a Toyota brand pickup going from Niono (Mali) to Mberra (Malian refugee camp in Mauritania) with a dozen civilians on board, the majority of whom were women and children, disappeared on a national road frequented by the Malian army and its Wagner auxiliaries. For a whole night and a day, the parents of the missing searched in vain for news.

The macabre discovery of their charred bodies hastily buried under branches and stones marked the beginning of an unprecedented tragedy since the FAMA and Wagner’s assassins have been spreading terror throughout northern Mali from Abeibara (Kidal region) in the East to the Mauritanian border in the West.

The vehicle was diverted from its route, time taken to identify the travelers and then to execute them summarily after raping the women, one of whom was pregnant for almost 6 months. The bodies were found between the town of Fatissouyou and Dioura in central Mali.

(article continued in right column)

(Click here for the original article in French.)

Question for this article:

Islamic extremism, how should it be opposed?

The new military governments in Africa: Are they promoting a culture of peace?

(article continued from left column)

This is indeed the signature of the Malian junta’s thugs and their fellow Wagner assassins, unlike the jihadists operating in Mali, who never kidnap children and women, let alone execute them. Mr. SG, it is high time that the institution you lead breaks its deafening silence on the tragedy and daily dramas experienced by the populations (Tuaregs, Moors and Fulani) in these areas including on the Mauritanian border, including Mauritanians since 2022.

The Tuaregs who were assassinated are neither terrorists, nor drug traffickers, nor rebels. The young humanitarian who was assassinated with his son (2.8 months) is the first cousin of the illustrious general leader of the Kel Ansar affiliated with Mali and the greatest defender of the Malian army and the putschist Goita. His wife carrying her second son in her womb is the daughter of a colonel major of the Malian gendarmerie well-known by the Malian military and security establishment.

One of the young people assassinated is the son of an important customs officer, an early companion of the putschists. The 10 people murdered belong to the Kel Ansar group or are affiliated with it. This is of course a targeting not only of the Tuareg but also of the Kel Ansar, a tribe that has always served the Malian state, that has never rebelled and has always refused to succumb to the sirens of fundamentalism. This brand of patriotism has never ceased to worry and to appear suspect in the eyes of the Malian state since its independence.

What is happening in Mali, in particular, in the north and center, amounts to genocide and a crime against humanity. Is human life in Gaza or Ukraine more valuable, more precious than that in Azawad, in Macina and on the Mauritanian border? Is it only people who are victims of Israel or Putin who have the right to speak out and denounce the highest authority of the international community? Can we not speak and comfort the weak not only in Palestine or Ukraine but around the World?

Mali is not a respectable State, it is condemnable. Please have the courage to condemn it and consider bringing it before the international courts that the United Nations have set up.

Mali is a failed and criminal State but it continues to receive support and backing from several Western countries. In the absence of sanctions and the removal of support, the peoples and communities who are suffering the hell of the felonious colonels in power in Bamako, can only consider all this support as complicity.

Stop the madness of a handful of felonious colonels and their relays, before the worst happens in the Sahelian sub-region. Mr. SG, it would soon be a question of threat to international peace and security (Chapter 7 UN statement).

You should forgive me, between shock and tragedy, I do not have the heart for polite expressions, which does not mean that I do not have the greatest regard for you and your title.

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Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

Colombia: PazRock, an initiative of the Ministry of Cultures for the culture of peace through music

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from the Ministry of Cultures of Colombia (translation by CPNN)

This year the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge, through the Culture of Peace Strategy, has addressed the violence associated with conflict and inequality by promoting cultural rights.

One of the actions was the development of the PazRock initiative, traveling concerts that brought a message of reflection through music to Bogotá, Pereira and Duitama.


Photo: Lina Rozo.

“PazRock closes with a very positive balance. First was the one in Plaza de Bolívar, in Bogotá, which brought together more than 40 thousand people. The three concerts featured great artists, with great collective work around this space for reflection through the arts,” said Gina Jaimes, advisor to Minculturas.

(Article continued in right column)

(Click here for the Spanish version of this article)

 

Question related to this article:

What place does music have in the peace movement?

What is happening in Colombia, Is peace possible?

(Article continued from left column)

This year concerts were held in Bogotá, Pereira and Duitama. They featured the participation of artists such as Plu con Pla, La Muchacha, Gillman, Panteón Rococó, La Pestilencia, 1280 Almas, Aterciopelados, among others.

Following the first concert in Bogotá, the International Promotions Festival (FIP) of Buenos Aires, Argentina, awarded the PazRock concept the gold prize in the category ‘Best municipal event or government actions’.

This international competition rewards creativity in Promotions, Events, Marketing Innovation and New Communication Technologies worldwide. In this edition, PazRock competed with other success stories from Spain, Mexico, the United States and Brazil.

“It is very gratifying and satisfying “I am very grateful to know that projects like this one cross borders and achieve very important effects in Latin America and, especially, among young people in Colombia. I think it is very important for the country, very important for public shows,” added Gonzalo Villalón, director of Villalón Entertainment, the production company of PazRock.

More than a recognition of the event, this award highlights the importance of continuing to generate spaces for the exchange of arts to contribute to social transformation and as a contribution to the construction of a culture of peace in our country.

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EDUCATION FOR PEACE, Latin America

Democratic Republic of Congo: At least 450 orphaned children initiated into the culture of peace and peaceful living together in Bogoro

. EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from Radio Okapi

About 450 orphaned children from four tribal communities in Ituri are being initiated into the culture of peace and peaceful living together, as part of a two-day retreat, organized since Monday, December 30 by the NGO Bacone Of Hope in Bogoro.

According to the coordinator of this NGO, Arali Bagamba, the objective of this activity is to combat tribal hatred which is often at the origin of cycles of violence in this province.

These orphaned children from Lendu, Bindi, Hema and Bira communities came from localities such as Kavelega, Kotoni, Bogoro, Lakpa accompanied by notables and religious leaders from their respective entities.

They learn about living together, the culture of peace and non-violence.

During these two days of retreat, they eat, play and sleep together to strengthen the feeling of brotherhood despite their cultural differences.

(Article continued in right column)

(Click here for the original version in French

Questions related to this article:
 
What is the best way to teach peace to children?

Can a culture of peace be achieved in Africa through local indigenous training and participation?

Can you add to this analysis of the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

(Article continued from left column)

For the coordinator of the NGO Bacone Of Hope, this training will break the tribal hatred transmitted from one generation to another, which is at the origin of the cycles of violence in Ituri.

Other meetings on the culture of peace and peaceful cohabitation involving young people and students from these different communities were organized a few months ago by this same organization.

Read also on radiookapi.net:

Djugu : 7 communautés ethniques s’engagent à mettre fin à leurs différends pour promouvoir la paix

L’Eglise du Christ au Congo appelle la population à s’investir pour la paix en Ituri

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Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

China, Japan reach 10 agreements on people-to-people, cultural exchanges

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, and Takeshi Iwaya, Japanese minister for foreign affairs, jointly attended the second meeting of a high-level consultation mechanism on people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Japan, in Beijing on Wednesday, [December 25].

The meeting resulted in 10 important agreements, as follows.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

First, the two sides will promote youth exchange visits, and encourage and support study trips between the two countries.

Second, the two sides will deepen cooperation in the field of education, strengthen the exchange of overseas students, and support primary and secondary schools in the two countries to establish sister schools and institutions of higher education to carry out inter-school cooperation.

Third, the two sides will support tourism cooperation and introduce more facilitation measures to promote mutual visits between tourists from the two countries.

Fourth, the two sides will build more bridges for exchanges between sister cities and make good use of mechanisms and platforms such as the China-Japan Governor Forum, the China-Japan-ROK Cultural Exchange Year and the Culture Cities of East Asia to expand friendly exchanges at the local and non-governmental levels.

(Continued in right column)

Question related to this article:

Solidarity across national borders, What are some good examples?

(Continued from left column)

Fifth, the two sides will strengthen sports exchanges and cooperation, and support each other in hosting major sports events such as the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in 2026.

Sixth, the two sides will support continued cooperation in film, television, music, publishing, animation, games and other cultural and entertainment industries, exchange visits of high-level art groups, and support the translation and publication of classic works between the two countries.

Seventh, the two sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation between media and think tanks, play a positive role in bilateral relations, and strive to improve public opinion and the environment for public opinion. The two sides will support exchanges and cooperation in new media and encourage exchanges between positive vibes of the two countries.

Eighth, the two sides will conduct exchanges between women’s groups and share experience on promoting the common development of men and women. China invites Japan to attend the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

Ninth, the two sides will build the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, into a platform for exchanges and friendship between the two peoples. China supports Japan in hosting the expo, while Japan welcomes China’s participation and will provide assistance in the preparation and operation of the China Pavilion.

Tenth, the two sides will hold the third meeting of China-Japan high-level consultation mechanism on people-to-people and cultural exchanges in Japan in due course.

Noting that next year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Wang said that the purpose of remembering this history is to draw lessons from it and cherish the hard-won peace.
China hopes and believes that Japan can once again demonstrate its determination for peaceful development and work with China to promote the sound and stable development of China-Japan relations in the spirit of facing history squarely and looking to the future, said Wang.

Iwaya said Japan is willing to work with China to improve the quality of people-to-people exchange projects, deepen exchanges between sister cities and take more measures to facilitate personnel exchanges.

(Editor’s note: Thank you to TFF Transnational Foundation and Jan Oberg for alerting us to this story. The official Japanese report of the meeting confirms the agreements.)

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East Asia, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Diffa, Niger: The COSNA/CNSP regional coordination organizes a cultural evening to support youth for peace and social cohesion

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from aNiamey (translation by CPNN)

The Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture (MJC) Madou Manama in Diffa served as the setting, on Wednesday, December 31, 2024, for a cultural evening organized by the Diffa Regional Coordination of the Convergence for National Sovereignty (COSNA/CNSP).

This evening, placed under the theme “Supporting youth to work with defense and security forces in the cultural framework and raising awareness of the role of youth in maintaining peace and social cohesion”, attracted a large crowd of young people, who came to celebrate the commitment of youth in preserving peace and social harmony in the region.


© Other press by DR

The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Mamoudou Hama, Prefect of the Diffa department, in the presence of the Secretary General of the urban commune of Diffa Mr. Mahamadou Seydou. They welcomed this initiative which aims to strengthen the role of youth in building a united and peaceful society.

(Click here for the original article in French.)

(continued in right column)

Question related to this article:
 
Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

The new military governments in Africa: Are they promoting a culture of peace?

(continued from left column)

The Prefect stressed the importance of supporting the defense and security forces in their fight against threats to peace, while emphasizing the need for strong social cohesion between the different communities in the region.

Finally, Prefect Mamoudou Hama stressed the role of youth in maintaining order and stability, while encouraging active engagement in promoting the culture of peace and solidarity.

For his part, the regional coordinator COSNA/CNSP of Diffa, Mr. Ousmane Gra, highlighted in his speech the importance of the commitment of young people in securing the region and their crucial role in raising awareness of peace issues.

It should be noted that the event was marked by performances by local artists, mixing traditional and modern music, illustrating the cultural diversity of Diffa.

Among the highlights of the evening, there was also a parade of traditional outfits from the different communities of the region, which highlighted the colorful costumes and traditions of the Kanouri, Peulhs, Toubou, Boudouma and Arabs. This parade was a true testimony of unity in diversity, highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence.

This evening was a real success, having brought young people together around a common goal: to strengthen peace and social cohesion in Diffa. It also served as a reminder of the importance of cultural commitment in building a united and supportive society.

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Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Burkina Faso: Living together: Traditional and religious leaders speak to their communities

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article by Romuald Dofini in Lefaso.net

The Peulh community of Bobo-Dioulasso organized a day to promote culture, peace and social cohesion in Burkina Faso on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in the city of Sya. The theme of this day was: “For good living together in Faso: Traditional and religious leaders from Western Burkina speak to their communities”. During this day, which brought together several social groups, commitments and resolutions were made by the actors to promote social cohesion by giving priority to dialogue in conflict resolution.


Traditional and religious leaders commit to promoting peace and social cohesion

It was with an open heart that traditional and religious leaders spoke to their communities on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Bobo-Dioulasso. According to them, it was more than necessary to organize this day in view of the situation that the country has been going through for several years. Indeed, the security situation in Burkina Faso has led to dysfunction at all levels, causing in certain areas a disintegration of all segments of the social fabric.

For traditional and religious leaders, this security crisis has also generated conflicts within the populations and led to mistrust between individuals and between communities. For them, the fight led by the defense and security forces against terrorists is commendable, but they believe that for lasting peace, it would be necessary to “re-sew” the social fabric, in order to improve social cohesion, prevent and manage disputes between communities. For this, the establishment and promotion of spaces for dialogue have proven necessary. It is therefore aware of this erosion of the social fabric caused by the security crisis and the role of customary and religious leaders in social mobilization that the Peulh customary chiefdom of Bobo-Dioulasso initiated this day to promote the culture of peace and social cohesion.

The objective of this day was to promote social cohesion in Burkina and particularly in the Grand-Ouest of Burkina. This activity brought together about sixty traditional and religious leaders from the Grand-Ouest of Burkina, citizen watch organizations, women’s organizations as well as the population of Sya, the majority of whom are Peulhs. According to the Peulh chief of Bobo-Dioulasso, Issiaka Sidibé, this day aims to recreate harmony and symbiosis between communities, to invite populations to talk to each other, to accept each other, to forgive each other and to create the conditions for the return of peace in the region and in Burkina Faso.

“It was a duty for us to organize this day because we really want to help the authorities finish their mission to reconquer the territory. We see that they have done a lot, which is why we want to make our contribution through actions. We want to tell our FDS [Force for Defense and Security] and VDP [Volunteers for Defense of the Homemand] that we are with them in heart because it is thanks to them that we live here. This meeting with the customary and religious leaders of the Grand-Ouest is to help ourselves first,” he explained.

During this activity, the traditional and religious leaders were informed about their roles in social mobilization and conflict resolution within their communities; commitments were also made by actors to promote social cohesion, by favoring dialogue in conflict resolution. From the delegation of women, the message conveyed to the community was the same. All the delegations promoted understanding, forgiveness, peace and social cohesion. Furthermore, a message of awareness, support and collaboration between the FDS and the population was conveyed for greater efficiency in the fight against terrorism.

(article continued in right column)

(Click here for the original article in French.)

Question for this article:

Islamic extremism, how should it be opposed?

The new military governments in Africa: Are they promoting a culture of peace?

(article continued from left column)

The strong mobilization of all actors leaves the Fulani leader of Bobo-Dioulasso with a feeling of joy and satisfaction. According to him, this mobilization demonstrates their commitment to the culture of peace and cohesion in Burkina Faso. “We are happy and satisfied because the message has been received and all the communities have understood it,” he rejoiced.


Battalion Chief Lassané Porgo, Commander of the Second Military Region of Burkina, welcomes the initiative of the activity

The initiative is welcomed by the military and administrative authorities

The day was attended by Battalion Chief Lassané Porgo, Commander of the Second Military Region of Burkina. In his speech, he did not fail to welcome the initiative of the activity. He believes that the population is finishing the work of the defense and security forces because for him, this war is almost over. “Beyond the room which is full, all the communities, all the points of view, came to give a message and that makes us happy. We are committed to serving the population, to serving Burkina Faso; so as long as this population does not have peace, does not have tranquility, it is our duty not to sleep. And we are not going to sleep until it is over,” he insisted.

Before continuing: “If religious and customary leaders speak to their communities and everyone in their family listens to the big brother or the elder, who listens to the chief and who knows his place, we will end this crisis right away and now. The problem is that we no longer respect the elder. We respect money or the one who has money more than the elder in the family and that must change.” This is why he asked everyone to be sincere, honest and upright and above all to love their neighbor. Battalion Chief Lassané Porgo affirmed that if all the messages passed in the room are sincere, Burkina Faso will soon end this security crisis.

This activity was chaired by the governor of the region, represented by the secretary general of the Hauts-Bassins region, Abraham Somdo. On behalf of the governor, he also welcomed the initiative of this day. “This activity is welcome because it is in line with the government’s priorities. Obviously, the priority that is worth it is the reconquest of the national territory, but in addition to reconquering the territory, we must have activities that allow us to sew the social fabric that has been torn apart by war and conflicts,” he said.

He did not fail to pay tribute to the fighters who watch over the well-being of the civilian population. For him, this day will help strengthen collaboration between the FDS and the population. He stressed that “the FDS create the conditions for the return of peace and it is up to the customary and religious leaders to work to consolidate this peace, to strengthen social cohesion through messages that advocate living together.” The governor’s representative invited the daughters and sons of the region to listen to the community leaders. To these community leaders, he asks them to march resolutely to the rhythm set by the country’s authorities because it is, he said, about building a strong nation, a nation where the daughters and sons speak with one voice, look in the same direction.
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Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

UN-Tourism Candidate is Placing Tourism at the Heart of Peace and Reconciliation

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from eTurboNews

Mouhamed Faouzou Deme from Senegal has made headlines in Africa, wanting to become Africa’s choice in the upcoming UN Tourism election for Secretary-General.

He is the only one of the four competing candidates for the highest UNWTO post who provided feedback to eTurboNews on the role of tourism for peace. Once Secretary-General Zurab took his helm in 2018, UNWTO’s long-year relationship with the International Institute for Peace of Tourism was eliminated, forcing IIPT chairman Louis D’Amore to cancel his carefully planned summit in Montreal. IIPT never fully recovered from this disappointment after this.

Its former Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, fostered this unique relationship between UNWTO and IIPT. Mouhamed pledged to reinstate this, should he become Secretary-General, and responded to WTN. He stated:

Tourism stakeholders, professionals, and political actors have continued to recall the importance of placing tourism at the heart of peace and reconciliation programs to enable the sector to mobilize its capacity for action.

This is often in favor of investment, development, and social inclusion.

Adherence to freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue, and understanding promotes peace.

(article continued in right column)

Questions related to this article:
 
How can tourism promote a culture of peace?

(article continued from left column)

Tourism is a vector of peace, respect, openness, and dialogue.

Tourism has the value of peace because it is only built and carried out in an environment of security, stability, and conviviality.

The main idea behind the concept of peace in tourism is that peace exists when people travel freely around the world.

It helps travelers to get to know new people, cultures, and values.

This experience can increase mutual understanding between people who have lived in diverse cultural contexts.

Furthermore, peace tourism aims to reduce the root causes that create situations where violence is perceived as inevitable.

It does not replace other types of tourism practices but rather aims to facilitate their improvement.

Its impact goes far beyond economic benefits. It is interesting to look at tourism as a social force rather than an industry and see how we can use it to establish a culture of peace.

Tourism connects people and the planet. It is a vector of trust and goodwill.

Understanding culture can change behavior and consolidate peace.

Tourism’s role in supporting peace is also reflected in its contribution to the fight against poverty, the preservation of culture, and protecting the environment.
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Africa, global, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, United Nations, ,

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism: A personal memoire

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

Excerpts from the reflections by Timothy Marshall, Chairman, IIPT Board of Directors

As we end this year, I have been asked to share some reflections on my journey with our Brother Lou D’Amore. . . When launching IIPT, Brother Lou’s vision was and is to make the world’s largest industry, travel and tourism, the first global peace industry; with the belief that every traveler is potentially an ambassador for peace.


Lou D’Amore, left, and Timothy Marshall, right, with Tukwini Mandela

THE BEGINNING YEARS: LAUNCH OF SUMMITS, CONFERENCES AND CHAPTERS

As the creator and global leader of the ‘Peace Through Tourism’ movement, IIPT launched its first global conference on Sustainable Tourism Development in Vancouver in 1988. The theme was: “Tourism: A Vital Force for Peace”. Eight hundred persons from sixty-eight countries were in attendance; and Pope John Paul II and U.S. President Ronald Reagan were featured in video-taped messages. The Vancouver Conference first introduced the concept of ‘Sustainable Tourism Development’ four years prior to the U.N. Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Vancouver conference also introduced a new paradigm for a ‘Higher Purpose of Tourism’ which incorporated the Mission of IIPT. Today, we hear this concept espoused all over the globe. However, nearly 40 years ago when IIPT was founded, the industry’s focus was almost exclusively on economics and finance, and these concepts were very foreign.

Approximately 6 months after our first global conference, the first Caribbean conference on socially and environmentally responsible tourism was held in 1989 in the Bahamas. It featured Dr. D’Amore; along with Mr. Stanley Selingut, who established the first Caribbean eco-tourism resort based in St. John, U.S. Virgin Island; as well as representatives from Indonesia and the Pacific, who all gave case studies. This led to two subsequent conferences on eco-tourism in the Caribbean, and a major new focus on sustainable tourism by the Caribbean Tourism Organization . . .

Our first Global Summit was held in Amman, Jordan in 2000. King Abdullah II was our Royal Patron; and Mr. Harvey Golub, Chairman of American Express, and Chairman of WTTC, served as our first Summit Chair. I was asked to convene our first Coalition of Partners meeting which was attended by thirty-two organizations from around the world; each of whom committed to a Millennial Project. Many good initiatives came out of this, and it is our hope to resurrect this body with a new gathering of like-minded NGO’s and other organizations going forward.

Our first African Conference was held in Nelspruit, South Africa in 2002, eight years after Mr. Mandela became President. It included a host of Ministers of Tourism throughout the African continent. . .

PEACE WITH OUR CREATOR

IIPT has played a meaningful role in the spirituality and tourism sector— from a major conference at the site of St. Francis of Assisi’s home in Assisi, Italy… to sacred Himalaya travel and treks in Bhutan… to dedicating a global peace park at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, site of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River…to the dedication of a global peace park at the martyrs trail in Uganda, where record crowds flocked to Uganda for the 50th anniversary of the canonization of 32 Christian martyrs who were burned to death for their refusal to denounce Christianity. The Uganda Martyrs Trail was dedicated as a legacy of IIPT’s 4th African Conference and is an important tourist attraction. This event has also been designated as a national holiday in Uganda and has become a major event on the global catholic calendar.

(article continued in right column)

Questions related to this article:
 
How can tourism promote a culture of peace?

(article continued from left column)

Through these and other initiatives, IIPT has been fortunate to have interfaith forums at our events around the world. These gatherings have facilitated interfaith and intercultural dialogues. At our second global conference in Montreal, eight different religions gathered at the top of Mount Royal overlooking the City of Montreal. That conference profoundly demonstrated that when we focus on the importance of love, mutual respect, and living in peace, it becomes clear that our similarities are much greater than our differences.

PEACE WITH EACH OTHER

. . . Over the years, we have assembled a wonderful network of industry strategic partner organizations like PATA and the Africa Travel Association who signed an historic MOU at our 2005 Summit in Thailand. This MOU promoted travel between the African and Asian continents. One of our closest partners, Skal International, has joined forces with us to establish peace cities and towns in wonderful places around the world. Under the principle of ‘healing wounds of conflict’, one of our Board members, Don King, led an IIPT initiative to support the Al-Awon Charity in Azraq, Jordan, which provides educational services for 160 Syrian refugee children who, along with their families, fled the conflict in Syria. This special IIPT project is one way that we try to bring our principles to life and make a tangible impact in the lives of people who are hurting.

The theme of our 25th Anniversary celebration at World Travel Market in London was “Building a Culture of Peace Through Tourism”. . . .

‘PEACE WITH NATURE AND THE EARTH’

This can be seen in almost everything we have done; but can most directly be seen through the dedication of over 450 global peace parks in Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This initiative was launched in Canada on its 125th Birthday with 350 peace parks across Canada. It has now spread to six of the seven continents around the world. In addition to Victoria Falls, a world heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, IIPT has dedicated a major global peace park at the renown Puer National Park in China, along with the dedication of a global town of peace in the Danzhai Wanda village of China, which is an international tourism destination dedicated to poverty reduction. . . .

One of our most impactful initiatives regarding peace with nature was the hosting of one of the world’s earliest global summits on Climate Change in Lusaka, Zambia in 2011. This Summit brought together some of the top thought leaders and practitioners from every major sector around the world and led to the adoption of the Lusaka Declaration which is housed at the United Nations.

THE BUILDING OF A WONDERFUL FAMILY

During the month of September 2023, I was pleased to Chair our Global Strategic Planning Retreat in New York where members of the IIPT Family gathered to begin the process of transitioning from Lou’s presidency to Ajay Prakash becoming the newly elected President of the Institute. The weekend began on Friday evening with food and drinks in a beautiful setting on the Hudson River as family members were welcomed to New York and celebrated being together once again. . . .

As I prepare to close these reflections, it seems appropriate to return to our beginning days where the ‘CREDO OF THE PEACEFUL TRAVELER’ became our anchor:

“GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL AND EXPERIENCE THE WORLD AND BECAUSE PEACE BEGINS WITH THE INDIVIDUAL, I AFFIRM MY PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT TO:
– JOURNEY WITH AN OPEN MIND AND HEART,
– ACCEPT WITH GRACE AND GRATITUDE THE DIVERSITY I ENCOUNTER,
– REVERE AND PROTECT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WHICH SUSTAINS ALL LIFE,
– APPRECIATE ALL CULTURES I DISCOVER,
– RESPECT AND THANK MY HOSTS FOR THEIR WELCOME,
– OFFER MY HAND IN FRIENDSHIP TO EVERYONE I MEET,
– SUPPORT TRAVEL SERVICES THAT SHARE THESE VIEWS AND ACT UPON THEM,
– AND BY MY SPIRIT, WORDS AND ACTIONS,
– ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO TRAVEL THE WORLD IN PEACE.”

(Editor’s note: Thank you to Bea Broda for sending us the IIPT End-of-year newsletter that contained this memoire)

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global, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

For Nobel Peace Prize: Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, Bethlehem, Palestine

DISARMAMENT AND SECURITY .

A press release from Mairead Corrigan of the Peace People

Nobel Peace Laureate, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, to-day nominated Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh for the Nobel peace prize.   Maguire said ‘I have great pleasure in nominating Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh for the 2025 Nobel peace prize. 


Mazin Qumsiyeh

“I have met professor Mazin and have followed his inspiring peace work for many decades.    Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh is a life scientist, teacher and activist for peace, nonviolence and the sustainability of human and natural communities over the past 50 years. 

Qumsiyeh was born in Beit Sahour, the Shepherds’ field on the outskirts of Bethlehem.  He got his formal education in Jordan and the USA in areas of biology and medical genetics.  Yet the pressures of the Israel occupation on his people and the pressure on the environment that culminated in genocide and ecocide ensured Qumsiyeh pursued a life focused on peace-making, non-violent resistance, service to people, and service to nature. 

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Question related to this article:

Presenting the Palestinian side of the Middle East, Is it important for a culture of peace?

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

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In the l990 he created peace groups like the Triangle Middle East dialogue and led the Palestinian American congress.  He activated and led a chapter of the American Arab anti-discrimination committee receiving the Raymond Jallow award for activism.  He organized a petition garnering over one million signatures supporting the right of Palestinian refugees.  He was the key founder of the Palestine right to return coalition.  (PRRC).  He organized what was at that time the largest demonstrations for Palestine in Washington DC with over 5000 attending (only in 2024 during the genocide in Gaza did larger demonstrations happen).  

He founded the Wheels of Justice bus tour promoting non-violence with justice.  Between 2000 and 2006 the tour team reached 48 states speaking at over 1200 colleges and universities over 400 schools and hundreds of community centers, churches and mosques.  (more background on prof. Qumsiyeh on;   www.//qumsiyeh.org   
 
He oversaw many conservation projects including formulating the national biodiversity strategy and action plan and creating a new protected area network and landscape for nature conservation.  But perhaps his most enduring legacy is the tens of thousands of children empowered in peacemaking and environmental stewardship including with the mobile educational unit.  More background is;   https://palestinenature.org 

(Editor’s note: Mairead Maguire is a laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize.)

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DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Mideast,