Category Archives: TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

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.

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Solidarity across national borders, What are some good examples?

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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.)

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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?

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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

2nd International Youth Forum on the Culture of Peace: Religion, Mediation and Climate Change in the Sahel

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from Le Faso (translation by CPNN)

The Sougourounoma Initiative for Education, Peace and Health (ISEPS) is organizing the second edition of the International Youth Forum on the Culture of Peace from December 17 to 19, 2024. The meeting, under the theme “Youth, Religion, Mediation and Climate Change in the Sahel and West Africa”, brings together young people from Benin, Mali, Niger, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. It will allow participants to discuss issues related to peace, including the link between peace and climate change, conflict analysis and interreligious dialogue.


Serge Aimé Zabié from the NGO Indigo, Côte d’Ivoire

Faced with the security crisis currently facing Burkina Faso and other Sahel countries, the contribution of young people in the response to this crisis is more than necessary. This explains the holding of this international forum, which advocates the inclusion of young people and their initiatives in the peace process. During the meeting, young people will be equipped with conflict analysis, interreligious dialogue, as well as mediation of environmental conflicts. “The aim will be to mobilize young people to discuss the link between peace and climate change, to prevent violent extremism and ensure that conflicts related to climate change are not exploited by armed terrorist groups to recruit young people and carry out acts of violence,” said Dr. Sougourounoma Henri Kaboré, Chairman and Executive Director of ISEPS.

The 72 hours of work will be filled with sessions on strategic analysis of conflicts and the Sahelian and West African context and sessions on mediation of environmental conflicts, whether by civil society, religious and customary actors. The involvement of young people in adaptation to climate change and in peacebuilding will also be highlighted during this forum. “We hope that participants will acquire specific skills in conflict analysis, environmental mediation, and interreligious dialogue. We also hope that they will build relationships of friendship and partnership among themselves, beyond religious and cultural barriers, so that once they return to their communities they can engage more meaningfully in their communities to transform things,” says Dr. Sougourounoma Henri Kaboré.

(Click here for the original article in French.)

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Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

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The international youth forum is being held within the framework of the project “Youth in Interreligious Dialogue and Interreligious Mediation for Peaceful Communities in Burkina Faso”, which is being implemented in Fara in the Balé province. It is funded by the German Robert Bosche Foundation to the tune of 80,000 euros. Annie Höhne, representative of the German Ambassador, sponsor of the forum, welcomed the organization of the forum, and suggested that such initiatives are crucial to address current challenges.

“This support reflects our shared commitment to promoting peace and resilience in a region facing multidimensional challenges related to conflicts, humanitarian crises and climate change…In the current context of Burkina Faso, the role of young people is more crucial than ever. Their engagement in peaceful conflict resolution, environmental protection and interfaith dialogue is a cornerstone for building harmonious and sustainable communities,” she said.

During the forum, religious and customary leaders will speak with young people through presentations. Naaba Boalga, traditional chief of the village of Dawelgué, will lead a presentation focusing on traditional African religions in relation to nature. He will explore the relationships that existed between traditional African religions and the environment. “Our traditional societies are societies that practiced subsistence agriculture, that is to say that you mainly produced cereals and you consumed them. So you produce what you consume and you consume what you produce. And this mode of production, for example, means that traditional societies did not exert as much pressure on natural resources. Today, there are cash crops, such as sesame, cotton, which are practiced. Which is not a bad thing, but I am only placing myself in the traditional context to explain that at the time, there was a dialectical relationship with nature that did not pose any particular problem to this nature that managed to regenerate itself. We must now know how, in this context, we can at the same time benefit from cash crops and the advantages linked to the monetary economy, but while being respectful of nature,” he says.

For Alidou Ilboudo, coordinator of the Interreligious Council for Peace in Burkina, the emphasis on interreligious dialogue is a very important aspect of the forum. “We have a duty to connect and bring together young people of all faiths. Our mission is to tell them that indeed, each of us can have a faith, a belief, a dogma, but this dogma must nourish him with very strong convictions that remind him that we have a common origin that comes from God. And we are all brothers in humanity. So it is in dialogue that we learn this,” he maintains.

Having come from Côte d’Ivoire to take part in the forum, Serge Aimé Zabié of the NGO Indigo, which works in the field of social cohesion and peacekeeping, welcomes the initiative that includes young people in the search for peace. He hopes to come out of the meeting better equipped in peacebuilding. “My main expectation is that this forum can really change the mentality of young people so that they are no longer in a passive positionwhere they expect everything from the State, or think that peace comes from others. Peace must come from us young people, in our communities and families,” he said.

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Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Search for Common Ground supports midwife care in Afghanistan

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

Received at CPNN by email from Search for Common Ground

The Taliban recently decreed that women and girls are no longer permitted to receive technical medical education (previously an exception to the standing ban on girls’ schooling), which includes midwifery, nursing, dentistry, and other medical professions. This shift will have significant impacts on women’s access to healthcare and means that there is now zero access to higher education for Afghan women.

In light of these changes, women trained as midwives are now more essential than ever. To address a growing need, our team in Afghanistan worked with experienced midwives to establish 10 midwife-led units in November 2024.


Frame from Search for Common Ground video

These brave and talented women are carrying the responsibility to protect maternal and reproductive health in a country where women often have few options.

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Key highlights of the units include:

° Fully equipped facilities providing all medical tools and resources for comprehensive midwifery services
° Educational materials to guide women on family planning and maternal health
° Knowledgeable, professional staff of midwives offering expert advice and quality care
° Community outreach to engage local leaders and residents, raising awareness of services.

Afghan women often carry invisible burdens—fear, isolation, and uncertainty about the future. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, they are finding ways to bring hope to each other.

But the journey is far from over. Afghanistan has the highest rate of infant mortality in the world, and the eighth-highest rate of maternal mortality. Women’s access to healthcare remains dire, and with escalating challenges, the need for support is greater than ever.

Every donation carries the potential to save lives and offer a future where Afghan women and their families are not left behind.

In Afghanistan, our team is courageously carrying hope for a healthier tomorrow. Will you carry that hope with us?

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South Asia, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Niger: Amid social challenges, youth advance culture of peace

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from Bahai

 In a region where youth are increasingly recognizing their capacity to contribute to social harmony, more than 300 young people from across Niger gathered in Maradi recently to explore the part they can play in building peaceful communities.

“Through Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of a peaceful world, we understand that young people must arise and bring about transformation, making their contributions to creating a modern and spiritually grounded civilization,” said Aboubacar, 24, one of the conference participants in comments to the News Service.

The conference, which brought together participants from 21 localities across the country, exemplified in its very structure the commitment to transcending barriers that divide people—conversations and study took place in four languages: French, Zarma, Hausa, and Gourmanchéma. Through this multilingual exchange, participants explored concepts such as the relationship between personal spiritual growth and service to society.

“We learned that these two aims reinforce each other,” explained Tahere, 18, another participant. “Spiritual development gives us the strength and motivation to serve, while service to humanity becomes a way to put spiritual values into practice.”

She described how the gathering itself became a transformative space, where participants from diverse backgrounds strengthened bonds of friendship while examining false dichotomies that often confront youth. “We sometimes think we must choose between our personal development and service to society, but the conference helped us see how these reinforce each other as we work to build a better world.”

Countering religious extremism

The significance of these efforts to contribute to social harmony was highlighted at the conference’s opening session by Illiassou Nomawou, Secretary General of the Maradi regional government, who attended on behalf of the Governor. Speaking to the attendees, he emphasized how the Bahá’í community’s educational initiatives are helping to foster constructive patterns of thought and action in a region where religious extremism poses challenges to social cohesion.

“You have set an example through your dedication to unity and your prayers for the country,” Mr. Nomawou said. “The authorities are calling for greater fraternity… and this is precisely what you are doing.” The Secretary General observed how the spiritual and moral educational programs these young people participate in helps them develop the qualities and capacities needed for constructive citizenship. “This will truly contribute to the development of the country,” he added.

(Click here for this article in French.)

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Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

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Overcoming passivity through service to society

Discussions at the conference examined the choices facing youth today and the harmful forces that breed passivity.

“Young people face a crucial choice,” said Abdourahaman, 23. “We can either arise to contribute to the spiritual and moral education of the rising generations, helping to create peaceful communities, or remain passive in the face of forces that threaten social harmony.”

He emphasized how indifference to seemingly small conflicts can have far-reaching consequences that eventually affect an entire community. “The conference helped us understand that we cannot be mere observers of harmful social forces affecting our neighborhoods and villages—we must be active participants in building peace.”

The conference highlighted how one of the most powerful ways for youth to act on this commitment is to accompany younger generations through the same educational programs that had awakened their own minds to the possibilities of what could be and nurtured in them capacities to serve.

“If we want to contribute to positive change, then we need to support each other through all trials and difficulties,” said Illia, 25. “We must be like the strands of a broom tied together by a single knot.”

Collective vision galvanizes action

Through sharing their experiences, participants saw how their modest efforts, when viewed together, revealed a powerful pattern of transformation—that the moral and spiritual education of children and youth enables them to apply principles such as the equality of women and men, unity in diversity, and consultation to the building of agreement and the overcoming of conflict in their daily lives.

Seeing this pattern of transformation in their collective experience galvanized participants to strengthen their commitment to fostering communities characterized by unity and peace.

The youth realized that to sustain and expand these efforts, more young people would need to arise to serve as facilitators of educational programs in their neighborhoods. In the weeks following the conference, some 100 participants dedicated themselves to intensive periods of study and practice to take on this role, preparing to facilitate moral and spiritual education programs for children and youth in their communities.

“The conference helped us understand that youth represent the future of our country,” said Badi, 17. “By serving society, we can simultaneously grow personally and increase our ability to contribute to social progress.”

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Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Ontario youth advance a culture of peace

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from Bahai

What does it mean to be a “practitioner of peace” in today’s world? For over 700 young people who gathered at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo this question sparked profound conversations about how to nurture communities that can embody the fundamental principles of peace through practical action.

The two-day conference drew participants from 92 localities across Ontario—from those within walking distance of the venue to a group who undertook a 15-hour journey from Thunder Bay.

Several participants spoke with the News Service, reflecting on their community-building experiences and shared insights from their discussions at the conference.

Fostering a culture of peace

Attendees described how everyday efforts to create spiritual and social conditions for unity are gradually fostering a culture of peace in their neighborhoods. In these places, people are striving to give expression to the principle of the equality of women and men and are developing a heightened awareness of the essential need for justice and fairness in all aspects of community life—from how decisions are made to how knowledge is shared and applied.

Through Bahá’í community-building initiatives that promote genuine love and durable bonds among individuals, people from diverse groups that once had limited interaction are discovering their inherent oneness and learning to work together for the common good.

“There’s a lot of destruction, hurt, and pain in the world,” said Naya, who is 17 years old. “This is the time for us to come together as a community,” she continued, “to uplift… and take care of each other, because we are one.”

Shidan, 15, from a locality where families of diverse ethnic backgrounds reside, elaborated: “In the past, people in my community were separated by caste, religion, and economic status.

“But through the spiritual education of the younger generation, we’ve found ways to bring our families, who are from different groups, together to have a common conversation about the future of our community.”

He added: “When I think about working toward peace, I see it already in the vibrant community celebrations we hold at our neighborhood center, in the dance group that started and recently had its first anniversary, and in the devotional gatherings that draw all of us from seemingly different backgrounds to see our inherent oneness.”

Removing barriers to unity through consultation

In communities where Bahá’í educational endeavors are taking root, consultation has emerged as a powerful tool for fostering a culture of peace through collective decision-making. Participants are discovering how to transcend social barriers and build agreement.

Participants of the conference highlighted how spaces for consultation have the power to reveal our shared humanity. Perma, 20, said, “In these moments, barriers are broken down. People come together, discover common ground, and realize that they are all striving toward the same aspirations.”

Speaking about the unique nature of these consultative spaces, Jenny, 18, said, “Not many places provide opportunities to discuss life’s most important issues.

“Sometimes, you want to talk about significant topics but don’t know when or where to do it. …Bahá’í spiritual education activities provide that space, allowing us to explore critical issues and think about practical solutions.”

Strengthening a sense of purpose through service

Participants of the conference observed that a striking feature of Bahá’í community-building activities is how they nurture in young people the capacity to rise above prejudice and channel their energies toward constructive change. Attendees spoke about how serving others, particularly those younger than themselves, has reshaped their understanding of what youth can achieve.

Many of these participants serve as teachers of Bahá’í moral classes for children or facilitators of groups for adolescents. “You see them progress,” shared Preeti, who is 16. “They’re becoming more open and more social. …They have more ideas. They’re raising their hands more. …It’s such a big thing.”

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Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

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David, 15, described how his involvement in Bahá’í educational programs awakened his sense of purpose—echoing a central theme of the gathering:

“You can take action now. You don’t have to wait until you’re older,” said David.

“Realizing I could contribute to my community was truly empowering and has inspired me to assist in the development of those younger than me.”

Through the experience of service, participants described how a shared vision of social progress has enabled them to face challenges with greater resilience. As they support one another in addressing difficulties, their unity of purpose strengthens their collective capacity to persevere through daily challenges.

United by this spirit of mutual support, participants are discovering how their combined efforts, guided by spiritual principles, can transform their neighborhoods in ways that would be impossible to achieve alone.

David explained that witnessing the difficulties young people encounter motivated him to engage them in service to their neighbors. “We began by observing the needs of our neighborhood and determining how we could address them,” he said.

One particular experience left a lasting impression on him. “We assisted a neighbor who was living alone and had accumulated a significant amount of garbage that she couldn’t move while she was pregnant. As we worked together, clearing the yard and planting roses, I noticed the children’s smiles,” he recalled. “They even began asking questions about why we were doing this and how we could expand these efforts.”

David reflected on the broader impact of these actions. “It brought me great happiness to see how, by shifting their focus to service, the negative environment they had been exposed to was gradually being transformed.”

Living a coherent life

The conference explored how achieving lasting social change requires a profound transformation in how young people view their lives and purpose.

Participants discussed how certain patterns of thought often separate academic achievement, personal development, and service to society into distinct domains. However, through their engagement with Bahá’í moral and spiritual education programs, these youth are discovering a more integrated approach to life.

Reflecting on how this integrated understanding challenges prevailing notions of value and success, Ken, 19, said: “Other young people come and ask us why we do this, why we help the community, why we help them and what value we get out of it. What I tell them is that the value you’re thinking of is monetary value… You’re thinking about how ‘I can help myself,’ … ‘If I get anything out of it.’”

Ken added that the real reward comes from seeing positive change in their communities and contributing to others’ well-being—a fulfillment that transcends material considerations.

This understanding is reshaping how youth are approaching their career choices. Perma described her journey: “When I started my career, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I chose healthcare to help people but was confused about my role.

“Now, I see a new direction in policymaking because many issues in the healthcare system need addressing. It’s easy to complain about what’s wrong, but realizing I can make a difference is powerful. I want to shift my career so I’m not waiting for change but actively initiating it and contributing to my community.”

Looking ahead, the youth made plans for activities in the coming months that could engage over 20,000 of their peers in a growing movement dedicated to community transformation through systematic, collective action.

As these youth return to their communities to implement their plans, their enthusiasm points to the far-reaching impact of their collective efforts. As Livia, a 19-year-old from Stratford, expressed, “I can’t wait to see what this conference is going to bring for the future.”

The Bahá’í World News Service has released a short documentary about the conference and the efforts of youth in Ontario toward the common good, which can be viewed here.

(Thank you to Peter Newton for having sent this article to CPNN.)

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North America, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

The Peace Vibe Fest brings youth from 20 communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from the Official Website of the European Union

More than 130 citizens, young people from 20 communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the first Peace Vibe Fest, that started on September 21, the International Day of Peace, and ended on October 2, the International Day of Nonviolence. The Peace Vibe Fest contributes to better mutual understanding and celebrates efforts and initiatives for a peaceful and stable future for all.

“Although peacebuilding in BiH at first sounds like something complicated, through this Festival we wanted to show that even the small steps that each of us takes can grow into something big and contribute to strengthening trust in our communities,” said 18-year-old Lamija from Vareš. Together with her friends, Lamija organized music workshop as part of the festival, where they created a song about peace. “It is one of our contributions to spreading positive messages and peaceful vibrations.”

Festival was organized with the support of the project „Empowering Trust and Cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Communities“ (“Možemo bolje”) that is jointly implemented by the European Union in BiH, the United Nations in BiH, the OSCE Mission to BiH and the Council of Europe – Office in Sarajevo.

Theater workshops, film screenings, street actions, dialogues and musical events were held during the festival, where citizens from numerous communities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina connected in fostering a culture of peace, within and between communities.

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Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

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Radoslav Tokić, president of Croatian Cultural Society „Napredak“ from Jajce, that organized workshop of applied theatre during the festival, said: “Knowledge of history and culture helps in better understanding of others and respect for diversity. Through this workshop, we want to offer our fellow citizens theater as a great tool for working in the community, especially with young people”.

In addition to the activities in local communities, the central event of the Peace Vibe Fest gathered 60 young people in Sarajevo for creative and educational workshops with an aim to empower young people to recognize their role in fostering a culture of peace. Through dialogue on peacebuilding, discussions on the role of young people, analysis of social messages, and theatrical play and improvisation, the participants of the Festival developed new skills and messages of peace that they want to spread in their communities.

“I haven’t been to a more interesting workshop in a long time. Where there were tricky topics, we saw that everything can be resolved through talk and dialogue in order to understand the other side”, said Jasmin from Maglaj.

One of the participants, Aleksandra from Ugljevik, also shared her positive experience: “I really liked the interaction between all participants, that there is no judgment, that everyone is accepted, and that we can all express our opinion. The workshops were phenomenal”.

The project “Možemo bolje” continues to work with local communities, citizens, government representatives and other important partners to strengthen and promote trust and cohesion within and between communities.

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Europe, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

From Paris to Caracas, thousands march in support of Gaza around the world, one year after October 7

. TOLERANCE AND SOLIDARITY . .

An article from Le Parisien (translated by google)

“Freedom and justice for the Palestinians!” Thousands of people demonstrated in support of Gaza across Europe and South Africa on Saturday for the first anniversary of the bloody conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas.

Holding placards and Palestinian and Lebanese flags, several thousand protesters marched through the centre of the British capital late in the morning. Leading the march were former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (now an independent) and former Scottish Prime Minister Humza Yousaf.


London, October 5, 2024. Many protesters wore keffiyehs, symbols of the Palestinian struggle. Reuters/Chris J Ratcliffe

“Stop the bombing”, “Free, free Palestine” and “Stop bombing hospitals” were among the most popular slogans chanted in London by protesters, who marched peacefully. “We need a ceasefire now. How many more innocent Palestinians or Lebanese people have to die?” asked Sophia Thomson, 27, who was demonstrating with friends. “The fact that there are so many of us shows that the government is not speaking for the people,” she added.

A demonstration in memory of the 1,205 people killed in the unprecedented Hamas attack in Israel on October 7 is also due to be held in London on Sunday.

In Dublin, the Irish capital, several hundred people demonstrated in support of the Gazans, shouting “freedom and justice for the Palestinians”.

In Berlin, a pro-Palestinian demonstration brought together more than a thousand people and another pro-Israeli demonstration brought together around 650, according to the police. Outside the procession of this last demonstration, 26 people who had accosted the demonstrators were arrested, a police spokesperson told AFP.

In Rome, pro-Palestinian youth clashed with the police, with bottles thrown, firecrackers, tear gas and water cannons used, after a demonstration that brought together thousands of people. “Italy must stop selling and sending weapons to Israel”, “Free Palestine” and “Israel, a criminal state”, the demonstrators shouted.

During the offensive led in response by Israel, at least 41,825 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to data from the Hamas government’s Ministry of Health, deemed reliable by the UN. In Lebanon, according to the authorities, more than 2,000 people have been killed since October 2023.

Representatives of LFI at the Paris demonstration

In France, several thousand people marched in Paris and several other cities to show their “solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples” and to ask the French government to do more.

In Paris, 5,000 demonstrators, according to the police, marched from Place de la République to Place de Clichy, shouting “Palestine will live, Palestine will win”. At the head of the procession were several political figures from the radical left, including representatives of La France Insoumise Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Manon Aubry. Among them, MP Thomas Portes, interviewed by AFP, once again asked President Emmanuel Macron to “recognise the State of Palestine”.

At the microphone of a truck present in the procession, Jean-Luc Mélenchon reiterated his call for students to “flaunt the colors of Palestine” and “Lebanon” from October 8, in response to a ministerial circular on maintaining order in universities on the eve of October 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack in Israel.

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(Click here for the original article in French.

Question related to this article:

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

(continued from left column)

But for Mohammed Ghili, 52, a member of the association Solidarité Palestine, if “it’s good news, it comes far too late” in the face of what he calls “genocide”. In the crowd, Maya, 37, a French-Lebanese physics researcher who arrived from Beirut a week ago, said she was “stunned by the media coverage” of the escalation in Lebanon. “We don’t hear about the bombing of civilians”.

Among the thousand people who also marched in Lyon according to the prefecture, Jérôme Faÿnel, president of a local collective supporting the Palestinian people, said that it was an opportunity for him to denounce the anniversary of “one year of unheard-of brutality”.

In Toulouse, 300 demonstrators chanted the name of “Georges Abdallah”, in reference to the Lebanese pro-Palestinian activist Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, imprisoned for 40 years for complicity in murder. His 11th request for release is to be examined on 7 October. “How can a court decision be issued on 7 October?” exclaimed Soraya, 50, who did not wish to give her last name. She denounces “a bias” on the part of the justice system, one year to the day after the unprecedented attack by Hamas.

Flo, 22, an unemployed resident of Vienne (Isère), who did not wish to give his last name, came to demonstrate as he has been doing for a year, and for him, it is a “fight”: not a “symbolic fight”, but a “fight for justice” for the Palestinian and Lebanese people.

In Nantes, two marches bringing together some 350 people in total, according to an AFP journalist, marched through the streets of the city center. In Strasbourg, there were 200 demonstrators, as in Bordeaux, where they observed a minute of silence “in homage to the martyrs” before walking peacefully, chanting “Palestine will live, Palestine will win”.

Gatherings in Switzerland and South Africa

In Basel, Switzerland, thousands of people also gathered in a park near the train station for a national pro-Palestinian demonstration called by the Swiss-Palestine Federation and a hundred or so organizations.

In Madrid, 5,000 people, according to the authorities, demonstrated at the call of the Solidarity Network against the Occupation of Palestine (RESCOP), with placards saying “Boycott Israel” or “Humanity is dead in Gaza”. The demonstrators called on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has taken a number of critical positions against Israel in recent months, to break off diplomatic relations with the country.

In Venezuela, hundreds of supporters of the government of Nicolás Maduro and members of the Arab community demonstrated in front of the UN headquarters in Caracas. Carrying a 25-metre-long Palestinian flag and shouting “Long live free Palestine” or “Iran, Iran, strike Tel Aviv”, the Chavistas presented the UN with a document calling for an end to the “genocide” of the Palestinian people and for “concrete actions” against Israel.

In South Africa, in central Cape Town, hundreds of people demonstrated, waving Palestinian flags and chanting anti-Israel slogans at a pro-Gaza rally. Holding placards accusing Israel of genocide and racism, the protesters – many wearing keffiyehs, a symbol of the Palestinian struggle against Israel – marched toward the South African parliament.

“Israel is a racist state” and “We are all Palestinians,” protesters chanted. Some of them said they supported South Africa’s complaint to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Pretoria maintains that Israel’s offensive in Gaza violates the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.

Many South Africans compare Israel’s stance toward the Palestinians to apartheid, the segregationist regime imposed by the white minority in the country until the first multiracial elections in 1994.

(Editor’s note: The video of the rally in New York City is especially impressive.)

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Africa, Europe, Mideast, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY, ,

Speech from Birmingham, UK, for Solidarity and against Racism

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from the website of We are BRIG

The recent far-right riots and violence in the UK, particularly following the tragic attack in Southport, have sparked outrage and concern among anti-racism groups and community leaders. Here’s a summary of the key statements from BRIG, Kings Heath United Against Racism, and Patrick Vernon, which collectively address the issue of ongoing racial injustice and the rise of far-right extremism in the UK.

Speech by Mukhtar Dar on behalf of Kings Heath United Against Racism

Brothers, Sisters, Comrades—

Firstly, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the three young girls murdered in the horrific knife attack, and to those who are critically injured. I also wish to pay special tribute to the heroes who confronted the attacker. My solidarity goes out to the people of Southport, particularly the Muslim community whose mosques came under siege, to the refugees who were attacked in their hotels, and to all those communities across the country—White, Black, Asian, African, Caribbean—who are standing firm against those who seek to exploit these tragic murders.

We gather here not merely as individuals, but as a force of history—a moral majority that stands unwaveringly on the side of justice, truth, and equality. We are the embodiment of hope, love, and unity. Our hearts beat as one, and in this dark hour, we stand resolute against the forces that seek to tear us apart, to make us forget our shared humanity.

We are confronted by those who thrive on division, who feed on hatred. These forces—whether driven by fascism, nationalism, or populism—seek to drive a wedge between black and white, Muslim and Christian, gay and straight, able and disabled, migrant and native. But let us remind them, let us remind the world: we are all migrants. Every single one of us. Our DNA tells the story of our ancestors’ journeys out of Africa, weaving the tapestry of migration that has shaped human civilization across Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Americas.

The United Kingdom itself is a living testament to this migration, a vibrant mosaic of dreams and struggles from across Europe and beyond. The story of Birmingham, like that of many cities, is a story of migration—of people moving from hamlets and villages, of the Irish, of our parents from the former colonies, who came here to rebuild the ‘motherland’ after the ravages of war. We, together, built this city—a city of resilience, of hope. And when the likes of Tommy Robinson and his band of bigots speak of Christianity, let us remind them: Jesus was a migrant seeking refuge, a symbol of compassion and solidarity for all humanity.

Brother and sisters, this is not a race war. This is not a religious war. This is not merely a struggle for the Muslim community, or for refugees. No, this is a righteous struggle that calls upon each of us to take our positions in the ranks of our people’s struggle. This is a battle against the far-right forces rising across Europe, against the spectre of fascism, against the insidious seeds of bigotry, racism, and Islamophobia. This is a battle against the most reactionary, divisive, and backward forces humanity has ever faced—and yes, defeated.

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Question related to this article:
 
Are we making progress against racism?

(continued from left column)

We have defeated them before. Our movement’s history is rich with victories over these forces of darkness. We defeated them at the Battle of Cable Street, where ordinary British workers stood shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and said, “No pasaran—they shall not pass.” We defeated them in the ghettos of Walsall, where unity and resilience sent a powerful message. Our communities, the African Caribbean and Asian communities alongside our white comrades from the labour and trade union movement fought them in the streets of Lewisham, in Brick Lane, in Manningham, in Southall, in Handsworth. Each time, we stood together, and each time, we prevailed.

But, my friends, the struggle is far from over. Today, the far-right, emboldened by the likes of Reform UK and Tommy Robinson’s Street brigade, offer no solutions aside from scapegoating, creating divisions, and preaching death and destruction. We must oppose them with every ounce of strength we possess. We must confront them in the streets and in the battle of ideas. Our arguments must be rooted in justice, in compassion, in our shared values, and in the truth that we are all one.

Yet, let us not forget those who empower these forces with their reckless racist rhetoric. We must challenge and expose the politicians who speak of ‘stopping the boats’ and other dog-whistle tactics that create fertile ground for the far-right to grow. Their words fan the flames of division and fear, providing a veneer of legitimacy to those who march through our streets with hate in their hearts. It is not enough to denounce the far-right; we must also hold accountable those in power who enable their rise.

From Southport, Rotherham, and Middlesbrough, to over 60 cities and towns, the far-right and their supporters openly rampaged, terrorising our communities, attacking our homes, our mosques, setting alight our cars, setting up roadblocks, singling out Asian, African, and Caribbean taxi drivers, pulling them out of their vehicles. In many places, the police stood by indifferent and allowed it to happen. This was not just violence; this was a pogrom. There are no legitimate grievances here, no excuses of deprivation. These were not race riots but racist riots by violent, lying racists who demonise Muslims while hiding behind a false patriotism and reactionary nostalgia for a bygone all white era.

History teaches us an unshakable truth: we must organise, we must unite, we must mobilise. Across cities, towns, and villages, let us bridge our divides to build a massive united front to defeat both state racism and fascism. Let us forge a coalition so strong, so determined, that it will consign the likes of Nigel Farage, Tommy Robinson, and their poisonous ideologies to the dustbin of history.

We are not alone, for history is on our side. We stand as the embodiment of hope, the champions of love, and the bearers of justice. We are the light that will drive out the darkness, the voices that will speak for the voiceless. So let us, united as one, reclaim our streets and our future. In our unity, there is strength; in our diversity, there is beauty; and in our solidarity, there is hope.

Together, we will rise above hate. Together, we will build a brighter tomorrow for all. We will invest the fruits of our labour not in wars, but in progress, ensuring that the wealth we create is shared by the many, not hoarded by the few. We are the defenders of the dream that all people—regardless of race, religion, gender, or background—can live in harmony and equality. Let us show the world that our unity is our strength, that our diversity is our power. Together, we will rise. Together, we will resist. Together, we will prevail.

“Make them gwan, make them run—Chase the fascists out of Brum!”

(Editor’s note: Thank you to Joe Yannielli, the CPNN reporter for this article.)

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Europe, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Youth Summit on Peace and Sustainable Future Wraps Up Successful Week in Montpellier, France

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

A press release from Open PR

The Institute of Public Policy, and Diplomacy Research (IPPDR) today announced the conclusion of its Youth Summit on Peace and a Sustainable Future, which took place from July 22 to 26, 2024, in Montpellier, France. The Summit was hosted by Montpellier Mayor Michael Delafosse and Dr. Andrise Bass, Founder of The Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research. Also attending and mentoring were Prince Jean Louis Bingna, Dr. Bruno Mpondo-Epo, and Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallo from the IBTK Foundation, which was founded to inform students about public policy as it pertains to the international community.

“The message from the Summit was unequivocal, ‘This is our time, this is our day, this is our future,'” said Dr. Bass. “The young people implore those with influence to ‘Help us lead, because we are ready to be leaders.'”

The Summit provided a platform for young people from more than forty countries to explore and debate the merits of issues related to global peace and sustainability. Views and conclusions about what actions should be taken were decided upon by the students, and the findings will directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Summit participants were expected to understand, clarify, and give legitimacy to the young people’s voices and opinions regarding the greater global conversation. Lively discussions around peace and sustainability were the most interesting topics that aligned with guidelines of the United Nations’ Security Council Resolution 2250, which was adopted in 2015. Resolution 2250’s encourages member nations to set up mechanisms to enable young people to participate meaningfully in peace processes and dispute resolution.

Delegates collaborated and made recommendations meant to strengthen youth participation in the peace building movement, and the young people advocated for an observation role at the UN Security Council. Because the younger generation will inherit what their elders leave, or do not leave them, it was critical to ensure that that their voices would be heard.

(Click here for an article in French on this subject)

(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?

(continued from left column)

Those attending the event look to people in the highest levels of government and industry to examine the ramifications of decision-making, which affects the globe along with everything on it and in it.

The Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on human rights, public policy, sustainable development, human trafficking awareness, diplomacy protocol, leadership etiquettes and peacebuilding The organization offers hybrid courses on a range of topics, including:

– Diplomatic protocol

– National security

– Finance and economics

– Consular affairs

– Etiquette and acceptable behavior

– Employment

– Regulations

The summit concluded with the young attendees publishing a Declaration on peace and the sustainable future that will be shared with the Secretary General of the United Nations. The ambitious Declaration, representing the youth of more than 40 countries, seeks to include youth in the worldwide peacemaking process and efforts to build sustainable societies.

Bass commented, “As we ended the Summit, we all felt that it was not an ending, but rather a beginning. The momentum continues. Young people were so passionate regarding insights and recommendations going forward that will be presented to global leaders.”

For more information visit www.ippdr.org [http://www.ippdr.org/]
Media Contact
Company Name: The Institute of Public Policy, and Diplomacy Research
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email [http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=youth-summit-on-peace-and-sustainable-future-wraps-up-successful-week-in-montpellier-france]
Country: France
Website: http://www.ippdr.org

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Europe, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY