The Elders: World leaders must reject the path of chaos

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

An article from The Elders

In our latest newsletter, Juan Manuel Santos reflects on his new role as Chair of The Elders, highlights discussions from the recent board meeting in London and calls on world leaders to act responsibly amid escalating global conflicts.
 
 Adapted from The Elders’ monthly newsletter. Sign up for regular email updates from The Elders.
 

Dear friends,

I am deeply honoured to be writing to you in my new role as Chair of The Elders. Assuming this position is an incredible privilege and I am truly grateful to follow in the footsteps of Archbishop Tutu, Kofi Annan and Mary Robinson.

As I assume this new role, the return of Donald Trump to the White House in January 2025 will have worldwide repercussions, not all of which we can yet predict. As the President of Colombia during President Trump’s first term, I have worked closely with him and I am certain that The Elders will work with his administration to uphold our core values of promoting peace, justice, human rights, and a sustainable planet, inspired by the mandate Nelson Mandela gave us at our founding in 2007.

I am particularly grateful to my predecessor as Chair, Mary Robinson, for her continued support. Mary was a founding member of our group and for the past six years has guided us with unwavering leadership and an enduring commitment to our mission. She has played a pivotal role in our organisation’s history and will be an active member of The Elders in the months and years ahead.

It is also a pleasure to be supported by Ban Ki-moon and Graça Machel, who will continue to serve as Deputy Chairs. With their partnership, and that of our fellow Elders, I am confident that we can drive meaningful change in today’s troubled world.

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Questions related to this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

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Last month, the Elders gathered for our bi-annual board meeting in London. Our discussions focused a lot on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. As we voiced in our statement, we are revolted by the scale of the killings, not only in Gaza and Lebanon, but also in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, that stems from a growing disregard for international rule of law.

Our message to world leaders is clear: reject this path of chaos and act for the common good.

From my experience in negotiating peace in Colombia, I learnt that true peace demands a persistent commitment to dialogue and compromise. This same dedication is essential in addressing other global challenges, such as climate change, where collaboration and upholding the rule of law are vital for a sustainable and secure future.

As Elders, we are continuing to take proactive steps to translate this dedication into action. In London, we met the new UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to discuss pressing issues such as the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, de-escalation with Iran, arms sales to Israel, and climate finance ahead of COP29. My fellow Elders Ban Ki-moon, Helen Clark and Denis Mukwege also participated in a fruitful discussion with global health experts at Chatham House about the world’s preparedness for the next pandemic.

As we continue to confront these existential threats, I want to end with a message of hope. One of the most important lessons I learnt from Mandela is the vital role that hope plays in our lives. He believed that hope is humanity’s most precious commodity and our strongest weapon, even when all seems lost. In today’s world, with its many challenges, we need hope more than ever to drive bold, progressive changes toward a better, safer, and more just future.

With thanks for your ongoing support,

Juan Manuel Santos

Former President of Colombia; a Nobel Peace Laureate who led complex peace negotiations, ending over 50 years of intractable civil war; Chair of The Elders.

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FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global, Uncategorized

Uganda: Championing a Culture of Peace – A Training Toolkit on Conflict Prevention

. EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An announcement from the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre

Championing A Culture of Peace: A Training Toolkit on Conflict Prevention, Transformation and Peace Building. The Curriculum builds on lessons learned by the Eminent Women in the WSR-Uganda* (2016), whose work confirmed that a culture of peaceful elections needs to be inculcated in the country.

 Author and publisher: Women’s International Peace Centre   

 Publication date: November 8, 2024

(The publication is online here.)

CONTENTS

Introduction
Customised Curriculum Overview
Structure of the Curriculum
Content and Process of the Curriculum

1. Election Framework And Procedures
What Is Democracy
Understanding Multiparty Democracy
Women and Governance
The Electoral Cycle
Actors And Agents of Electoral Conflict

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Question for this article:

Culture of peace curricula: what are some good examples?

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2. Early Warning
Understanding Early Warning
Dynamics in Conflict Monitoring
The Conflict Monitor
Basics Of Monitoring and Information Gathering

3. Understanding of Conflict and Tools for Analysis
What Is Conflict
Perceptions
Interpersonal Conflict
Conflict Dynamics
Needs, Interests And Positions
Governance Systems and Conflict Triggers
Sysmptom vs Root Cause
Conflict and Natural Resources
Natural Resource Conflict in War and Post War Societies

4. Communication and Disemination of Human Rights
Violations, Threats, Instability
What to Report About
Tools for Conflict Reporting

5. Conflict Prevention Early Response
Institutionalised Early Warning Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention
Disaster Preparednss: Warning & Response Mechanism in Uganda
Civil Society-Led Initiative
Human Rights Defenders Rapid Response
Women’s Situation Room on EWER To Election Violence (Early Warning Early Response)

6.Peace Building and Security
Pillars of Peace
Lobbying and Advocacy
Negotiation Skills for Peace Builders
African Traditional Mechanisms for Peace Building
Feminist Leadership and Movement Building

*The WSR (Women’s Situation Room was started in 2011 by Angie Brooks International Center, mobilising women, youth and media to reduce tension and ensure peaceful elections in Liberia. The model has had success in different parts of Africa. The WSR was set up in Uganda elections of 2016 as a model approach to mitigation of election related violence.

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Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Building Peace Through Cinema: The XVI Edition of the Human Rights Film Festival in Naples

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from Il Mattino

Building peace in a global context marked by tensions such as the Russian-Ukrainian one and especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: an urgency that requires the commitment and sensitivity of everyone, but also the professionalism of many.

From November 11 to 22, 2024, Naples will host the XVI edition of the Naples Human Rights Film Festival “Building a Culture of Peace”, dedicated to building peace precisely in days when the risk of escalation is most felt. Now a consolidated event on the national and international scene, the Festival, through cinema, aims to raise awareness and inform the public about major social issues and the state of Human Rights, and proposes itself, especially in this historical moment, as an important moment of reflection for the affirmation of rights in every part of the world, starting from the South, through the power of cinematic images and the testimony of the protagonists.


This year, the goal of the event, realized with the contribution of the Campania Region and the Campania Region Film Commission and with the support of the Municipality of Naples, is twofold: dedicated to the memory of the pacifist, anti-fascist, and non-violent Danilo Dolci, born exactly 100 years ago in Sesana in Friuli (now Slovenia), the XVI edition aims to orient young people towards the Professions of Peace, a competence too often ignored by schools and universities in European countries, and will do so by emphasizing, with a series of specific events, the role of Peace experts in the international context and announcing the birth, in collaboration with the Eastern University and the UN UPeace of Costa Rica, of a Summer School dedicated to the memory of Mario Paciolla, the Neapolitan cooperator who died in Colombia while serving the local UN Mission.

An opening evening dedicated to international dialogue

The inaugural ceremony, to be held on November 11 starting at 6:00 PM at the Spazio Comunale Piazza Forcella, will feature the participation of prominent international guests, including Ashok Swain, Director of the Department of Conflict Studies at Uppsala University (Sweden), Julie Khrebtan Hoerhager from the University of Colorado, and Enrico Calamai, former Italian vice-consul in Argentina, known for his commitment to Human Rights. It will be an opportunity to present the Festival program and kick off a series of meetings and screenings that will explore themes such as Peace, migrations, Human Rights, and resistance to their violations.

A program of screenings, international debates, and moments of reflection

The Festival will present a rich selection of films, competing for awards, chosen from works from 50 countries, with stories ranging from armed conflicts to challenges related to migrations, to struggles for freedom of expression. The film screenings in competition will take place at Palazzo Corigliano (Piazza San Domenico Maggiore) in the spaces of the Eastern University of Naples, which is among the main partners of the Festival. The screenings will take place every evening from 7:00 PM onwards and will feature the participation of international directors and authors.

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(Click here for a French version of this article or here for a Spanish version.)

Question for this article:

Film festivals that promote a culture of peace, Do you know of others?

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Alongside the screenings, the Naples Human Rights Film Festival will offer a series of events, with meetings and debates open to experts and witnesses, introduced by films out of competition. On November 14, at the Conference Room of the Eastern University, a seminar entitled “Training Paths for Peace Operators” will be held, with the participation of Roberto Savio (UPeace, Costa Rica), Ashok Swain (Uppsala University), Renato Briganti (Univ. Federico II of Naples) and Laurent Goetschel (University of Basel), introduced by Rector Roberto Tottoli and the faculty of the Eastern University. At the opening of the second week, a guest of the Festival will be Daniela Dolci, daughter of Danilo and member of the Festival jury, interviewed by Anna Polo, journalist of Pressenza and witness of the Trappeto (Palermo) experience. Another highlight will be the meeting on November 19 with the organization Combatants for Peace, formed by former Israeli and Palestinian combatants, represented by Ezster Koranyi and Rana Slman, who will share their experiences of peace and reconciliation, launching an appeal from Naples.

A Festival of civil commitment through cinema

The Naples Human Rights Film Festival confirms its commitment as a space for dialogue and denunciation, offering visibility to stories of resistance, struggle, and hope. In particular, awards such as the Peace Prize, presented by Minister Michele Coduri of the Swiss Embassy in Italy on the evening of November 14 at Palazzo Corigliano, and the awards dedicated to the best cinematographic works presented in competition will be awarded.

During the closing evening on November 22, presented by Mario Leombruno, coordinator of the Festival’s film competition, the winners of the different categories and special mentions will be announced; the establishment of the Summer School “Mario Paciolla” will also be announced, which will begin in the spring of 2025, a commitment that will see the Naples Human Rights Film Festival, the Eastern University, and the United Nations Peace University (Costa Rica) united to present the training paths and professional horizons of Peace Operators to young university students in Campania. The Summer School will be able to count on the collaboration of some important Italian and foreign universities, already present at the 2024 Festival, and will be named in memory of Mario Paciolla, Neapolitan cooperator and Peace Operator.

“The Naples Human Rights Film Festival is not just a cultural event, but a true invitation to civil commitment,” explains the Festival coordinator Maurizio Del Bufalo. “In a world marked by conflicts and injustices, it is necessary to continue defending Human Rights with strength and determination, and we continue to do so even this year, using Cinema as a means to tell and denounce violations and to promote Peace concretely as a commitment of life and not just as an aspiration.”

The Festival also this year relies on prestigious partnerships such as with FICC (Italian Federation of Cinema Circles), Un ponte per and ExpoItaly.

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EDUCATION FOR PEACE, Europe

Côte d’Ivoire: Radio de la Paix

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

Excerpt from Radio de la Paix

Radio de la Paix has been broadcasting on Ivorian territory since March 1, 2017. It is ​​run by the Félix Houphouët Boigny Foundation for Peace Research in Yamoussoukro.

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(Click here for the French original of this article.)

Question(s) related to this article:

How can peace be promoted by radio?

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Radio de la Paix took over from ONUCI FM, the radio station of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (ONUCI). This initiative was part of the transfer of residual activities of ONUCI in order to consolidate the achievements in the field of communication. It was recommended by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in his special report on ONUCI, on March 31, 2016, to the Security Council, which accepted it.

Radio de la Paix meets professional requirements that guarantee editorial independence, exclusivity and impartiality in the treatment of information. Radio de la Paix’s missions are to promote social cohesion, reconciliation, gender and respect for human rights in the service of peace in Côte d’Ivoire.

Radio de la Paix welcomes listeners who wish to know its information and programs and contribute to the dissemination of the culture of peace in Côte d’Ivoire, but also in French-speaking Africa.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Videoconference November 14 for a Culture of Peace Revolution

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

A press release from Uniting for Peace

On 14th November 2024, Uniting for Peace is hosting a conference on Culture of Peace. A panel of distinguished speakers will be giving their contribution. When all the speakers have spoken then we open up the Q/A which goes on for an hour. Free Online Event, All Welcome to attend.

Title: Why We Fight Wars? Can a Culture of Peace Revolution Work Towards Its End?


Date: Thursday, 14 November 2024
Time: 18:00 – 20:00 (UK time)


To register: https://cultureofpeace2024.eventbrite.co.uk/


Direct link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3482765417?pwd=dXI1WXJRUS9TbHowWVhVNDVMRlR5QT09&omn=89125388863


Meeting ID: 348 276 5417


Passcode: 2022

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Question related to this article:

How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?

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Chair – Rita Payne, President Emeritus, Commonwealth Journalists Association


Speakers:


Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Former Director-General of UNESCO, Founder, Fundación Cultura de Paz and Author, The World Ahead: Our Future in the Making


Vijay Mehta, Chair, Uniting for Peace, Author, How Not To Go To War


David Adams, Former UNESCO Director, Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, Coordinator, The Culture of Peace News Network


John Gittings, Former The Guardian Journalist Specialised on China and East Asia, Author, The Glorious Art of Peace


Rivera Sun, Editor, Nonviolence News, Program Coordinator for Campaign Nonviolence, Author, The Dandelion Insurrection


Ken Butigan, Senior Professional Lecturer in the Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies Program, DePaul University, Chicago USA

Blurb of the conference is below:

United Nations has declared the official theme for this year 2024 International Day of Peace as Cultivating a Culture of Peace. The pertinent question is: Is war a necessary evil or an organised crime to kill our own human species? Either way, war kills people bringing untold suffering and misery. Also, it’s a waste of vital resources which can be utilised for healthcare, education, jobs and boosting the growth of the economy. If the later argument is valid, then can we replace war by implementing Culture of Peace.

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DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, global

Announcement of Finalists World Future Policy Award 2024 on Peace and Future Generations

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

A press release from World Future Council (slightly abridged)

The World Future Council is delighted to announce 12 exceptional finalists for the 2024 World Future Policy Award on Peace and Future Generations.

From 47 nominations across 29 countries, our distinguished panel of international experts has selected these finalists for their outstanding contributions to sustainable peacebuilding and the well-being of both present and future generations.

The five winners will be revealed and honoured at our high-level award ceremony on 27 November 2024 at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva.

The World Future Policy Award celebrates top policy solutions for current and future generations. We raise global awareness of exemplary laws and policies, accelerating policy action towards a common future where every person lives in dignity on a healthy, sustainable planet. As the world’s premier policy prize, we showcase inspiring and effective policies, not individuals, on the international stage. Each year, we focus on one topic where progress is particularly urgent and receive nominations from across the globe. This year’s topic is Peace and Future Generations.

Enduring peace is perhaps the most critical component for the sustainable development of societies and the protection of both people and the planet. Our global community is in desperate need of creative and inclusive policy solutions at all levels to resolve conflict, prevent war, and foster a culture of peace. The good news is, these policies exist!

Finalists (in alphabetical order)

Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (2017)

Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), focuses on promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. Its feminist approach addresses systemic gender inequalities, engages men and boys, and fosters inclusive participation. The policy has been implemented in countries like Afghanistan (supporting women’s rights and economic empowerment), Iraq (establishing centres for survivors of sexual violence), Senegal (empowering women in agriculture), and Cambodia (improving food security through climate-resilient agriculture). The FIAP’s influence extends to international development policies, contributing to sustainable peace and security initiatives. .

Costa Rica’s Abolition of the Army (1948) and Affirmation of Active Neutrality (1983 and 2014)

Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948, embedding this in the Constitution (Article 12), followed by the Proclamation of Active, Unarmed, and Perpetual Neutrality in 1983 and the Proclamation of Peace as a Human Right and of Costa Rica as a Neutral Country in 2014. These milestones removed military influence from politics, promoted international peace, and directed resources to social and economic development.. .

Finland’s Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan (2018-2021)

Finland’s third National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security builds on previous plans to enhance gender equality in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. It prioritises women’s participation in peace processes, mediation, gender mainstreaming in security sectors, and the protection of women and girls in conflict zones, while addressing new global security challenges. The plan exemplifies Finland’s leadership in the international WPS agenda, with strong civil society involvement ensuring an inclusive and adaptable approach. . . .

The Great Law of Peace of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (Kaianere’ko:wa) (12th/13th Century- ongoing)

The Great Law of Peace, established in the 12th or 13th century, united the Haudenosaunee nations in what is now New York and Canada under a governance system prioritising peace, consensus decision-making, and sustainability. Key features include gender equity through the role of Clan Mothers and a commitment to long-term environmental stewardship. Its influence extended beyond its region, contributing to modern democratic principles and treaty law. . . .

Kauswagan – From Arms to Farms Program (Phillippines) (2010)

Launched in 2010 in Kauswagan, Philippines, the “From Arms to Farms” program reintegrates former combatants through sustainable agriculture, promoting peace between Christian and Muslim communities. By focusing on organic farming and community-led development, the program has transformed conflict zones into peaceful, productive areas. The program significantly reduced poverty from 80% in 2010 to 9.1 % in 2020, increasing food security, while enhancing social cohesion.

Mayor Rommel C. Arnado led consultations and dialogues to address concerns and build trust, encouraging all parties to embrace the program’s potential for positive change. This innovative, effective and holistic approach serves as an exemplary model for peacebuilding initiatives and sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.

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Question related to this article:

How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?

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The Moriori Peace Covenant (Nunuku’s Law) (16th Century – ongoing)

The Moriori Peace Covenant (Nunuku’s Law) is an extraordinary example of a long-standing commitment to peace, nonviolence, and future generations. Established in the 16th century, it prohibits violence among the indigenous Moriori of Rēkohu (Chatham Islands, New Zealand). Despite facing immense aggression and discrimination from Māori tribes Ngāti Mutunga and Ngāti Tama, and later European settlers, the Moriori upheld their commitment to non-violence.Though this led to tragic losses, the Covenant became a powerful symbol of resilience ad integrity. . .

The Nigerian National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (NNAPYPS) (2021)

The Nigerian National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security (NNAPYPS) was developed in response to UN Security Council Resolution 2250, making Nigeria the first African country and second globally to adopt such a policy. It seeks to engage youth in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, focusing on vulnerabilities like unemployment and empowering young people as peacebuilders. Despite contextual challenges, NNAPYPS shows great potential and has already improved youth engagement and representation, with incremental replication at the state level.
. . .

Peace Education – Executive Order No. 570: Institutionalising Peace Education in Basic Education and Teacher Education (2006)

Executive Order No. 570, implemented in the Philippines, institutionalises peace education in basic and teacher education. Its goal is to promote a culture of peace by equipping students and educators with conflict resolution and nonviolent skills. The policy integrates peace education into the formal curriculum and fosters collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, schools and universities. Key outcomes include reduced school violence and the empowerment of educators and students to address the root causes of conflict, contributing to national unity and social cohesion. . . .

Rwanda Peace Education Programme (2013)

Rwanda’s Peace Education Programme (RPEP) aims to promote peace, social cohesion, and reconciliation following the 1994 genocide. It integrates Peace and Values Education into the national curriculum, focusing on empathy, critical thinking, and conflict prevention. The programme uniquely employs a Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) and narrativebased teaching, using survivor testimonies to deepen understanding of peacebuilding. Key outcomes include improved social cohesion and a stronger culture of reconciliation, positioning the programme as a strong model for peace education. . .

Supporting Bougainvillean-Owned Peace: The New Zealand-Led Pacific Partnership for Peace Monitoring and Mediation (1997-1998)

The Bougainville peace process is a uniquely successful example of regionally supported, locally led conflict resolution. The New Zealand-led Pacific Partnership for Peace (1997-1998) played a key role in this process after nearly a decade of civil war. The initiative’s main components, the Burnham Talks and the Truce Monitoring Group, used a ‘light intervention’ approach characterised by inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, unarmed truce monitoring, and diplomacy. This policy contributed to a sustainable, locally-led ceasefire and stabilisation of the conflict. . . .

Switzerland’s Active Neutrality Policy (1815/1848/1907)

Switzerland’s Active Neutrality Policy, declared in 1815 and embedded in the Swiss Constitution in 1848, was codified in international law through the Hague Conventions of 1907. Its aim is to safeguard Switzerland’s independence and security by avoiding military involvement in wars while actively promoting global peace through diplomacy and humanitarian aid. This blend of military neutrality with diplomatic engagement has led to Switzerland’s leadership in the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), mediation in international conflicts, and providing humanitarian aid and refuge during crises. Over time, it has strengthened Switzerland’s stability, security, and role in global peacebuilding.

Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is a landmark policy designed to promote sustainable development across all public bodies in Wales. Its core aim is to enhance the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales, ensuring that present decisions do not compromise future generations. The Act mandates legal accountability for public bodies and prioritises community engagement at all levels, fostering economic resilience, environmental preservation, and social cohesion.

“At a time when we are experiencing the highest number and intensity of armed conflicts this century, it is vital to find, analyse and learn from successful approaches in conflict resolution and peace-building. We are excited to have received a high number of nominations of successful policies from a wide variety of places around the world. We can be inspired by these to build a more peaceful world for current and future generations. “— Alyn Ware, Spokesperson for Peace and Disarmament, World Future Council & Jury Member, 2024 World Future Polic

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DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, global

Approaching election day in the United States

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An email received from Search for Common Ground

As we approach Election Day in the United States, we are reminded of All We Share as fellow humans.

Across the country, 99.994% of Americans, regardless of identity, do not choose acts of political violence, and 87% are tired of political division. In partnership with One Million Truths, we are focused on amplifying the voices of peacebuilders in the US, the visionary leaders and everyday folks who are bridging divides in their communities and choosing respect over division.

We want to shine a light on productive individual actions that are building a better future for everyone. But we need your help in creating a movement that amplifies the stories and experiences we all want to see.

Share your stories with us:

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Question related to this article:
 
How Can a Civil War Be Avoided in the United States?

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Have you worked together with someone you disagree with? Share your story by tagging  @allweshare and @searchforcommonground on Instagram and inspire others to do the same.

Across the nation, people are finding ways to unite and solve problems, regardless of political views. Join this movement by hosting a Love Anyway Feast.

We know we’re better together. It’s time we listen to one another and create unity in our communities. Because together, we can find real solutions, not by avoiding differences, but by embracing them and working through them collaboratively. We’re more than just opposing sides, so let’s focus on All We Share.

Public Agenda reports that 79% of people believe that creating opportunities for open dialogue can reduce divisiveness, and 86% believe it’s possible for people to disagree in a healthy way. How can you cultivate that mutual respect and create positive change within your circle today?

Learn more about All We Share

With peace,
Search for Common Ground

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DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, North America

English bulletin November 1, 2024

. PRIZE WINNERS CALL FOR PEACE .

We begin with this year’s Nobel Prize for Peace. As veteran peace activist Joseph Gerson observes, “the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo is long overdue and could not come at a more important time. . . the U.S. has used its nuclear arsenal in the same way that an armed robber uses his gun when pointed at his victim’s head. Whether or not the trigger is pulled, the gun has been used. Tragically, this is playbook with which the Russian government has been working from with its Ukraine-war nuclear threats.”

The leader of Nihon Hidankyo, Mimaki, echoed these concerns: “It has been said that because of nuclear weapons, the world maintains peace. But nuclear weapons can be used by terrorists. For example, if Russia uses them against Ukraine, Israel against Gaza, it won’t end there. Politicians should know these things.” Mimaki added, “I am not sure I will be alive next year. Please abolish nuclear weapons while we are alive. That is the wish of 114,000 hibakusha.” Nihon Hidankyo represents he hibakusha who are the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Mimaki did not stop there with his remarks. He addressed the genocide of Israel against the Palestinians. ““In Gaza, bleeding children are being held [by their parents]. It’s like in Japan 80 years ago.” He said he had believed “the people working so hard in Gaza” would be awarded the Peace Prize, referring to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which was also nominated for the Nobel prize.

The winners of two other prizes this month addressed the Israeli genocide and called for peace.

Han Kang, the first Korean to win the Nobel Prize in literature, declined to hold a press conference to celebrate the prize that she was awarded last month. She cited the global tragedies of the Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Palestine conflict. ‘With the war intensifying and people being carried out dead every day, how can we have a celebration or a press conference?’

And Arundhati Roy, in accepting the prestigious Pinter Prize awarded by English PEN for literature, dedicated her remarks to the“televised genocide in Gaza and now Lebanon in defence of a colonial occupation and an Apartheid state”

“Describing the fatalities of over 42000 lives including women and children, Roy stated the US and Europe have prepared the ground for another situation to assuage their collective guilt for their early years of indifference towards one genocide—the Nazi extermination of millions of European Jews.

“Hostilities could end right this minute. Israeli hostages could be freed, and Palestinian prisoners could be released. The negotiations with Hamas and the other Palestinian stakeholders that must inevitably follow the war could instead take place now and prevent the suffering of millions of people. . .

“The war that has now begun will be terrible. But it will eventually dismantle Israeli Apartheid. The whole world will be far safer for everyone – including for Jewish people – and far more just. It will be like pulling an arrow from our wounded heart,” the award winning author said, underscoring that the war could stop today if the US government withdrew its support of Israel.

The PEN Prize awardee concluded her speech expressing her conviction that From the river to the sea Palestine will be Free.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY



Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel Peace Prize Win Could Not Have Come at a More Important Moment

HUMAN RIGHTS



‘Keep Your Eye On Calendar, Palestine Will Be Free’: Arundhati Roy’s PEN Pinter Prize Speech

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT



16th BRICS Summit adopts Kazan Declaration

WOMEN’S EQUALITY



UN Women Leaders Network to convene a diverse group of women leaders worldwide to advance women’s rights and leadership
  

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY



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

EDUCATION FOR PEACE



Mexico: Libraries, key to building a peace-building citizenship

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION



Colombia: The functions of the Congressional Peace Commission are strengthened

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION



Han Kang declines press conference, refuses to celebrate Nobel prize while people die in wars
d-disarmament

Survey finds over half of pro-Putin Russians support peace negotiations with Ukraine

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article from Novaya Gazeta

Over half of Russians who support Vladimir Putin are open to peace negotiations with Ukraine according to a survey, independent Russian news outlet Meduza reported on Tuesday (October 22).


People pass a billboard showing a Russian soldier in St. Petersburg.
Photo: EPA-EFE/ANATOLY MALTSEV

Independent research project Chronicles surveyed a random sample of 800 Russians in September and found that 61% of those who supported Putin were in favour of peace negotiations with mutual concessions and 43% were in favour of restoring relations with the West.

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Questions related to this article:
 
Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

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Survey respondents who supported Putin overwhelmingly reported wanting the Kremlin to focus on domestic policy, with 83% stating it should shift its focus to “domestic social and economic issues”, the survey found.

Continued mobilisation proved to be unpopular with Putin’s supporters, with only a quarter of respondents stating that they would like more men to be mobilised for the war in Ukraine.

Those figures were much higher among anti-Putin Russians, according to Chronicles, with 79% in favour of a peace treaty with Ukraine and 90% wanting to restore relations with the West.

However, Putin continues to enjoy popularity among Russians, with the survey revealing 78% support.

In September, Chronicles collaborated with Extreme Scan, a non-profit international association of independent researchers, to reveal that 63% of Russians would support peace negotiations and mutual concessions between Russia and Ukraine in the next year.

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DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Europe

16th BRICS Summit adopts Kazan Declaration

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from United News of India

The 16th BRICS Summit saw the leaders adopt the Kazan Declaration: “Strengthening Multilateralism For Just Global Development And Security” on Wednesday (October 23).

(Editor’s note: Click here for the full text of the Kazan Declaration as published by the Kremlin. In case this becomes unavailable, the full text may be found here as published by the government of India. See below for list of countries attending the Summit.)

The leaders reiterated the importance of further enhancing BRICS solidarity and cooperation based on their mutual interests and key priorities and further strengthening our strategic partnership.

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They reaffirmed their commitment to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration and consensus.

“As we build upon 16 years of BRICS Summits, we further commit ourselves to strengthening cooperation in the expanded BRICS under the three pillars of political and security, economic and financial, cultural and people-to-people cooperation and to enhancing our strategic partnership for the benefit of our people through the promotion of peace, a more representative, fairer international order, a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development and inclusive growth.”

Under the head Need for reform of global institutions, it said:

The Bretton Woods international financial system’s institutions, including the World Trade Organization, should be reformed to better represent developing countries’ interests.

BRICS opposes “unilateral, prohibitive, discriminatory and protectionist” measures taken under the pretext of fighting global climate change, including carbon emissions adjustment mechanisms and taxes.

BRICS supports comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to make it more representative, and notes its centrality in the system of relations between nations.

Under New initiatives, it said:

BRICS members recognize the potential of information and communication technologies in bridging the digital divide between nations to aid socio-economic development.

BRICS intends to transform the New Development bank to serve the needs of the 21st century.

BRICS supports the creation of a New Technology Platform to strengthen development cooperation, including by creating high-tech products using domestic technological potential to fuel ” sustainable and inclusive”growth.

The organization agrees to explore the creation of an independent cross-border settlement and depository infrastructure known as BRICS Clear.

BRICS is ready to strengthen cooperation to develop medicines, including vaccines and nuclear medicine projects.

BRICS welcomes the creation a united transport and logistics platform.

The declaration supports Russia’s proposal to create a Grain Exchange to “promote rules-based trade in agricultural products and fertilizers and minimize disruptions.”

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Question for this article:

What is the contribution of BRICS to sustainable development?

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Under Expanding cooperation:

The declaration welcomes the expanded use of national currencies for transactions between BRICS members and their trade partners.

The document highlights the importance of expanding cooperation based on common interests and further building up strategic partnerships among BRICS members, and continuing to implement the bloc’s Economic Partnership Strategy.

The bloc welcomes interest shown by countries of the Global South toward BRICS, and calls for greater participation of the least developed nations, especially in Africa, in global processes.

Under Opposing global crises:

The document “condemns”the illegal use of discriminatory and politically motivated sanctions and highlights their negative impact on the world economy.

BRICS is opposed to the deployment of weapons in outer space, and supports strengthening the global non-proliferation and disarmament regimes, and implementing a Security Council resolution on measures to prevent WMDs from falling into the hands of terrorists. It calls for strengthened ties between law enforcement to aid in the fight against narcotics.

Bloc members outlined their positions on the Ukrainian crisis, and took note of proposals for mediation to bring the conflict to a conclusion through negotiations.

BRICS expressed support for Palestine’s full-fledged membership in the UN.

The declaration condemns Israel’s attack on UN employees in Lebanon, and the pager terror attack of September 17.

BRICS welcomes the creation of a Haitian Transitional Presidential Council and electoral council to resolve the crisis plaguing the Caribbean nation.

BRICS expresses concern over the escalating violence and worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan, and called for a ceasefire.

The declaration criticizes the politicization of human rights, and double standards in this area.

It also expressed opposition to all forms of discrimination in sports.

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Editor’s note: A press survey by CPNN found the following participation by countries in the Kazan conference.

Heads of state came from 27 countries representing almost half of the world’s economy. Chief among them were the heads of state from the five original BRICS countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The President of Brazil spoke by videoconference and was represented in person by the foreign minister. Heads of state also came from all of the BRICS members added last year, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and United Arab Emirates.

The summit decided to invite an additional 13 countries as “partner states”. Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Vietnam sent their head of state to Kazan. Cuba, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand were represented by their foreign minister, or in the case of Malaysia, the minister of the economy. Only Nigeria, and Uganda were not present.  

Eleven other countries sent their heads of state: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Congo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mauritania, Mongolia, Palestine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

To complete the list of the 37 countries at Kazan, four were represented at the ministerial level: Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka and Serbia.

And to complete the list of the 41 dignitaries in the group photograph, there was the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, the head of the New Development Bank, Dilma Rousseff, the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Chair of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission.

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