12/08/08

Latest Global Peacebuilders ezine released on International Youth Day 12 August 2008

What are you doing to celebrate International Youth Day 2008? Global Peacebuilders has published its latest ezine newsletter, with background, editorial and updates on youth activities for peacebuilding across the world.

To read the ezine in English, click here

Para leer la revista digital en Castellano, pulsar aqui

22/07/08 Sign up to the Peace Day Campaign online now!

Springboard has launched a new online form, allowing you to sign your name to the Peace Day Campaign in just seconds. By joining the campaign, you will send a message of the journey we are making on a local level towards peace, and you will help show your support for observance of the International Day of Peace at the NI Assembly.

To fill in the short form online now, click here

21/07/08

July Transitional Justice Monitor available online

The July 2008 issue of the Transitional Justice Monitor is now available online, and reflects on "What we've learned from working together at the intersection of transitional justice and coexistence". The Monitor is published by the West Africa Network for Transitional Justice (WANT-Justice) with critical support from Coexistence International (CI). To view the Transitional Justice Monitor online now, visit:

http://www.cddghana.org/documents/July%20Newsletter%20FINAL.pdf

21/07/08

Oxford Transitional Justice Research Group launches online debate on justice in Darfur

The Oxford Transitional Justice Research Group is exploring a wide range of issues as the International Criminal Court considers whether to indict Sudanese President Omar al Bashir on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur. To view the Group's working paper series or take part in the debate, visit:

http://www.csls.ox.ac.uk/otjr.php?show=workingpapers

21/07/08

Events on International Day of Peace: 3rd African Youth Peace Conference

Between 21 and 23 2008, this year's conference in Nigeria, Niger Delta Region is designed to create a platform for other young Africans in the continent to appeal to the youths of the region to shun violence and embrace peace as the only tool for meaningful development. While on the other hand calling on government to renew their commitment to youth development, the MDGs and to ensure good governance as well as tackle corruption effectively.

Encouraged by the outcome, success and impact of the 1st and 2nd editions of the Conference, the 3rd Edition is poised to give meaningful expression to the recognition of youth as a development asset and deepen strategies at national levels for translating the potential of youths into practical benefits for Africa’s democratic, peaceful and rights-based development, in line with the objectives of the African Union Youth Charter and Internationally agreed development goals including MDGs. For more information, or to register to attend, contact:

Uzoh, Ifeanyi, Conference Coordinator,

AYPC International Secretariat, ALGON Guest House,

No. 20 Yedseram Street, Opp. Kenya Embassy,

Maitama District, Abuja – Nigeria.

Office Line: +234-9-482 7733 Mobile: +234- 805 840 1000

Email: cadanigeria2000@yahoo.com

21/07/08

Events on International Day of Peace: "Europe's Role in the Resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict" - A meeting for Palestinian, Israeli and European Peacebuilding Organisations, Tuscany, Italy, 19-21 September 2008

For the second consecutive year, this annual summit will bring together members of the Palestinian-Israeli Peace NGO Forum – a network of some 100 Palestinian and Israeli peace organizations working to promote peace through dialogue and cooperation – along with European NGO representatives, government officials and civil society experts from conflict regions across the globe. The summit will offer a unique opportunity to explore significant, contemporary issues within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as to exchange information and learn from one another’s experiences and expertise.

To reserve a place and receive further details,please complete the online registration form at http://peacengo.org/registration.asp 

25/06/08

Global Peacebuilders database member releases paper on women and post-conflict reconstruction

To view and download the paper Women and Post Conflict Reconstruction by Olive Branch Konsult, click here.

23/06/08

Global leaders to address theme of violence at World Peace Forum

The Jakarta Post.com has reported how some of the world's key Heads of State and Heads of Government will come together for a 3-day summit beginning tomorrow to find solutions and address different aspects of religious violence at a national and international level.

The 3-day World Peace Forum takes starts on Tuesday 24 June 2008 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and will see leaders such as New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Dutch Prime Minister Jan Balkenende address the 200-strong delegates made up of religious leaders, political and private sector actors from across the world. To learn more, visit:

http://old.thejakartapost.com/detailheadlines.asp?fileid=20080623.A04&irec=3

10/06/08

Northern Ireland Minister for Social Development Launches Global Peacebuilders Catalogue of Approaches to Peacebuilding

On 10 June 2008, the Global Peacebuilders Catalogue of Approaches to Peacebuilding was launched at Stormont by Northern Ireland Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie MLA. The Catalogue features eighteen approaches to resolving conflict, with entries from countries including Colombia, Israel and Sri Lanka as well as four entries from Northern Ireland. To view and download the English, French, Portuguese or Spanish versions of the Catalogue now, click here. To view and download the official press release and press photo, click here.

Speaking in her Foreword to the Catalogue, Minister Ritchie said: “I welcome the publication of this Peacebuilding Approaches Catalogue as the latest initiative in the Global Peacebuilders project. This document highlights practice in both a local and international dimension and will provide a valuable resource for those involved in conflict resolution. Building meaningful capacity and developing community infrastructure remains an essential element of our work in disadvantaged communities. The positive examples in this publication reflect the real need for this work and I would commend Springboard for bringing these to the attention of a global audience.”

The Catalogue is available in four languages including English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, and has been produced as part of the www.globalpeacebuilders.org initiative by Belfast based organisation Springboard Opportunities.

Speaking at the launch Angila Chada, Executive Director of Springboard said: “Peace in itself is not transferable – there is no magic formula. However the approaches that individuals and groups adopt to tackle the underlying issues around conflict, certainly are transferable. This directory is for all those working at grass roots level, and provides ideas, perspectives and inspiration. In compiling this catalogue we were struck by how much other areas in conflict look to our peace process as an example of what can be achieved. We really are a beacon of hope, and those we talked to are hungry for the knowledge of what helped bring about peace in Northern Ireland.”

The Catalogue is part of the wider project which has built an online international network of conflict resolution, conflict transformation and peacebuilding organisations and initiatives. The initiative seeks to connect organisations, individual practitioners, researchers and other groups worldwide, and offers a solid platform for learning, exchange of innovative practice and development of international partnerships for reconciliation and peacebuilding.

09/05/08

Belfast-Hosted International Conference a Success

*05/06/08 Please note: we can no longer process any further requests for bursaries to attend the conference. The bursary fund is now closed*

As the dust has settled on a busy week in Belfast, it is clear that the city has played host to a number of very special gatherings.  As the US:NI Investment Conference considered future economic opportunities for Northern Ireland, a unique summit marking the anniversary of devolution brought together organisations and individuals with one common goal; peacebuilding.  

Peacebuilders from across the world came to Belfast to share their perspectives, practice and experience of the challenges of peacebuilding at the Springboard-managed "Global Peacebuilders Conference," over the 6th and 7th of May.  Clearly some of the international delegates brought more than just luggage and passports with them, as Belfast was treated some of the best weather it has seen for some time.  Fortunately, this uncharacteristically good weather would not be squandered as many delegates were taken on an enlightening and thought provoking tour of the city's Falls and Shankill roads and heard presentations by groups from two sites of peacebuilding on the 6th.  

The turnout at the summit at the Europa Hotel Belfast on the 7th was unprecedented, with delegates making the journey from across Belfast and the island as a whole, the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Pacific, and North America to attend and establish new partnerships for their peacebuilding work.  As local MLAs were taking time to sell Northern Ireland as a real opportunity for business investment, peacebuilding delegates took part in a full day's programme at the Europa Hotel Belfast.  This included keynote speeches, a  Question  Time-style panel, workshops and a high energy closing celebration led by The Motion Project - a multi-cultural music collective based in Northern Ireland.  

First impressions of feedback on the summit have been very positive and hugely constructive for the future, and there are already a large number of excellent opportunities to develop and build on the comments given by delegates for any future peacebuilder gatherings.  

To view the full programme of activities that took place between 6-7 May 2008 as part of the conference, as well as read about the various speakers, workshop facilitators and other contributors that took part, visit www.globalpeacebuilders.org/english/conference.html

08/04/08

5th Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations - Registration Open

All youth aged 18-26 are encouraged to register for the 5th Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations (UN Headquarters, NYC) August 11-14, 2008.  Registration is now open and available at: www.faf.org/hl_youthassembly.htm

The Youth Assembly at the United Nations, led by YA Secretary General Dr. Elaine Valdov, is a gathering of hundreds of young people from all around the world who seek future involvement with the United Nations, civil society, and ways to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

08/04/08

Friendship Ambassadors Foundation Director Receives Royal Invitation to Participate in the Nobel Laureates Conference, Jordan, 16-19 June 2008

The gathering of Nobel Laureates and others will begin an effort to develop a super fund for education and youth empowerment initiatives throughout the world. Patrick Sciarratta, Director of the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation (FAF), will lead a team of youth at to the historic destination of Petra, Jordan to attend the conference, and to identify travel support for global youth leaders involved in gatherings similar to the annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations. Speaking of the planned trip, Mr Sciarratta said, "That is what FAF’s mission is all about – enabling people to get together across difficult cultural terrain and share meaningful experiences that help promote mutual understanding."

FAF is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organisation, formally affiliated with the United Nations Department of Public Information and resident at the Greenwich Arts Council.  The foundation is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2008.

12/03/08

Springboard and Global Peacebuilders to launch Peace Day Campaign

Did you know that in the last few years, the Member States of the United Nations voted to adopt an International Day of Peace each year on 21 September to promote peaceful resolutions of conflicts and cessation of hostilities.

This international day of ceasefire and nonviolence has been adopted by each of the Member States of the United Nations, and calls for a full day of peace and ceasefire throughout the world - yet many people are not aware of its existence and many conflicts continue to be waged.

On the 2007 International Day of Peace, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said that peace is the United Nations' "highest calling" - yet there is much work still to be done by each of our nations to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts and cessation of hostilities for even one day each year.

Observance of Peace Day in Northern Ireland

Last year, Ban Ki-Moon made a specific call for a 24-hour cessation of hostilities and for a minute's silence to be observed around the world at noon local time. Springboard and Global Peacebuilders want to honour this call in Northern Ireland, an area emerging from decades of conflict and violence.

This year, on 8 May, will see the very first anniversary of the historic re-establishment of Northern Ireland's legislative Assembly and power-sharing Executive, marking the return of devolved government to Northern Ireland from the central government of the United Kingdom.

Springboard and Global Peacebuilders are about to launch a campaign to raise awareness and increase public and civic observance of the International Day of Peace in Northern Ireland. Specifically, the focus will be on working towards recognition and observance each year on 21 September within the Northern Ireland Assembly.

We are calling for Northern Ireland's people, politicians and parties to join us and register your support of our campaign, by emailing info@peacedaycampaign.com

To learn more about Springboard and Global Peacebuilders' campaign to mark the International Day of Peace in the Northern Ireland Assembly, visit http://www.peacedaycampaign.com/

18/03/08

Essays on the International Criminal Court and Africa released this week

Courting Conflict? Justice, Peace and the ICC in Africa, a new collection of essays edited by Nicholas Waddell and Phil Clark have been published this week by the Royal African Society.  The collection can be accessed at:

http://www.royalafricansociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=415

06/03/08

Youth Radio for Peacebuilding: A Guide, 2nd edition

Asiaing.com have reported on a guidebook written for radio broadcasters (adults and youth) who want to make good, entertaining youth radio programmes which also build peace. The tools described are meant for use by those working in radio, but they can also be used by youth workers and young leaders to design and implement their own radio initiatives.To learn more, or to download the guidebook, visit:

http://www.asiaing.com/youth-radio-for-peacebuilding-a-guide-2nd-edition.html

05/03/08

Media reports of 2008 Nobel Peace Prize nominees

The nomination period for this year's Nobel Peace Prize closed at the end of February, and although the nominee list is kept secret by the Nobel Prize committee, nominating groups are free to make their nominations public. A number of online media sites have reported on this year's potential nominees, including france24.com which points out European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, ex-German chancellor Helmut Kohl and Esperanto as likely contenders. To learn more, France24.com

05/03/08

Know Your Rights - Did you know 2008 is the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

Visit the UN's specialist website to raise awareness and share news about this year's celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at: http://www.knowyourrights2008.org/

03/03/08

8 March 2008 is International Women's Day

In its Resolution 32/142 (1977), the United Nations General Assembly called for member countries to designate a day to recognise the role of women in strengthening international peace and security. The UN has commemorated International Women's Day on March 8 since 1975. For more information, visit: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd/

Forced Migration Online (FMO) operates a resource page outlining the prominent role women play in the forced migration context, who often make up a minimum 50% of any refugee population (this percentage rises among IDPs). Many forced migrants who happen to be women continue to be confronted by particular needs and protection challenges, such as gender-based persecution and violence, access to reproductive health services, personal safety and security. At the same time, the role women play in peacebuilding and reconstruction is increasingly recognised and supported by programmes that focus on empowerment, participation and leadership activities. To learn more about FMO and International Women's Day, visit:

http://www.forcedmigration.org/browse/thematic/womensday.htm

27/02/08

Irish Aid Minister of State supports women in politics in developing countries

Michael Kitt TD, Minister for Overseas Development, Republic of Ireland, is to fund a Gender Equality in Politics programme, jointly funded by Irish Aid and the Canadian Development Agency (CIDA). To learn

more, visit Irish Aid's own press release at:

http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/latest_news.asp?article=1202

27/02/08

United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Development and Foreign

Secretary make joint statement condemning the violence in West Darfur

The United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, and the Secretary of State for International

Development,Douglas Alexander, have expressed their concern about ongoing violence in

West Darfur. To learn more, visit:

http://www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/pressreleases/joint-statement-darfur08.asp

13/02/08

Faith-based resource to promote justice and peace in London is launched

The Catholic Diocese of Westminster have announced a new multi-media resource to promote justice and peace in the London area. Entitled ‘No Hands But Ours’, the resource is designed to be used by parishes and groups wanting to promote action for change across London and Hertfordshire.

It has been produced by the Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission, the Diocese of London and the London Church Leaders Social Action Group as a way to encourage a 'spirit of confidence and power for change' in what the Diocese describes as the 'rich but unequal capital city and its environs.'

The resource is made up of an interactive CD, which includes specially filmed “beacons of hope”, stories of volunteers working at the grassroots on issues including homelessness, refugees, Fair Trade and peace, together with interviews with some of London’s church leaders. To learn more, visit Ekklesia at: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/6749

24/09/07
Shine a global spotlight on what you’re doing to build peace – profile your own peacebuilding activity now

Through our multilingual and fully-searchable database of individuals and organisations working around peacebuilding across the world, Global Peacebuilders offers you a fast, effective, and easy-to-use mechanism for spreading news on an international scale about your work on a local scale. You can search the database and locate new peacebuilders and new partners not just in the local area, but also across the world, saving you time and resources the next time you need to research potential collaborators for a joint programme or application. To search the database now, just click on the Search Database menu item now!

By profiling your own peacebuilding activity in the database, you can ensure that the next you want to locate a potential partner or subject expert on peacebuilding in a particular arena, your work or your organisation will be there for all to see. Your online profile within the database gives you the opportunity to draw attention to any areas of your work you are particularly keen to promote, and what’s more, you will get the chance to share that with an audience of Arabic, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish-speakers across the world! Without impacting on your marketing budgets, you can increase your visibility online, and promote your work for peace to a broad audience, across the language divide. To profile your peacebuilding activity now, just click on the Register menu item now!

21/09/07
Global Peacebuilders holds International Day of Peace celebration and launch event

On Friday 21 September 2007, the International Day of Peace, the Global Peacebuilders project website was officially launched to an audience of community, voluntary and public sector members. The launch event was an exciting occasion to discuss the Global Peacebuilders project and its mission to shine a spotlight local and international work for peace, as well as gain a unique “first look” demonstration of the project website, which offers local and international peacebuilders an opportunity to locate and build partnerships with other peacebuilders across the world through its fully-searchable multilingual database of peacebuilding organisations.

The event, which took place in the Europa Hotel, itself an important marker in the local context of conflict and the journey towards peace, focused on a keynote address from Danny Kennedy MLA, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. Mr Kennedy spoke of the significance of the International Day of Peace for Northern Ireland and commended the work of Global Peacebuilders to create a place where peacebuilders large and small, formal and informal, community-based or government-led can shout from the rooftops their successes, lessons learned and key initiatives.

Guests at the launch event were also provided with positive statements on the occasion of the launch from the Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie MLA, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and the UN Department of Public Information and Spokesperson of the UN Secretary General.

24/09/07
Statements of support come thick and fast for Global Peacebuilders

Global Peacebuilders has now received positive comments and statements of support from the Minister for Social Development for Northern Ireland Margaret Ritchie MLA, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and the UN Department of Public Information and Spokesperson of the UN Secretary General. To read these statements now, just click on the Media menu item.

01/06/07
World Peace Day

World Peace Day on 21 September is fast approaching. Did you know that in 2001 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring that 21 September each year be designated as the International Day of Peace, and be devoted to the establishment of world peace. What are you planning to celebrate this day – you’ve got all summer to prepare!

08/05/07
Global Peacebuilders reaches its first century!

The Global Peacebuilders website will be officially launched in September 2007, but already over 100 organisations and practitioners have agreed to join our database of peacebuilders worldwide. We will keep you updated as the number of people participating in the project increases – the more people join, the greater the benefits for all!

08/05/07
Return of the Northern Ireland Assembly

On 8 May 2007 Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government was formed, ending five years of direct rule and highlighting the first steps towards a sustainable peace. The return of devolved government will see DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness take up their posts at First Minister and Deputy First Minister respectively.

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