Globa Unites Summit Reflections

Creating a worldwide peace movement at first glance is a lofty goal. Where does one start?

Like with any project you begin with the givens- you begin by CONNECTING existing peacebuilders, and INSPIRING them with a message of hope and a shared mission of conflict transformation. Finally by EQUIPPING them with the tools and resources they need to spread the message, and tie these disparate movements in countless countries together to one cohesive worldwide movement- you create GLOBAL UNITES.

In June of 2015, we did just that. At our first Global Unites Summit, we brought together over 40 peacebuilders from 15 countries, and gave them the opportunity to speak about their unique experiences of working toward peace in their respective communities. After four days of workshops on streamlining your mission to fundraising for your cause, and lectures from prominent thought leaders, the delegates left the summit with new colleagues all over the world , a renewed inspiration and a set of goals to move their ideas forward.

Ibrahim, a Palestinian, and Adaya, an Israeli, met in Sri Lanka during the Global Unites Summit. Both Ibrahim and Adaya are focusing on bridging the gap between Palestinians and Israelis, albeit from opposing sides of the conflict.

A few days after the Summit, and after quite a bit of reflection, Ibrahim told us that his time in Sri Lanka at the Global Unites summit was a “Renaissance” for him. He writes, “I was truly reborn in Sri Lanka. I know it sounds very cliché but it is the truth. Global Unites equipped me with courage, with hope, with determination.”  He plans on using the relationships and tools he has garnered to establish an education organization in his community in Jerusalem that he hopes will provide a lens to the greater world, and motivate his community with a sense of hope and understanding, elements he believes his community currently lacks.

Adaya, a young woman from Israel has yet to complete her mandatory military service for the Israeli Defense Forces. She participated in the Summit at a pivotal moment in her life; a time where she can spread the message of peace during her  military service, and offer a counter narrative to her community. She tells us that she “was inspired at the summit by the likeness of ideas”. She states, “I found people from such different backgrounds who vision a future similar to my vision and that has helped me feel a sense of international community that has inspired me and committed me to serve.”

Global Unites encourages peacebuilders to come together, share their efforts and learn from each other’s experiences. While the connection and inspiration provided by the summit is pivotal, the true impact will come for the post summit collaboration. We have a dedicated team of 35 young peacebuilders who will be working with the delegates to see their projects and peace missions come to fruition. To continue our efforts, we need your support.

Global Unites Summit 2015- Day 5 and Closing Ceremony

“We the youth of Global Unites Summit 2015 are committed to serving our nations and working towards peace even in the midst of conflict””

The closing ceremony was a vibrant event to say the least. The delegates from 18 different nations were donned in their cultural clothing bringing color and life to the final event of the Global Unites Summit 2015. Chief guests Ambassador Dhanapala and High Commissioner Doidge commended the work of the delegates and of Global Unites while reiterating the importance of youth led conflict transformation. High Comissionser Doidge pledged his support to Global Unites and its future endeavors. The night also comprised of traditional dance acts representing both the Sinhalese and Tamil communities of Sri Lanka.  A special moment of the night was when the entire audience stood up to pledge their commitment to be agents of change amidst the conflicts in their nations.  

With most conclusions comes a sense of sadness but with the conclusion of the Global Unites Summit spirits were renewed, resolves strengthened and new sense of hope and excitement instilled within everyone. This was the start of something new for many and many of them were already envisioning great things for their communities and nations. 

Global Unites Summit - Day 4

Amb. Jayantha Dhanapala is a former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs and a former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the USA and to the UN Office in Geneva. He was also Director of the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).  He has been on the board of Trustees for Sri Lanka Unites since its inception and on the Board of Trustees for Global Unites. He has long since been committed to the role youth play in reconciliation. At the Summit he spoke on the importance of sustainable peace. Having worked in the field of nuclear and weapon disarmament Amb. Dhanapala spoke about the need to cut expenditure on weaponry and the significance of non-violent protest. He mentioned that security, development and human rights as the three essential components of permanent peace. He also pointed out that disarmament, development, reintegration and rehabilitation play a crucial role in the journey towards peace.

In the evening the Executive Committee Series focused on the topic of international alliances. The relationships formed at this summit are a good example of international alliances. International alliances are crucial for work like this as it acts as medium for sharing skills and tools and especially encouragement in times of burnout. The evening came to a close with Abel Matthews a professional stand up comedian and EC member led hilarious improvs and sketches. This was a great way to end a day of tough but important discussions.

Global Unites Summit 2015- Day 3

“There’s more than enough for man’s need but not enough for man’s greed”

 – Mahatama Gandhi

Today Justice Shiranee Thilakawardane who is a pioneer in her field and has been an icon for many Sri Lankan women spoke to the delegates about inequality and justice.  She touched on many areas of inequality especially when it comes to the treatment of women and children. She also pointed out the harsh truth that although we are all equal in the eyes of the law the truth is that those with power and wealth somehow find themselves a little more important in the eyes of the law.  The conversations surrounding this topic are hard especially upon the realization that we are dealing with human beings with emotions and ties. However the delegates here are determined to do their part to bridge the gap of inequality.

The day also comprised of talking about the role of media in peace building and further breakout sessions to continue their conversations on their common challenges. One delegate when asked what was most helpful about the breakout sessions mentioned that for the first time she began to see the conflict in her country as more than something her nation was facing but as common threads across the globe. These breakout sessions provide a space for deep and critical thinking but also a space for creative thinking and envisioning. 

Global Unites Summit 2015- Day 2

Amandla Awethu!

Today the South African High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Geof Doige started off the 1^st full day of the summit by talking to the delegates. High Commissioner Doige encouraged the delegates through a common African saying ‘Amandla Awethu” which meant power to the people. As these young activists look for inspiration and support at the GU summit this statement could not have been more timely. As High Commissioner Doige spoke of the struggle to end apartheid and the ANC’s work in South Africa some important truths were evident. He encouraged the audience not to lose sight of the objectives of the movement or the journey, he asserted that as activists one must always be looking at what model of democracy best fits one’s country and the importance of fully embracing who we are as a people and a nation.

Following this the Executive Committee held the first of the EC series.  Kanji from Kenya, Rab Nawaz from Pakistan and Prashan De Visser from Sri Lanka spoke about connecting with the place, connecting with the team and connecting with the people respectively.  Kanji made an interesting statement about how we need to stop having a tenant mentality and fully take ownership of and love where we live.  Prashan talked of the importance of letting go of elitism and finding the masses and finally Rab pointed out four ways of building a good team- horizontal respect, synergy, diversity and vision. 

In the evening the delegates broke out in to sessions with countries that were facing similar conflicts and discussed the challenges of the conflicts their nations were facing. These breakout sessions were crucial in engaging with each other and learning from one another. The delegates heard stories of resilience, of pain and of hope and were further encouraged knowing that their struggles were not isolated.