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.
