|
 |
     
|
|
|
Global Symposium of Peaceful Nations
The Global Symposium of Peaceful Nations, November 1-3 in Washington, DC, marked the first time in history that countries were honored for being peaceful. The J. William & Harriet Fulbright Center and the Alliance for Peacebuilding hosted representatives of the most peaceful countries of nine regions of the world, as determined by the 2009 Global Peace Index, for three days of intense discussion and learning. Over two hundred people attended the gala banquet and presentation of awards on November 1, commencing this successful and enriching event. The Honorable Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and current Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, set the tone for the rest of the event with a keynote address. In her speech, Helen Clark emphasized the strong correlation between peace and human development remarking: “If stakeholders in development can work together effectively, we can help promote virtuous circles whereby peace contributes to development, and development supports the advancement of peace and stability. The more seeds of peace which can be sown today, the more we will be able to jointly tackles the problems of the future.” (To access the full text of Helen Clark’s speech, click here.)
Harriet Fulbright and Chic Dambach honoring Mr. Pham Van Chuong and Mr. Hong Quang Nguyen of Vietnam. Photo: Dakota Fine. During the following two days, delegates identified factors that made their countries peaceful and discussed methods for sustaining domestic and international peace. Delegates were also encouraged to craft recommendations for their own country and region, and reflect on their roles as leaders for peace. The conversation inspired commitment to focusing on and celebrating achievements in peace through research and practice. Some issues stressed by delegates as important for creating and maintaining peace were economic development, respect of human rights, gender equality and good governance. On the second evening of the Symposium, delegates and organizers gathered for an informal dinner during which Mr. Steve Killelea, founder of the Global Peace Index, announced the winner of “Peace Is Breaking Out,” a peace logo competition organized by Bebo Inc., Vision of Humanity, and the Soldiers of Peace Movie. Mr. David Duffy of Ireland won the best design for his logo that represents intergenerational and intercultural peace, and the legacy he hopes to leave for future generations. David Duffy's winning logo for the "Peace is Breaking Out" competition. Throughout the symposium, delegates and representatives met and participated in all day workshops to examine from around the world. The results of these workshops on the nature of peacefulness sowed seeds of hope for international communication around peace building. The Symposium concluded with a letter from President Jimmy Carter, commending the historic initiative. The final report including detailed analysis of each of the 18 countries and the lessons learned will be written by a team from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution led by Susan Allen Nan. It will be available by January. |
|
|
|
||||
Home | About Us | Our Work | Members | News | Get Involved | Contact Us |
 |
|||
The Honorable Helen Clark, delivering the keynote address to the attendees. Photo: Dakota Fine.
Delegate Jane Coombs of New Zealand, addressing the rest of the delegates at the plenary session on November 3, 2009. Photo: Dakota Fine.
