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 By Mariam P. When people hear about Afghanistan, they often think of war, loss, and restrictions. But behind all the headlines, there’s another story that is less told but deeply true. It’s the story of Afghan youth who, despite living in crisis and uncertainty, continue to find strength, hope, and purpose. I have seen this resilience in the faces of young people around me — friends, classmates, and even strangers online. Many of them have lost access to schools, jobs, and even basic freedoms, yet they still find ways to learn, to dream, and to stay connected. Hope has quietly become our form of resistance. For many Afghan youth, mental health has become one of the biggest challenges. The constant fear of the unknown, not knowing what tomorrow will bring, often leads to anxiety, sadness, or hopelessness. Yet, we rarely talk about mental health openly. In Afghan culture, these topics are still surrounded by silence. People are taught to “be strong,” to not show emotion, and to move on. But strength doesn’t mean hiding pain. Sometimes, real strength is found in facing it and choosing to grow from it. Learning as Healing Education has always been more than just lessons and grades for us; it has become a lifeline. When girls’ schools were closed and universities restricted, many young people turned to online learning. They joined free virtual programs, watched lessons on YouTube, or created small online study circles. These moments of learning make us feel alive again. Even though our opportunities are limited, we try to create our own. Some teach younger students at home, some start small study groups, and others volunteer online. Through these efforts, we remind ourselves that education cannot be fully banned, not when it lives inside us. Community as a Source of Strength In difficult times, community becomes everything. In Afghanistan, we rely on each other to survive — emotionally and practically. But for girls, this connection has a deeper meaning. We often say that we are all we have because society doesn’t protect or support us the way it should. Patriarchy still controls every part of our lives, from what we wear to whether we can study or work. So we lift each other up. We share resources, lessons, and opportunities. When one of us learns something new, we teach the others. We encourage each other not to give up, even when everything feels unfair. This sisterhood among Afghan girls is one of the strongest communities I have ever seen. It’s where we find hope, love, and the courage to continue. Online spaces have also created a kind of global community for Afghan youth. Through digital programs and leadership fellowships, we meet people from other cultures who remind us that we are not alone. Intercultural dialogue gives us a sense of belonging that many of us have lost in our own country. Learning from people who listen, understand, and support us helps rebuild our confidence and reminds us that our stories matter.  Finding Purpose Amid Pain When your country is in crisis, it’s easy to lose sight of purpose. But Afghan youth continue to prove that purpose can grow from pain. Many young people are using their voices to raise awareness about mental health, equality and education rights. Some start small campaigns on social media, while others join global programs or local volunteer groups. We don’t have perfect systems or many resources but we have determination. Our hope doesn’t come from comfort; it comes from the belief that one day things can be different. Resilience isn’t something we are born with; it’s something we build, piece by piece, through every hardship we face. For Afghan youth, resilience has become a quiet revolution. It shows in how we keep learning, helping and dreaming even when the world feels heavy. The Role of Global Solidarity Support from international communities matters more than many realize. When global organizations open doors for Afghan youth to learn or share their voices, it gives us visibility and hope. It reminds us that our stories are not forgotten. Intercultural dialogue and inclusion are key to healing divided societies. When people from different cultures listen to one another, stereotypes begin to fade and understanding grows. That’s why spaces like Global Citizens Circle are so meaningful. They bring people together not just to talk but to truly see one another as human beings with shared struggles and dreams. A Message of Hope Despite everything, I still believe in the power of youth especially Afghan youth to create change. Even if we can’t always change our environment, we can change how we respond to it. We can continue to learn, support each other and speak up for those who cannot. One day, I hope mental health will no longer be a taboo topic in Afghanistan. I hope that every young person, especially girls, can study freely and chase their dreams. Until then, we will keep doing what we can: learning, teaching, connecting, and hoping. Because sometimes, resilience is not about winning. It’s about refusing to give up. Mariam P. is a young Afghan woman passionate about technology, education, and creating opportunities for women. She continues her studies online while volunteering and participating in global leadership programs. She enjoys reading, exploring art, and engaging in a variety of extracurricular activities, including digital projects. Living through years of conflict and restrictions has shaped her belief that learning, commitment, and community are powerful forms of healing and hope. Please note: We invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. Resilience isn’t something we are born with; it’s something we build, piece by piece, through every hardship we face. For Afghan youth, resilience has become a quiet revolution. It shows in how we keep learning, helping and dreaming even when the world feels heavy." - Mariam P.
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 By Steve Dunfey As a member of the Dunfey family, I feel privileged to write about two people who have influenced my life for the better. One is my father Jack and the other is Manny Diaz. We all knew Jack as the leader of the Dunfey family business enterprises. He also built bridges in many foreign countries. Most significantly were his efforts in Cuba and dealings with Fidel Castro. Manny Diaz is the former mayor of Miami and has been a close friend of mine since 1976. He served two terms as mayor and became the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. My father was introduced to Castro by Congressman Mickey Leland, who unfortunately died in a plane crash in Africa in 1989. He continued meeting with Castro close to a dozen occasions and I was lucky enough to join him on one of those visits. We started out in Santiago de Cuba in Cuba’s east end. While there, we visited Boniato Prison and interviewed several political prisoners. Then on to Holguin, where we were treated to inspecting the tourist industry.
 Fidel Castro with Steve Dunfey  Jack Dunfey with Fidel Castro Global Citizens Circle made a trip to Cuba in 2001. The delegation met with government officials, activists and the famous Cuban writer Miguel Barnet. It would be great to hear any feedback about that trip from those that were there. Manny Diaz was born in Cuba and came to the United States with his mother in 1961. His father was a political prisoner and came to the U.S. when he was released. I met Manny when I worked for Mike O’Donovan who ran for State Representative in Miami in 1976. Manny was Mike’s campaign manager. Unfortunately Mike died soon after losing a close election. But Manny and I remained friends. He became an attorney and also a businessman working for Terremark, a real estate development firm. He also became co-owner of Monty Trainer’s, a popular Miami restaurant. Manny got into politics in a big way in 2001 when he ran for mayor of Miami, his first attempt at elected office. He wrote a book about his experience titled “Miami Transformed: Rebuilding America One Neighborhood, One City at a Time.” According to the former Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley, “Miami Transformed is the story of a doer, a big thinker with a passion for improving the lives of people. Manny Diaz is undaunted by the challenges that inevitably arise in government and business but always squarely focused on the agenda he has carefully set to reach his goals. That’s the definition of a good leader, and that, based on my experience, is Manny Diaz.” Dr. Eduardo J. Padron, president of Miami Dade College, said, “Manny Diaz became the mayor of Miami during a critical time, when professional leadership was needed. He took the city to new heights and also represented Miami nationally and internationally as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Manny is a visionary leader who has never lost his footing or his roots. He epitomizes the immigrant success story and the fruition of the American Dream.” Steve Dunfey is a freelance writer, writing primarily for InDepthNH and the Seacoast Jazz Society. Dunfey has extensive background in politics having served as State Representative and Assistant Democratic Leader in New Hampshire. He was appointed by Governor Hugh Gallen to serve as Vice-Chairman of the New Hampshire State Port Authority. He also has experience as a professional musician and writer for Modern Drummer magazine. Dunfey has been a member of several boards of directors and as a Taxi Commissioner for the City of Portsmouth. Please note: We invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. Through his efforts my father helped nearly 100 prisoners obtain their freedom."  By Nilab Ahmadi My journey to becoming my current self began when I realized women are often viewed as inferior to men in my community. I was born in a country where fathers would be upset if they were told they would have a girl. I later learned that these beliefs and misogynistic attitudes originate from a lack of education and are deeply embedded in Afghan culture. Growing up, I committed myself to working hard to transform my community and demonstrate women's strength. Since childhood, I have been passionate about leadership, community transformation, and supporting Afghan girls. As an Afghan girl often seen as inferior to men, I have always empathized with the struggles faced by others. At the age of 14, I began working with Afghan girls, teaching them basic English in a center specifically designed for women and young girls. In Afghanistan, girls and women were often restricted from work and education and had limited learning opportunities. Following the Taliban's rise to power in August 2021, women and girls were completely erased from the community, locked in their homes.  Nilab with her GCC family The restrictions and setbacks placed on women initially discouraged me. However, I saw these challenges as an opportunity to step up and speak out. I actively supported Afghan girls through social media, writing, and volunteering. This involvement led to my participation in Global Citizens Circle (GCC) in 2023, where I was a guest speaker at a Circle event, “Youth Resilience in Times of Conflict.” I spoke about the difficulties faced by Afghan girls and the education ban following the Taliban's return, addressing hundreds of attendees from around the world. I never expected this experience to unlock many meaningful opportunities and allow me to connect with amazing people who now feel like family. Today, I see GCC as my family—a safe space for growth, love, and support. In August 2023, I left Afghanistan to attend Duke University in the U.S. and pursue my graduate degree. My life changed dramatically after arriving in the U.S. I began my Master of Public Policy program at Duke University, a dream university, in a country I had wished to study in since childhood. Reflecting on 2023, I see a girl faced with numerous obstacles and challenges yet driven by a hunger for education. My resilience and passion for learning helped me persevere and achieve my goal of attending Duke University. Duke University has offered me numerous growth opportunities and helped me increase advocacy for Afghan girls and their issues through policy initiatives. This advocacy earned me the 'Forever Duke Student Leadership Award, a prestigious honor typically awarded to graduate students in recognition of their leadership contributions to the Duke community, and beyond.  Driven by my passion and enthusiasm for advocating Afghan girls' education—especially after the Taliban's rise—I recently launched a network called Rise Up To Learn. This initiative offers online schooling using STEAM-based apps for Afghan girls who have been prevented from attending school since the Taliban's takeover. Beyond education, Rise Up To Learn also provides opportunities for these girls to earn money by working on our projects, addressing the lack of employment opportunities in their country. The platform aims to be a safe, growth-oriented space where hundreds of girls can develop both professionally and economically. My vision for Rise Up To Learn is highly ambitious. I plan to grow this network into one of the world’s largest, so that no Afghan girl fears her future. With the Taliban closing schools, we will transform every home into a classroom. Additionally, as a policy professional, I aim to develop sustainable education policies in Afghanistan, strengthen the education system, and foster economic development opportunities upon my return. I eagerly anticipate a future where women and girls worldwide are liberated from the stress resulting from the denial of education and basic human rights. Nilab Ahmadi is a passionate advocate for youth and women’s education from Afghanistan, committed to advancing educational equity for women and girls. In response to the Taliban’s ban on education, she founded Rise Up To Learn, an initiative that provides digital learning and economic opportunities for Afghan girls. Her work bridges policy and practice to empower girls, challenge systemic barriers, and foster long-term social change. Please note: We invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. Growing up, I committed myself to working hard to transform my community and demonstrate women's strength. Over the past year, we’ve celebrated the 50th anniversary of Global Citizens Circle—reflecting with gratitude on a remarkable journey, the people who’ve shaped it, and the lasting impact of its work. As we honor this legacy, we are also looking ahead—committed to ensuring that our mission continues to thrive for generations to come. On May 23, so many came together globally to celebrate the 90th birthday of GCC’s founder, Jerry Dunfey. As part of this heartfelt tribute, a very special short film premiered during a private virtual screening. Created by GCC Board Member Michael Lockett and narrated by Global Advisor Marguerite Mariama, the film tells the story of GCC’s evolution and the many activists across the globe who have fueled its mission. It also highlights a new generation of emerging leaders poised to carry this important work forward. We invite you to watch “Global Citizens Circle: Forward to Fifty and Beyond” and be inspired by the journey—and the path that lies ahead.  By Marguerite Mariama, Ph.D. Dr. Mariama was a featured speaker for our recent Circle, “Uniting in the Face of Fear: Building Transformational Alliances.” If you weren’t able to attend, the video is now available. The lived experiences of some elders like me know that LOVE is the answer. I know many of you are tired of the darkness that is engulfing our world, from endless international wars to political battles here in the United States. Most of us are fed up with the toxicity spewing from so many. We find ways to escape, but denial and retreat do not solve the problem. We do not have to live like this! We do not have to be consumed by darkness. With the love light residing within us all, we can lean into the darkness with beacons to expose its hollow foundation built on lies, obfuscation, projection, denial, bullying, and gaslighting. These are the hallmarks of fear. The antidote to darkness is light and love. A few months ago, I watched the series, “My Generation” with bright-eyed enthusiasm and great expectations. I loved revisiting my teen and early adult years of art and activism, spiritual and historical awakenings, and the richness of multi-cultural and multiracial coalitions. We were evolving and leaning into an understanding of our interconnectedness in this human experience. We were learning unconditional love. During the 60’s and 70’s, civil rights advocates, Black power activists, environmentalists, artists, hippies, and flower children enjoyed an informal bond. Borne from a desire to live free from war, and the autonomy to be our trueselves, as well as loving whom we wanted, we sought to create an inclusive world that celebrated our shared humanity. Characteristics such as truth, justice, empathy, peace, beauty, love, and joy, helped shape our behaviors towards one another.  Our songs and mantras spoke volumes: We shall overcome, Black Power, Praise the Red, the Black and the Green, peace and love, and make love not war rang out as soul-filled expressions resonating with joy and the promise of a bright future. Young and somewhat naïve, we believed we could bend our country towards an embrace of its full democratic potential. The series “My Generation” ended with a message suggesting that we Baby Boomers had all abandoned the exquisite principles that shaped us and the world we were crafting. According to the producers, we sold out, bought in, or surrendered to a status quo that was rife with consumerism and greed. Of course, not all of us fit that description or played that game. Yes, that happened to have been the case for many, but some of us resisted the devouring of our Divine energy. As an artist, I saw the potential to opt on to the band wagon as soul stealing. Truth, purpose, beauty, and a love of people, using my art as a primary vehicle, fueled my passion. I kept going – bobbing, and weaving into several roles, and degrees, all the while the encroachment of oppressive forces were just around the next corner, ready to offer riches and comfort in exchange for my soul. I resisted then and continue to do so today. There are many others who also stayed the course and are still around actively working, and or mentoring younger generations. Our stories were omitted in the series, but “we know what time it is.” This is a term coined by activists during the 1960’s to mean the importance, ramifications, and consequences of what is happening at the moment. It also implies an understanding of what we must do to survive and thrive. The African adage, “The young can run fast but the elders know the way” reflects this way of knowing. Those of us who made it through American apartheid – Jim Crow, segregation, learned lessons that will help guide us through what is now shaping into a 2025 version of this atrocious period in history. That knowing underscores the importance of love, the bedrock for our survival and ability to thrive.  For some, the idea of love is vague. But that is not true for those of us who have lived through apartheid or fascism – especially Black women, who have remained rooted in love. Some have said, God is love, the source of the ultimate power, the highest vibration. I agree. Love is a verb that suggests an active participation in exhibiting a host of characteristics including kindness, joy, abundance, prosperity, balance, order, truth, justice, beauty, creativity, expansiveness, compassion, discipline, dominion, sensitivity, positive intellect, spiritual power and more. On the other hand, there is love’s opposite: Fear. Fear induces the false notion of scarcity, and anxiety, toxic competition, hate, envy, jealousy, violence, bigotry, racism, sexism, inhibitions, and phobias of all sorts. As unique expressions of the Divine source, there ought to be no room for any of the elements associated with fear. Love is light. Fear is darkness. Love expands, fear contracts. Humanity will either expand into the promises of love and light or devolve into fear and darkness. When humans awaken into adulthood, into maturity, we recognize the fallacy of a human hierarchy that defines or limits our value based upon our race, gender, ethnicity, culture, and class. The biases that crippled our hearts and closed our minds are replaced with a recognition and acceptance of a shared humanity centered in Divine love. At this moment of human reckoning, and as our planet cleanses itself of the humans who never learned to appreciate her hospitality, it is imperative that we choose love and light. Our survival depends on this reawakening. It is now time to transcend to the next level of our development in this human incarnation. Forward motion is necessary, essential – buoyed by joy. Holding on to that joy in the face of this challenging moment in history is vital to the achievement of human solidarity. As a reminder the Holy Bible beautifully states: “For we walk by FAITH not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). An embrace of love despite what we see, with its warmth and coziness can be a segue to our freedom. Constant and consistently advancing, evolving, deepening, and elevating, we embrace life as a journey to enjoy the fruits of the existing physical reality. Those of us who consciously live in a state of openness and awareness to the voicings of spirit and have lived through ‘tryin’ times’ are here to tell the stories. There is a psychological muscularity that we have gained because of the lessons we’ve learned. As instruments of Divine essence, many of us are closer to the ancestral realm than we are to our youth and have lessons to reveal to all who will listen. We are spirits in human form with a mission to share our gifts in service to the new emerging paradigm. The old one with historical and political toxins would suggest otherwise. To do this, we need to understand that the power and freedom we seek is within. Nothing and no one outside of ourselves can take this power without our permission. Nope. It is not about other people who seem to be in power via outward manifestations including money and pseudo power. Pseudo power is energy that is limited to what we see manifested including outward displays such as money, roles played, land, and material possessions. But where is the intrinsic value? The answer: There is none, which is why in an effort to fill the void, those with the resources must constantly replenish the supply. That hungry obsession will continue to prevail, unless and until there is an embrace of the true keys to living in abundance, prosperity, and the like. Altering our mindsets to embrace guidance from within and to live from the spirit of light and love is the answer that will fill the internal longing for more. It is an internal game not an external one. Fulfilling the intrinsic via purpose and meaning fuels our lives. And, that does not preclude having and owning possessions. It simply means we become balanced. We seek inner fulfillment which attracts the resources that showcase the Divinity that resides within us all. The spiritual guidance that will provide that balance relies on an open mind, a mind that comprehends a consciousness beyond what we see, hear, touch, and feel (with our physical bodies). Our ways of knowing ought to be connected to a higher understanding of this truth of our being. In this human incarnation, we are at a moment of convergence and can be the architects of a beautiful version of our experience as spirit beings. Nefarious forces seek to stymie or stagnate this moment or take us backwards. Spiritualist Michael Bernard Beckwith describes who we are in this human incarnation as “growth-centric beings.” As such, we must transcend the old paradigm that seeks to impede the progress that is about to be made. As former Vice President Kamala Harris said during her campaign for the highest office in the land, “We are not going back.” No matter how well-funded and ferocious the backlash, when we stand in solidarity with conscious sisters and brothers, we have the power to evolve into our next version. The light within coupled with that of others becomes a beacon to transform ourselves and our world. In our transparent world, we can find truths in many places. The trick is to know where to look. This takes a deep and abiding connection to spiritual discernment, or connections to those whose voices are tried and true with lessons learned and shared. In other words, you have to know both where to look and who to trust. The inner voice will guide us towards thriving beyond our toxic thinking. These lyrics from the song, “Wake Up Everybody” by Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes are apt: “Wake up everybody no more sleepin’ in bed. No more backward thinking, time for thinking ahead.” Ahhh, and that’s where we find the good news. There is tremendous joy in escaping the matrix of mental programming. Deconstructing the toxicity of this indoctrination is liberating beyond belief. The world of abundance opens within to greet the willing receiver. And, the accompanying relief, release, and abandonment of the biggest obstacle, fear, is lovingly replaced with love and its many iterations. It does require and open heart, and vulnerability is essential. Clearly, trust is integral to this unfolding. So, the action plan is to find trusted folks. As an elder, I would suggest that we take a page from other cultures, and from what we African Americans of a certain age remember, where ways of knowing are passed on from generation to generation. Elders, those who have done the consciousness-building self-work and are attuned to both the Spiritual Realm and the Ancestral Realm can be trusted to support engagement with the deeper recesses of our current reality. These trusted resources are all around waiting to exchange knowledge with other generations whose ways of knowing might be different, but valuable none-the-less. Despite what is happening at the highest levels of government in the United States and abroad, now is a time to be bold, receptive, and fearless! Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and others who “know the way” are eager to provide guidance, counsel, and last but not least, love. It is still the answer!  “Keep your love light on.” Lui Satterfield (Earth, Wind, and Fire) Black cultural pride and nationalism during the ‘60’s and ‘70’s gave rise to artists who used their craft to affirm Black culture as a tool for Black ‘upliftment.' These “cultural workers” launched the Black Arts Movement – where social justice, history, the arts and education intersected. One such artist – activist, performing artist, educator, Dr. Marguerite Mariama, has never wavered in her commitment to the arts as a tool for social, cultural and historical consciousness and liberation. A trained professional in music, dance and theatre arts, this former college professor also has clinical experience as a dance/movement therapist. Her early civil rights activism began as a teen in Chicago and included protest marches and rallies, including one led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Mariama was “raised up” as an artist by great teachers including Katherine Dunham (dance). “Sitting at Ms. Dunham’s feet and hearing her stories was awesome; she reminded us of our social responsibility as young artists, and we answered the call in our performances.” She is currently a member of the Chicago Bulls Basketball Team’s Swingin’ Seniors Dancers. As a national and international big band and small ensemble jazzy blues stylist, she has traveled the world as a resident music artist and performed with some to the “greatest musicians” on the planet. She has enjoyed acting roles in theatre, films, commercials and print – and is also a voice actor. As a professor in New York City’s CUNY System, she created the arts integration theory and methodology, Performance Pedagogy® for personal and collective development and transformation. An SIU CoLa Distinguished Alum, and former Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar, Dr. Mariama produces, presents and performs worldwide. She holds a Ph.D. in Performance Education/specializing in African American Musical Culture. She is represented by Stewart Talent Group and the theatrical union, SAG/AFTRA. Her upcoming book, "Artivism: A Sixties Artist/Activist’s Memoir and Guide for Embracing Our Shared Humanity and Transforming Our World" will be released this summer. Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. The antidote to darkness is light and love.  By Suraj Budathoki I am making my first-ever trip to the African nation of Sierra Leone, a nation finally beginning to reconcile after decades of bloody civil war. As someone who survived forceful expulsion from his country at an early age, and where the division is chronic and shows no sign of improving, this journey is crucial. My journey into reconciliation within myself began not as a grand declaration, but as a deeply personal quest for healing—healing for myself, for my community, and ultimately, for my birth homeland of Bhutan. Because I have, early in my life, experienced displacement, a reasonable part of my life has been dedicated to the pursuit of a serene environment where peace, dignity, and understanding thrive. I couldn’t find a guideline for my healing journey until I crossed paths with the wisdom of the great peacemakers, Mahatma Gandhi, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. My physical journey from a Bhutanese refugee camp in Nepal where I spent almost 20 years to the United States was just part of the struggle; I knew that too well. The invisible wounds—those of trauma, loss, humiliation, and disconnection—could not be healed simply by crossing borders or leaving decades behind. Another type of journey was necessary, a journey that gravitated inward toward self-discovery and outward toward community and collective healing. I’ve learned that it is critically important to engage in a healing process prior to engaging in peacebuilding and reconciliation work, especially for a person that has been strongly impacted by historical trauma or other forms of personal pain. Unsettled trauma does not only cloud judgment but also sustains cycles of pain and hampers the ability to stimulate authentic reconciliation. As we’ve often heard, "Hurt people hurt people." In other words, individuals whose wounds are not yet healed may, often unknowingly, transfer their aggression to others, aggravating dispute instead of finding a solution to them. For that reason, healing is not just a personal necessity but a necessary condition for contributing to the greater collective settlement process. To honestly offer the empathy, patience, and understanding required to close gaps and promote a more peaceful future, individuals must first tend their own wounds. Reading the works of Gandhi, Tutu, and MLK, Jr., I realized how crucial it is to respect and honor those on the other side of the conflict, not as foes, but as equal contenders in a shared game. Each of these peacemakers confronted strongly ingrained injustices but believed in the transformative power of nonviolence, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The ahimsa principle of Mahatma Gandhi—the nonviolence practice—profoundly resonated with me. Gandhi taught that true peace emanates from understanding one’s opponents. Through his belief in satyagraha, or the force of truth, I realized that reconciliation starts from accepting the humanity and dignity of the other side, even when their actions have caused harm. From the Bhutanese point of view, it implies understanding the historical and political intricacies without giving in to bitterness or displeasure. My understanding of collective healing is strongly impacted by Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s role in South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. “No future without forgiveness,” as he believed, particularly stands out to me. According to Tutu, forgiveness is not just for the one who has been wronged, it is also for the wrongdoer as well. He also argued that it is a requisite step toward freeing both parties from the cycle of pain and violence. The caveat we need to understand, however, is that righteous closer of the conflict is necessary for forgiving wrongdoers. I have given this idea the utmost attention in my work with Peace Initiative Bhutan. I have realized that true reconciliation is about transforming our thoughts about the past, not about wiping them away. The primary aim is to openly confront the injustices we endured and not to forget them and to seek a path that heals rather than encourages division. Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community” sustained my hope for what is possible, even when confronted with deep-rooted conflict. From Dr. King, I learned that justice and peace are attainable realities and not unachievable dreams, as long as we are committed to nonviolent struggle and hold firmly to the belief in human dignity. The idea that peacebuilding must be grounded in empathy, compassion, and a refusal to treat the other side as if they are lesser humans was strengthened by his philosophy of love as a driving force in social change. Today, as I go on with my work in peacebuilding, both in Bhutan and with Bhutanese communities around the world, I am accompanied by the lessons of these exceptional leaders. I am reminded by their teachings that peace is not just an absence of war or violence, but a state of mind, a way of living, and a commitment to healing the wounds of the past. The path to sustainable peace in Bhutan demands that we all come together as equal players, believing in each other’s humanity, while committing to the tough but crucial work of restoring trust. This journey is about learning to see further than the pain of the past and toward the potential for a future that inculcates all of us. And just as Gandhi, Tutu, and MLK Jr. have taught us, this journey needs immense courage, patience, and, above all, love. As I strive to bring healing and reconciliation to my people, the wisdom of these extraordinary leaders keeps me grounded and focused. Their words serve as a constant reminder that peace is not just an aspiration but a tangible possibility—one that requires us to see each other not as adversaries, but as partners in a shared journey. Each of us has a role in building a world that is more just, compassionate, and peaceful. Stay tuned for Part 2. Suraj Budathoki is the co-founder and president of Peace Initiative Bhutan, which is committed to fostering positive change in Bhutan through reconciliation. His organization partners with Global Citizens Circle, collaborating to share resources and knowledge in peacebuilding through sincere dialogue. In addition to his peace work, Suraj is a doctoral student in Transformative Social Change at Saybrook University in California, and he was recently elected to serve in the NH State House of Representatives. Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. Because I have, early in my life, experienced displacement, a reasonable part of my life has been dedicated to the pursuit of a serene environment where peace, dignity, and understanding thrive. by Theo Spanos Dunfey  Eleanor Dunfey presenting the Catherine A. Dunfey Award to Wilma P. Mankiller
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