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 Suraj Budathoki, Founder, Peace Initiative Bhutan; Theo Dunfey, Executive Director, Global Citizens Circle; Ahmad Bakdad, Peace & Disarmament Assistant Coordinator, International Peace Bureau By Ahmad Bakdad My recent experience at Constellating Peace in late October in Sierra Leone, organized by Fambul Tok and Catalyst for Peace and made possible through the invitation and funding from Global Citizen Circle (GCC), has been nothing short of transformative. It opened my eyes to the profound power of peace building and reconciliation on the African continent. Through GCC’s support, I discovered a vibrant new world grounded in values of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, shaping my understanding of how global peace initiatives can be both deeply rooted in cultural heritage and expansive in their outreach. I met people from across the globe, engaged in discussions that are both challenging and informative. A significant part of my journey was shaped by engaging extensively with youth leaders during the visits. Their passion for peace and development was unmistakable, as was their commitment to uplifting their communities. This experience reinforced my belief in the pivotal role youth play in peace building, yet it also revealed new, innovative ways for youth to drive change.  Ahmad Bakdad with members of village youth council I was particularly moved by my discussion with young leaders and their coordinator in Makeni about work and leisure. One youth’s statement — "We can have fun later; now we have work to do!" — struck me deeply, exemplifying their unwavering dedication to transforming their own lives and those around them.  Mariama EF Jarju, Finance Officer Women in Liberation and Leadership with Theo Dunfey Following this experience, I am taking proactive steps to strengthen and activate my network within the African region, recognizing the immense potential for collaboration and shared impact.  Suraj Budathoki, Ahmad Bakdad, France Bognon, Interim CEO, International Civil Society Action Network; Jesica Rhone, Director of International Programs, McConnell Foundation The conference introduced me to a diverse array of organizations and inspiring individuals from across Africa and beyond, each committed to advancing peace, development, and social change. These connections have not only expanded my professional network but have also deepened my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the African context. I am also planning to reactivate and empower the African network in my current organization and integrate those new connections within. My interest in Africa has grown profoundly, and I am excited to build upon these new connections.  Theo Dunfey and Ahmad Bakdad For GCC, I see immense value in continuing — and perhaps in the future, organizing —such events for young peace builders and existing members. These gatherings can greatly expand GCC’s influence and promote its vision of cultural diversity and support for peace builders worldwide. I am grateful to GCC for this opportunity and look forward to furthering our shared mission of global peace. Thank you, GCC — I am always open to collaborating in this inspiring journey.  Ahmad Bakdad is a legal professional from Syria who advocates for the rights of young individuals and children, actively supporting initiatives for social justice, human rights, and the advancement of peace and equality. Over the last seven years, he has dedicated himself to collaborating with diverse civil society organizations, NGOs, INGOs, and UN agencies, including SOS Children's Villages, UNICEF, the Syrian Bar Association, and the United Nations Development Programme. His contributions have impacted humanitarian endeavors across Syria and the Middle East. Bakdad also holds active memberships in several international associations focused on youth, community development, and peace building. During his fellowship, Bakdad will join an international organization in Europe, where he will contribute to their global work on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. His time at the organization will be dedicated to strengthening his skills and enhancing his knowledge in the areas of peace building and conflict resolution. He aims to expand his network by engaging with international colleagues and learning from their experiences. Bakdad plans to leverage this experience and newfound knowledge to empower communities in Syria and internationally. He intends to transfer his expertise and use it to drive social change and social cohesion initiatives for peace and social integration. Read more about him in this GCC Voices Q&A. 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. Through GCC’s support, I discovered a vibrant new world grounded in values of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, shaping my understanding of how global peace initiatives can be both deeply rooted in cultural heritage and expansive in their outreach.
1 Comment
12/11/2024 04:31:54 am
Global Citizens Circle is so blessed that you are a member of its family. I'm glad your already extensive experience was fortified by this conference. As you wrote, "I see immense value in continuing — and perhaps in the future, organizing —such events for young peace builders and existing members. These gatherings can greatly expand GCC’s influence and promote its vision of cultural diversity and support for peace builders worldwide." Leave a Reply. |
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