Activism is quite simply Taking Action to effect social change; this can occur in a myriad of ways and in a variety of forms. Often it is concerned with ‘how to change the world’ through social, political, economic or environmental change. This can be led by individuals but is often done collectively through social movements. The activism industry consists of organizations and individuals engaged in activism. Activism is often done full-time, as part of an organization's core business. Many … [Read more...]
Women Stop War, Conference in Hague, April 27/29
April 9, 2015 by
100 years after over 1300 of WILPF’s founding women first came together in The Hague in protest of World War I, we still live in a world where women’s voices and experiences are excluded, bringing continued violence and war. We know now what we knew then, that only when we analyse conflict from a gender perspective, integrating disarmament, human rights, the environment, social justice, and the women, peace and security agenda holistically will we be able to eradicate the root causes of … [Read more...]
PEACE: Perception, Empathy, Acceptance, Caring, Enlightenment
March 21, 2015 by
Peace is an occurrence of harmony characterized by lack of violence, conflict behaviors and the freedom from fear of violence. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility and retribution, peace also suggests sincere attempts at reconciliation, the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality; a working political order that serves the true interests of all. "To enjoy … [Read more...]
Global Update: Special UN General Assembly Edition
September 25, 2014 by
As the General Assembly began the general debate of its sixty-ninth session, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented to the Assembly his annual report on the work of the Organization. UN Photo/Mark Garten 24 September 2014 – Warning that the world’s “fasten seat belt” light is illuminated, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today opened the 69th annual debate of the United Nations General Assembly with a call for decisive leadership at a time when the ghosts of the Cold War have returned and … [Read more...]
World peace?
September 7, 2014 by
These are the only 11 countries in the world that are actually free from conflict As new wars and civil unrests seem to be flaring up every week, we look for the only countries in the world that could be considered ‘conflict-free’. With the crisis in Gaza, the rise of Islamist militants in Iraq and Syria and the international stand-off ongoing in Ukraine, it can sometimes feel like the whole world is at war. But experts believe this is actually almost universally the case, according to … [Read more...]
Jane Goodhall speaks out loud, World Peace Day 2014
September 6, 2014 by
As a UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Goodall makes it a priority each and every year to observe and celebrate the annual International Day of Peace on September 21. Dr. Goodall always helps us see how important it is that we strive to create a more peaceful world for all people, as well as the natural world which we share. With this year's theme, "Right of People's to Peace," Dr. Goodall wrote the following message. A Celebration of Women™, in Toronto, Canada is celebrating live on … [Read more...]
Desmond Tutu’s daughter, 10 Tips for Peace
September 4, 2014 by
Mpho Tutu was careful to mention her mother several times when she was speaking on stage at Greenbelt festival in August, "I have a mother. Her name is Leah." This remark always brought forth laughter and cheers, but it is Mpho Tutu's father who most of us will be familiar with. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a key part of the struggle against Apartheid. Denounced for 'bringing politics into the Church', repeatedly censored and arrested and suffering all the indignities and violence that … [Read more...]
Global Women’s Peace Summit 2014, Sept. 21
August 10, 2014 by
The United Nations General Assembly declared, in a resolution sponsored by the United Kingdom and Costa Rica, the International Day of Peace, to be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace. The date initially chosen was the regular opening day of the annual sessions of the General Assembly, the third Tuesday of September. (This was changed in 2001 to the current annual celebration on 21 September each year. In 2001 the opening day of the General Assembly was scheduled … [Read more...]
Culture of Peace, consistent with Women’s Movement …
August 8, 2014 by
WOMEN AND A CULTURE OF PEACE Since the 1970s the United Nations and other international women’s conferences have adopted 'Equality, Development and Peace' as an organizing theme and framework for women's activities in development. Women would not only benefit from peaceful structures, as opposed to violent structures which oppress them, but they also have a role to play in building peaceful relationships and structures, and cultivating values, attitudes, relationships and structures which … [Read more...]
“The Right of Peoples to Peace,” September 21
August 3, 2014 by
The International Day of Peace, sometimes unofficially known as World Peace Day, is observed annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The day was first celebrated in 1982, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. In 2013, for the first time, the Day was dedicated by the Secretary-General of the … [Read more...]
Mandela, ‘man of many names’ … one Humantarian Heart
December 6, 2013 by
MANDELA IS KNOWN BY SEVERAL NAMES. EACH NAME HAS A STORY BEHIND IT CALL HIM TATA MADIBA, NELSON, KHULU! MANDELA FONDLY REVERED AS A WORLD ICON FOR HUMANITY AND FORBEARANCE Rolihlahla – Born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo in Transkei in the Eastern Cape province, he was given the name Rolihlaha Mandela by his father, a tribal chief. This is Mr Mandela’s birth name: it is an 'isiXhosa' name which means “pulling the branch of a tree”, but colloquially it means … [Read more...]
World Science Day Celebration UNESCO, Nov 10
October 28, 2013 by
WHAT IS THE WORLD SCIENCE DAY FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT ? Established by UNESCO in 2001, the WSDPD is celebrated on 10 November each year. The Day is an occasion to remind the UNESCO's mandate and commitment on science. The Global Multisciplinary e-Conference 2013 takes place from 10 until 12 November 2013. This event is dedicated to the UNESCO's World Science Day. World Science Day for Peace and Development Established by UNESCO in 2001, World Science Day for Peace and Development … [Read more...]
