Latest news with #peacebuilding
National Post
3 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Intelsat Partners with Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative to Expand Access to Education in East Africa
Article content MCLEAN, Va. — Intelsat, operator of one of the world's largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, announced today a groundbreaking partnership with Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian Forest Whitaker's nonprofit, the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), to revolutionize access to education in conflict-affected regions across Africa. The collaboration will deliver for the first time high-speed internet connectivity to WPDI's Community Learning Centers in South Sudan and Uganda, creating digital bridges to education for thousands of young people in areas where infrastructure has been insufficient or compromised. Article content Intelsat will equip 10 centers—seven in South Sudan and three in Uganda—with satellite connectivity. Over the course of this three-year partnership, Intelsat will provide equipment, managed connectivity services, installation, and ongoing technical support. This unprecedented effort will bring reliable internet access to communities where traditional connectivity infrastructure is inadequate for modern online education. Article content 'Education is the foundation for peace,' said Forest Whitaker. 'At WPDI, we use technology as a conduit to opportunity—bringing knowledge to young people whose lives have been upended by violence and political unrest. With the right tools, youths can reclaim their futures to become powerful agents of peace in their communities.' Article content The initiative comes at a critical time, as digital inequality continues to widen globally. According to the International Telecommunication Union, a mere 19% of people in the least developed nations, like South Sudan and Uganda, use the internet. In areas directly affected by conflict, these numbers drop even further, creating significant barriers to education and opportunity for vulnerable populations. By improving digital access, Intelsat and WPDI are providing learning center trainees with the resources they need to become drivers of positive change in their community and beyond. Graduates of WPDI programs have gone on to become community leaders, educators, and advocates, exemplified by individuals like Benson Lugwar, a former child soldier who is now an elected official and radio host in Uganda. 'At Intelsat, we are great believers in the power of connectivity to promote education and sustainable development around the world,' said Dave Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat. 'Forest Whitaker and WPDI's efforts represent exactly the kind of transformative work that satellite communications can enable. We're proud to support WPDI's efforts to bring young people together, close the digital divide, and create pathways to prosperity in communities that need it most.' Article content The satellite-powered connectivity will enable WPDI to significantly expand its educational offerings, providing access to digital resources, online courses, and virtual exchange programs that were previously impossible in these remote locations. Students will gain critical digital literacy skills alongside WPDI's established curriculum in conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, and community development. Article content About WPDI Article content The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is a non-governmental organization with an international scope and reach, committed to fostering peace and resilience by disseminating skills and promoting climate-sensitive and sustainable development in countries and places affected by violence, poverty, environmental disruption, and marginalization. In Africa, Europe, as well as Latin and North America, WPDI develops a wide range of programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups, with a particular focus on youth and women, enabling them to become empowered as mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, fostering positive transformation within their communities and beyond. To achieve its objectives, WPDI works with the communities to design and implement integrated programs in the four areas of Peacebuilding, Livelihood, Health and Well-being, and Sports. WPDI was founded in 2012 by the artist, social activist, and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace, Forest Whitaker. About Intelsat Intelsat's global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, NGO and commercial customers through the company's next-generation worldwide network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world's largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry 'firsts' in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the 'next firsts' in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry. Article content Twitter/X Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contact Article content : Article content Article content Article content
NHK
3 days ago
- Politics
- NHK
Hiroshima governor planning to visit former nuclear testing site in Kazakhstan
Sources have told NHK that arrangements are underway for the governor of Japan's Hiroshima Prefecture to visit a former nuclear testing site in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, in mid-July. They say Governor Yuzaki Hidehiko hopes to visit Kazakhstan's capital Astana to discuss peacebuilding policy and other topics with senior government officials. The sources say he also plans to travel to the former Semipalatinsk nuclear testing site in the country's northeast and visit a museum documenting the experiments. More than 450 nuclear tests were conducted at the site during the Cold War, and an estimated 1.5 million people are believed to have suffered health issues. Kazakhstan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has been working to rid the world of nuclear weapons. In March, it chaired the third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This year marks eight decades since the atomic bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the closing days of World War Two. Analysts say Hiroshima Prefecture hopes the governor's visit will boost relations with Kazakhstan and deepen collaboration in pursuit of the abolition of nuclear weapons.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Building peace from the ground up: Angela Apa and Kup women for peace
Angela Apa, who heads an organization called Kup Women for Peace (KWP), spearheads a powerful movement for change in Papua New Guinea's Simbu Province. Photo: Scott Waide Angela Apa, who heads an organization called Kup Women for Peace (KWP), spearheads a powerful movement for change in Papua New Guinea's Simbu Province. For 25 years, this women-led organization has been a beacon of hope, working tirelessly to address conflict, violence, and injustice at the community level, often in the face of daunting challenges and a lack of official recognition. Since its inception in 2000, KWP has rescued over 200 women survivors of sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) and tribal conflicts across Simbu Province. They have also repatriated hundreds more, both within Simbu and to other provinces, particularly those affected by SARV. The organization consistently provides support, receiving approximately 10 clients each week, offering counseling and crisis support. "Out of the 10, five would usually be women, three, on average would be girls and two would be men," Angela said. Violence affects everyone in the community. Angela points to a fact that many ignore. The primary victim of any form of violence usually seeks help with other members of her family. "When a women comes, she comes with others. They're either her children or other family members. For most women, they are denied justice. Lawyers are expensive and the process of getting justice is difficult. We have to help them." One of the most challenging aspects of KWP's work involves personally supporting victims of SARV. Because KWP lacks a safe house or support centre, the organization's staff and human rights defenders often accommodate survivors themselves. This exposes them to significant personal risk; Angela notes that if she supports someone accused of sorcery, she herself may be accused. Despite these dangers, they continue to provide this crucial, hands-on support. In neighboring Jiwaka Province, another organization, Voice for Change, led by Lilly BeSoer , also does similar work. Voice for Change has been caring for victims of violence for more than a decade and the cost of taking care of families displaced by violence is high. "The cost of food is high. We have to find money from somewhere to pay for a rice bag. Many of the women come to us because they have nowhere to go. We can't turn them away." While exact national figures are difficult to obtain due to fragmented data and a high rate of unreported incidents, research indicates an alarming scale of the problem. For instance, a study covering four hotspot provinces between January 2016 and June 2020 recorded 1,039 accusation incidents involving 1,553 accused persons, of which 298 (29 percent) led to violence, affecting 546 victims. Within this period, 65 individuals were killed, 86 suffered permanent injuries, and 141 endured other serious harm like burning or cutting. Nationally, estimates suggest over 6,000 violent SARV incidents occurred between 2000 and June 2020, resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths. This violence is not only claiming lives and causing severe injuries but also leads to inter-generational stigmatization, property destruction, and the displacement of entire communities, highlighting the grave and multifaceted impact of SARV on PNG society. KWP's core mission is multifaceted, stemming from the unique needs of its community. Initially, the organization took the initiative to combat gun violence, a prevalent issue in the highlands region, to protect women and girls. But their work has morphed into providing mediation and training to community members, including youth, church, and women leaders. These training programs focus on behavioral change and educate participants on their human rights and the laws and Constitution of Papua New Guinea. "We show them the way to go and get justice at the police station," Angela explains, emphasizing KWP's role in guiding survivors through legal processes. A crucial aspect of KWP's work is providing crisis support to women who have experienced abuse. This includes assisting women from coastal areas who have married into the region and face violence, helping them return to their homes. KWP also operates a strong rapid response system to address violence related to social accusations. Angela highlights their robust network with service providers like the police, particularly the Family and Sexual Violence Unit, and Family Support Centers. They also collaborate closely with Catholic and other missionary churches to deliver training and support. "I made a promise that I will build peace until, you know, our organization or the end of the world," Angela said.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Call for Submissions: Peace Palace awards 2025 Youth Carnegie Peace Prize
THE HAGUE, Netherlands, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Across the globe, young people are emerging as powerful agents of peace, driving change in their communities and beyond. To recognize and amplify their efforts, the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize will once again be awarded this fall at the Peace Palace – the international symbol of "Peace through Law." Now in its fourth edition, the prize celebrates inspiring young peacebuilders who are making a meaningful impact. Applications are open until 31 July 2025. Youth Carnegie Peace Prize "Young people are not only citizens with equal rights but also powerful agents for change whose voices must be fully heard," said António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. It is the younger generation that holds the key to shaping a more peaceful world. Every day, countless young people are already making a difference—often in challenging circumstances—by working toward positive change in their communities. To highlight and support these efforts, the Carnegie Foundation – Peace Palace and the Youth Peace Initiative have launched a video competition to showcase best practices from young peacebuilders around the world. Awarded biennially, the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize honors the inspiring work of young individuals in (post-)conflict settings. The prize not only offers recognition but also aims to motivate others to take action and launch their own peacebuilding initiatives. In December 2023, the international youth organization World's Youth for Climate Justice received the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize for its dedicated efforts to combat climate change through international law and its advocacy for climate justice. This year, the Prize will open up again, to once more select the most inspiring, creative and impactful initiative to become the 2025-2027 Youth Peace Ambassador. Call for Submissions The Youth Peace Initiative and the Carnegie Foundation are seeking young peacebuilders who are ready to represent youth voices and amplify their impact. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 are invited to submit a video explaining how their work or project contributes to peace. By sharing their stories, they can inspire others to become active agents of change. Videos must be submitted by 31 July 2025 via the Peace Palace website Award Ceremony at the Peace Palace The winner of the 2025 Youth Carnegie Peace Prize will be announced in the fall of 2025. The award will be presented during a festive ceremony at the Peace Palace, attended by distinguished guests including representatives of international organizations based in The Hague, international students, and members of the diplomatic corps. The event will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences around the world to join in and celebrate the achievements of young peacebuilders. The Peace Palace The Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, is the international icon for "Peace through Law" and opened its doors in 1913. Owned and managed by the Carnegie Foundation, the Peace Palace houses the United Nations International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague Academy of International Law, and the Peace Palace Library. Note for editors: More information: Photo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Carnegie Foundation - Peace Palace Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
5 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Kinshasa: Youth Commit to Peace and the Fight Against Disinformation
Around one hundred young people, including thirty-seven women from Kinshasa's four districts, took part on 14 June in a series of activities aimed at promoting peace, security, and tackling disinformation. The initiative was supported by MONUSCO's Civil Affairs Section, in partnership with the National Technical Secretariat for Resolution 2250 and civil society. This gathering marked the conclusion of a process launched in 2022 to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognizes the essential contribution of youth to peacebuilding. ' This initiative followed a call from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Bintou Keita, who encouraged all MONUSCO sections to intensify efforts around Resolution 2250. ' explained Phil Wani, Civil Affairs Officer. Discussions focused on the link between economic empowerment and peace. Job creation was highlighted as key to preventing youth from joining armed groups. ' We introduced a coaching component to provide participants with practical skills to develop sustainable projects, some of the proposals are already ready for funding. ' Wani added. The National Technical Secretariat emphasized the importance of proximity-based and inclusive approaches. ' Beyond technical guidance, we ensured coordination, the aim is to enable genuine and inclusive youth participation in the resolution's implementation. ' said Anna Jacquie, national coordinator. Participants expressed appreciation for being heard on an issue where youth perspectives are often overlooked. ' As a young person, I felt heard, there's support and follow-up, which motivates me, too often, youth are unfairly associated with misconduct. ' shared Acacia. Artists were also inspired. ' We were shown how to verify online information, it made me want to launch awareness projects in my community. ' said musician and writer Antonio Lufyaulusu. This initiative reflects MONUSCO's commitment to strengthening the role of young people in peace efforts in the DRC by highlighting their ideas and encouraging long-term engagement. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).
