Is world peace really possible?
In the world today, 41 countries live in a state of conflict resulting in a death toll of 157,000 in 2022 alone. Conflict manifests in various forms, often driven by complex interplays of power, ideology, and resource scarcity.
Is there a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflicts we see around the world? And what role can each of us play in building a world free of conflict?
Unveiling the current landscape of conflict
Conflict is an ever-persistent shadow that continues to grip our world, leaving a trail of devastation and despair in its wake.
It’s not just the overt violence that plagues our world. Structural violence, economic inequality, and systemic oppression teeth at the fabric of modern society, where nearly 9% of the world's population lives in extreme poverty and is denied access to basic human rights such as food, shelter, and education.
The devastating consequences of escalating or unresolved disputes remind us of the need for action from young leaders like you!
Through the lens of a Peacebuilder: Pratik Kuwar’s journey rising above conflict through community
In the famous words of Kofi Anan, “Peace is never a perfect achievement.” The concept of peacebuilding is the proactive pursuit of harmony and cooperation, where we demand equity and security for everyone.
Consider the case of Nepal, a nation scarred by a decade-long civil conflict between Maoist insurgents and the government. The rebels sought to establish a communist republic, while the government aimed to maintain a constitutional monarchy. The war resulted in thousands of deaths, displacements, and human rights violations. Among the countless affected individuals was our Ambassador Pratik Kunwar.
Pratik and his family were forced out of their home, state and finally, their own country. He changed schools multiple times and lived in fear and uncertainty, yearning for a place to call home. As he grew into adulthood, he realised he has the power to build the peaceful society he had hoped to live in one day. He drew inspiration from his past and power from his skills to create a solution.
Pratik created Shaansan, a civic app which empowers citizens to participate in decisions which affect their rights and shape their society. Shaansan gives people a platform to express their complaints about their environment, from potholes to social injustices, anonymously to their elected representatives. This opens discussion forums and holds the government accountable for creating the changes it promised.
Pratik is using his platform to create an inclusive society where each voice matters and the scars of war can be healed through dialogue and understanding, impacting over 1.4 billion people in Nepal. In his speech at #OYW2022, Pratik said, “Shaansan counters apathy through actions and gives power back to citizens to create a better country for themselves.”
The power of action: What can you do?
Pratik’s Shaansan app is a unique solution which restores the power dynamic of a democracy with a click of a button to ensure everyone is heard. His app has impacted millions of people, but beyond that, it has also educated over one million people on their civic rights and responsibilities.
Peacebuilding can seem like an impossible and overwhelming task deemed fit only for people who have the power or knowledge to do so. But it is essential that we, as citizens of the world, don’t only educate but actively engage in peacebuilding.
You can use your skills, power, position and will to build sustaining peace for the world through your organisation. How?
- Promote Cross-Cultural Understanding: Organise events, workshops, and cultural exchanges that promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Education and exposure to diverse perspectives can reduce prejudice and misunderstanding.
- Support Humanitarian Initiatives: Get involved in humanitarian efforts, such as providing aid and support to communities affected by conflicts or natural disasters. Addressing underlying socio-economic issues can create a more stable environment and reduce the likelihood of violence.
- Raise Awareness: Use social media, traditional media, and other communication channels to raise awareness about the importance of peace, conflict prevention, and resolution.
- Educate and Act: Take the time to educate yourself on how to build a peaceful world in your capacity. You can enrol in courses such as “Play a Positive Role During Conflict and in Peacebuilding” from the One Young World Academy.
As members of society, we deserve to feel secure and certain. It is time to build peace in our own ways every day. Through One Young World Academy, you will learn how to leverage your position, skill and time, to be a catalyst for peace. It doesn’t matter who you are and where you come from; peacebuilding starts with you.