Building confidence between opposing parties is a crucial step in resolving conflict, writes Christine Shahbenderian, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nicosia in Cyprus, as she looks at two important examples that employed the strategy.  Nelson Mandela once argued ‘if you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then …

“Confidence-Building Measures build peace” Read More »

Angelique Pouponneau, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Seychelles, recalls the career of former President Sir James Mancham, and argues that in spite of controversy and exile, he was an inspirational figure. It was unfortunate to learn that the words posted on Facebook were in fact correct, the first President of Seychelles had passed away. Sir …

“A tribute to peace and Sir James Mancham” Read More »

Living in Canadian cities close to the American border, Alvin Ma, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Canada, has visited the United States numerous times. The past December, he visited the southwestern United States. The Chinese term for the United States of America is 美国, which stands for “beautiful country” in its literal character translation. Although the …

“Beautiful Country: needs open borders, minds” Read More »

An increase in the crime rate is an opportunity to look at society and at ways to reduce crime through prevention and intervention, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 30, a Commonwealth Correspondent alumni from Barbados. For the past several months in Barbados there has been an upsurge in criminal activity, primarily perpetrated by young men. As an individual who …

“Society has a responsibility in the crime rate” Read More »

Recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa lead Ludwekazi Ndlazi, 24, a Correspondent from Durban in South Africa, to consider that events might indicate some residents refuse to acknowledge the #WEAREONE movement. In the year 2015, families suffered great losses, businesses were shut down and many lost their lives in xenophobic violence. It seems the harsh …

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War and peace has been a focal issue in all periods of history, writes Abhay Shah, 17, a Correspondent from Siliguri in India. Lessons have been learned, but he argues that humankind must learn how to manage ongoing and new crises that threaten peace. The concern of humankind for peace can be assessed by taking …

“Peace and the essence of peace today” Read More »

A small town in a troubled area provides a shining example of tolerance and faith, writes Nuraddeen Haruna Idris, 21, a Correspondent from Yobe State, Nigeria. I am a young person growing up in north eastern part of Nigeria where crises are taking place. For the past six years, many challenges have faced this region, …

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Four years ago the Mathare Festival started with the goal of promoting peace and preventing election-related violence. Eric Omwanda, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, was instrumental in that successful effort and reports what happened next. Immediately after the Mathare Festival, one of my friends asked me, and I quote, “Now after Mathare Festival, …

“Impossible to make a change? Not!” Read More »

by Mridul Upadhyay, India Coordinator – Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network “We, too, are trying to change our working process, putting a lot of efforts to improve and support youth peace initiatives.”- Cecile Mazzacurati, Head, Secretariat – Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security – ‎UNFPA and Peace building Support Office UN’s improved effort to engage youth was …

Youth join consultation on peace and security Read More »