Panel Sessions Presentations
Abstracts
Panel Session A: Culture of Peace
Partnership, A Step to Peace and
Progress
PRESENTER : Dr. Mihaela Dimitrescu, Vice President, Romanian
Association for European Integration and Democracy (RAEID)
International
strategists and policy makers aim to change and better the future
and fortune of citizens worldwide. Since 1990, many changes have been
made in our political, economic and social life. As a result,
legislative modifications have started all over the world representing
an important step towards the formation of partnerships.
Partnerships are relationships working together to improve the structure,
local strategies, responsibilities, and programs in our society. Indeed,
we need to work as a real team with our government in order to accelerate
the progress in our countries. The creation of a team involves
the building of a sense of community around the shared vision, helping
the individuals to understand their specific roles, learning to support
each other in those roles, being result or success oriented, and resolving
problems with healthy, conflict resolution strategies.
WANGO, in the sense of dialogue, is the voice of NGOs worldwide for
the benefit of all people. Sharing our experiences, and being together
as a family represent two of the main goals for the future of NGOs
and the model for partnership. Positive organizational and team cultures
need to be developed with the new vision of the organization being
oriented to the people of our nations, and oriented to the dialogue
of peace and progress.
PRESENTER:
Elisabeth Riedl, Vice President, Osterreichische Frauenfoderation
Fur Weitfrieden (WFWP-Austria)
The
theme for the United Nations 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights is "From Words to Deeds." The Women's Federation
for World Peace (WFWP) believes that its contribution to the work
of the UN is to carry the words of reconciliation into the realm of
actual deed. The Bridge of Peace is one of the central projects
of WFWP that actually achieves this simple but difficult process.
The Bridge of Peace ceremony is a new effective social technique to
facilitate healing of the wounds of abuse, misunderstanding, intolerance,
prejudice and war. It is a meaningful ceremony that leads to
the first steps in breaking the cycle of perpetual victimization. The
inner circle of fears and hatred can be broken during this ceremony.
There are four essential components to the Bridge of Peace ceremony. The
first is responsibility in which we can break the chains of
victimization by realizing that our resentments and anger are emotions
that poison and debilitate us. The second is respect in
that by recognizing and respecting the rights of others, no matter who they are,
we are able to open our minds to the possibility of a solution. Without
respect, the only answer is to negate others and continue the cycle
of conflict. Third is repentance that is a personal cease-fire.
When genuine repentance is offered, forgiveness is usually the overwhelming
response. Forgiveness further empowers victims to move beyond
the influence of their perpetrators. The fourth component is
commitment. As participants embrace one another, a new
partnership ensues. Be they be representatives of past regimes and
conflicting cultures, races and classes, or friends and family, this
simple public action seals personal commitments to one another and
thus to the tasks of development and resolution ahead.
The WFWP uses the Bridge of Peace to tend to some of the most
obvious needs of reconciliation such as the healing of wounds between
people of warring nations, different races, classes and cultures,
including human relationships within marriage and family. It
also attends to many other areas of concern such as illiteracy, education,
women's empowerment, emergency relief, support and administration.
Sri Lanka and Religious Youth
Service Activities
PRESENTER: Don Ravindra Galhena, International Staff, Religious
Youth Service, United States (RYS-USA)
Role of Non-Governmental
Organizations in the Development of World Culture
PRESENTER: Dr. Fuad Mammedov, President, Simurg Association
of Azerbaijan Culture
The
world is confronted with many social, political, economical, and ecological
problems that call for widespread healing. With the increased role
and capability of non-governmental organizations in the rehabilitation
of the suffering world, it is necessary for us, within the framework
of WANGO, to develop and implement a plan for the research, examination,
education and enlightenment of the NGOs.
In relation to this, it is essential to 1) determine the position
of the NGO in this task, analyzing its function, achievements, mechanism
of development, and goals in the social-culture progress and development
of modern society; 2) raise the legal status of NGOs and improve the
coordination and partnership of NGOs with government, businesses and
between each other on the national and international levels; 3) evaluate
the technologies and mechanisms to raise the effectiveness of NGO
workmanship and administration activity; and 4) organize a systematical
training and retraining for the leaders and representatives of NGOs.
Increasing goodness in society is possible by upholding the value
of human beings and creating a universal system of education based on both spiritual
and temporal values. The objectives
of such an international policy should be 1) general and secondary
education that contributes to the growth of the intellectual, ethical,
manufacturing, consuming, and administrating aspects of society; 2)
enlightenment of the history of cultures and civilizations of the
world; 3) formation of a high ethical culture; 4) production of the
universal system of cultural values; 5) formation of a principle-centered
culture; and 6) partnership and solidarity based on the principles
of world culture and the culture of democracy and civic society.
People
to People Estonia Homestay Program
PRESENTER: Ruta Pels, President, People to People Estonia
There
are many different ways for people to discover a new country. Some
prefer to travel by plane and stay in expensive hotels while others
prefer to travel by train or bus and see the country from the window. Still
other people are more adventurous and like to stay with local people
in their homes, visiting, eating and speaking with the local people,
getting to understand their happiness and their problems.
People to People Homestay Program is ideal for the latter type
of person. The People to People Estonia Homestay Program started
in 1993 at the beginning of Estonian independence. Most of the
people in the former Soviet Union countries had never traveled abroad. Many
of them could not even travel within their own country. Estonia
was open to the West, however few had the possibility to travel
due to the cost. But, the Estonian people were happy to invite
foreign guests into their homes.
Initially, the homestay program was an opportunity for the children
to meet Western people. But the whole family actually benefited. Such
visits motivated both the youth and adults to learn a foreign language,
mostly English, French and German, and become more aware of different
cultures. Guests and hosts become more tolerant and
accepting of other people, religions and cultures through the program.
NGOs
Building a European Citizenship
PRESENTER: Gabriela Sotirca, Vice President, Euro-Atlantic
Partnership for Sustainable Development
Being
a European citizen goes far beyond the economic, political or social
dimensions of this concept. Being a European citizen also incorporates
the sharing of a common culture.
But then what is the culture that can be shared inside of a political
construct that is bringing together a multitude of cultures and languages?
What actually can unite all the people and how can an example be made
for the entire world? It might
be the manner in which the people of Europe understand, accept and
support this multicultural dimension of Europe and the manner in which they identify themselves
with it.
The European Union gives its support to this concept accordingly to
the booklet printed by the Office for Official Publications of the
European Communities, More Unity and More Diversity, and accordingly
the Youth Program, one of its most important programs.
The European citizenship can demonstrate that diversity can produce
unity and peace. European youth NGOs, and our NGO, can and already
are actively involved in shaping the future look of Europe through
guiding the youth to realize that the multicultural dimension doesn’t
have to produce fear. Rather, it can result in interest and acceptance.
Intercultural communication can be open to
diversity and difference, free from stereotypes and discrimination.
Panel
Session B: Human Dignity
Europe Against Drugs (EURAD)
PRESENTER:
Grainne Kenny, International President, Europe Against Drugs (EURAD)
Europe
Against Drugs (EURAD) is a voluntary organization comprised of individuals
from the various strands of life who share the same concerns with
our growing drug epidemic in Europe. As an organization, we support
the Conventions and efforts of the United Nations concerning narcotics
and illegal drugs. In accordance with this, EURAD collaborated
in presenting 1.3 million signatures against drug legalization to
the UN in Vienna.
In the 1980s, drug abuse was rising
at an alarming rate. By the 1990s, there were an estimated 20
million drug abusers in Europe alone, and the numbers were steadily increasing. Drug
related suicides were rising at an alarming rate among teenagers,
and drug related accidents and absenteeism from was also rising. Most
notably at that time was the little or lack of support for families
affected by this epidemic. Many of our founding members were
parents of addicts.
EURAD strives to disseminate accurate
and up-to-date scientific information on drugs to parents, teachers,
politicians and other policy makers in addition to giving support
to families afflicted by drug addiction and promoting good practice
in treatment aimed to help the addict become drug free. This
is a basic human right. Parents have to be recognized as
the first line of defense that a child has with legal sanctions
being the last.
We see that the elements in fighting this disease are legal sanctions
coupled with prevention, early intervention, and if required, drug
free treatment. EURAD is committed to opposing all efforts by well-financed
lobbyists aimed at legalizing drugs. We recognize that drugs are illegal because they
are dangerous, not that they are dangerous because they are illegal.
Non-Government
Organizations: Importance and Role
PRESENTER: Dr. Kashnath Pandita, Secretary General,
Asian-Eurasian Human Rights Forum
In
contemporary times, democracy as a form of political system has changed
its contours. Theoretically accredited democrats have, in practice,
turned into ruthless totalitarians, and the generals in olive green
have staked their claim as ardent democrats, after bundling out democratically
elected governments. It has become easier for potentates to mislead
the people.
Therefore, if we want to see that democracy
as a political system is not abused and democratic institutions are
not profaned, we shall have to focus all of our attention on the masses
of people with whom ultimate power rests. In other words, it means
that we must bring education and awareness to the people concerning
what their rights and duties are. We need to alert the people against
the imposters and pretenders.
The question is who is to educate the people
and bring them awareness? The emergence of a third force is logical
and rational. This third force equidistant from the political parties
and the ruling lot has a very significant role to play. In technical
language this third force is called the NGOs. Its locus standi
speaks of its importance and relevance. It becomes a bridge between
the ruling and the ruled.
As things appear at present, political systems,
administrative dispensation, quality of governance, access to the redress
of grievances and violations of human rights, the universalizing of economic gains and overall
movement towards higher quality of life, especially in the developing
countries worldwide, are areas that need immediate attention. These
become the primary concern of genuine NGOs. All of these issues lead
to the vital and important role of NGOs in the new order of human
society.
HIV Prevention Project for
Vocational School Students and Army Recruits in Estonia
PRESENTER:
Dr. Ljudmilla Priimagi, Chairman of the Board, Estonian Association
Anti-AIDS
Education Can Kindle An
Attitudinal Change Regarding Women's Rights in India
PRESENTER:
Dr. Jyotsna Chatterji, Director, Joint Women’s Programme, William
Carey Study and Research Center
In the
last few years, the issue of women's rights has attracted the attention
of women's organizations, social scientists, and development organizations
worldwide, especially in the developing countries. All over the world,
women are burdened with cumulative inequalities as a result of religious,
socio-cultural and economic factors, which have been historically
accepted and taken for granted as if it is naturally meant to be.
In India, this inequality is heightened due to the conditions of poverty,
castes, sex, segregation and the traditional value system supported
by religion. The Indian society consists of many communities, professing
diverse faiths and religious traditions. This is of paramount importance
in understanding the relative status of women and men and it's shaping
of their attitudes.
Religion has provided the ideological and moral basis for the status
and role of women in society and the home. People's notion about
their role and their social restrictions are rooted in religious conceptions
regarding women. Each religious practice has its own myths and legends,
which emphasize the position of women. All religions, in their
essence, believe that God created
the human person, male and female, as equals. It is the
interpretation of the scriptures that has lead to discriminatory
practices and texts that have promoted the formation of unjust attitudes
and behavior.
The constitution of India has provided the Indian community
with a separate set of laws mandating equality for all citizens
despite caste, creed, religion, and sex differences. Human rights
groups have begun to use these laws to fight against the discriminatory
attitudes persisting in the Indian society.
Several studies have shown the positive role played by education in
changing attitudes. The attitudes of people can change through
education and lead to a gender-just secular society despite the religious
and social differences and the patriarchal tradition in our society.
Proposed
Resolution to Healing the Hurting World
PRESENTER:
Evans Lombe, Project Coordinator,
African Agency of Humanitarian Aid (AAHA)
Acknowledging
that mankind needs to restore a just life, the Global Human Reorientation
Education Program (GHREP) is proposed to highlight the process of
a just life that upholds the true worth and dignity of humankind.
With the Global Human Reorientation Education Program, societal vices
and abuses such as poverty, terrorism, HIV/AIDS, nepotism, and tribalism
that has lead to ethnic cleansing, shall be eradicated.
If the societies of the world realize this approach and invest effort,
we shall begin to see the renewal of the true worth and dignity of
each human being. With this program, the world shall begin to treat
the actual root causes defined as the problem, which give birth to
the vices or symptoms that have caused the world to continually suffer.
Four institutions, NGOs (WANGO), government (United Nations), religion
(churches) and family (parents), should work together and address
the world crisis that is rapidly spreading. These four institutions
form what is called the Global Nucleus.
Treating only the symptoms and not the actual problems results in
fighting a losing battle. We have to change our method of solving
the world’s problems in order to better our global society. With the
recourse of the human mind, the triple global vices, i.e. poverty,
HIV/AIDS, and terrorism, can be eradicated.
The
Importance of Emotional Literacy for Building a Peace Culture
PRESENTER : Hilde Rapp, Director, Ministry of Peace
A central thread throughout this paper is that
emotional intelligence is a prerequisite for building a peace culture
in which the management of conflict through non-violent means is the
norm and violent conflict becomes the exception. This involves giving
equal importance to meaning making through intuitive understanding
and cultural narratives on the one hand and to the rational systemic
anaylsis of biological evolution and the structural organization of
societies on the other. Cultural narratives draw on mythos and imagination
ans rational anayses draw on logos and argumentation. Political movements
are in danger of misusing mythos to justify realpolitik solutions
on the one hand and of misusing rational argumentation to justify
emotionally laden value judgements on the other.
Emotional intelligence therefore
requires that we first distinguish between and then endeavor to integrate
four ways of knowing: subjective knowing through personal experience;
collective knowledge generation through shared inquiry and interpretation;
objective study of biological determinants of individual development
and functioning; and objective research and theory building
regarding the ecological context and the wider determinants of our
social, economic and political organization.
The
Role of NGOs is Essential in the Development of a Dialogue Culture
PRESENTER: Haji Hafiz Osmanov, Azerbaijan Intellect Development
/ ”Simurg” ACA
In
the beginning of the XXI century, year 2001 was declared the year
of dialogue among civilization by the United Nations. The main aim
in attaining dialogue was to invite all people to a great collaboration
for sake of peace, happiness, and humanity. It is pity that this dialogue
did not result as expected, and mankind faced the next global problem
called terrorism. Is it possible for dialogue to take place without
a dialogue culture?
There are challenges to solve the global problems and create mutual
dependence between civilizations. Such global problems include the
prevention of the danger of nuclear war, world ecological problems,
aid for developing countries and under-developed countries, demographic
problems, starvation and poverty, providing raw materials and energy,
cooperative use of the oceans, defense of human rights and so on.
Solution of such problems requires the joining of all human forces.
On the other hand, competition in the markets, development of infrastructure
of education, information, biotechnology, telecommunication, among
others, will be the central efforts in the XXI century. Today, human
society’s wish for a unique moral-cultural unity and equality is manifesting.
The world peace and dialogue culture should be developed through the
third sector. Among the working
bodies of the UN, UNESCO has a bright role in this field. Because
of its multi-purposes in the fields of education, culture, science
and communication, the effort of the organization and its work with
the third sector has greater importance.
Panel
Session: Children and Youth
Premature Baby Foundation of the
Republic of China
PRESENTER:
Huel-Jen Lai, Executive Director, Premature Baby Foundation
of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
There
are more then 230,000 births in Taiwan every year and one in every
ten births is premature. Premature birth is unavoidable as long as
babies are being born. Children who are born prematurely often have
great physical difficulties and can cause great challenges for the
families as well. Unfortunately, few of us know how to prevent premature
births.
With the recent advancements in medicine, a premature baby now has
a better chance for survival. There is a greater capability of decreasing
the miseries of premature birth, as long as there is hope and respect
for life. With this belief, Premature Baby Foundation was established.
The functions of the Foundation are 1) to provide appropriate medical
care and regular upgrade of the quality of medical care for premature
babies; 2) to encourage and educate the public in the manner of caring
for premature babies; and 3) to endeavor to prevent premature birth
through education. In the future, Premature Baby Foundation of the
Republic of China plans to promote pre-term delivery prevention, improve
the quality of medical care and reduce
the long-term deficit of the babies, enhance
nursing service for home care, promote social education, and promote
international cooperation.
Introducing the Use of Computers
to the Youth in Mauritius
PRESENTER:
Kailash Busgopaul, Director, Internet Child Safety Foundation
Mauritius
is emerging into the Information and Communications Technology field
and is positioning itself as such in the southeastern region of Africa. In
alignment with this, the government of Mauritius is providing incentives
to its citizens to purchase computers for their homes. Public places,
such as schools and libraries, are also being equipped with computers
that give easy access to the public. Numerous strategies are
being devised to encourage the population to become ICT literate.
As a result, more people now have access to a computer, with the
majority of them being young people. While they do have access
to computers in their schools, the youth can also get access in cyber
cafes. However, maximum use of this new technology is the optimum
preparation for the future growth and development of the society. It
is now essential that the young people become ICT literate to have
the full benefit of the technology available to them.
In spite of all the incentives to introduce the country's young
people to use of the computer, great effort is still needed to
reach the marginalized youth with the new technology. Internet
Child Safety Foundation (ICSF) has embarked on an awareness campaign
in which marginalized youth people are given hands-on-education in
the use of a computer. The program is created so that ICSF volunteers travel
to the remote regions of Mauritius with computers. Ten volunteers
serve in the campaign to bring both educational information
and hands-on-education in the use of a computer to the young people
of Mauritius.
The Collective Heart of the New
Zealand NGO
In
terms of social change, educators are on the front line. In the 21st
Century, we will be accountable for many of the decisions that will
be made, as well as have the power to change the very fabric of society
for the better. Moreover, the decisions that are made have multiplying
impacts on all other aspects of the community.
In order to gain the credibility of the community and government,
we must first demonstrate the potential of socially conscious education.
This can be done in the following ways. We must become more involved
in the community, and shift our focus from the development of programs
to the development of our professionals. In reality, “we must stand
in awe of the child’s potential.” We must become more involved in
both civic society and have an awareness of politics, communicating
the potential that we have to change the nation. “Politics without
principles, education without character, science without humanity,
commerce without morality, are not only useless, but positively dangerous.”
(Sathya Sai: Burrows 93:128)
We must also practice bottom line accounting, shifting our attention
to issues that affect the community. During the process of designing
our programs, we must take more care to look at the whole system rather
than just try to optimize individual components.
Finally, and most importantly, we must have a vision. I challenge
every educator to think about why they work as an educator in the
first place. If it is to help society by solving problems, I urge
you to start now. Communicate this to others, to your colleagues,
parents and the entire community. Look at the impact that you can
have. It is only by doing this that the education profession will
thrive in the 21st century.
Combating Youth Unemployment Through a Mentorship Program for
Young Entrepreneurs in Mauritius
PRESENTER:
Mahendranath Busgopaul, Secretary-General, Halley Movement, Mauritius
Young
people, who are not academically strong, are having great difficulty
to secure a job in Mauritius. Official data shows that in the
coming years this situation may become alarming because of future
loss of jobs in the textile industry.
The mentorship program is a new exciting business program to support
the youth to gain understanding and experience in a skill or job. Young
entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to learn from experienced
and established business owners, and technical and managerial personnel
from the private sector enterprises that understand the process to
start up and run a business.
Young entrepreneurs will receive advice from mentors in their communities. Mentors
will provide practical and hands-on-experience to help the young entrepreneurs
achieve their own success.
The presentation will elaborate on how the mentor program works, the
actual training program for the mentors, mentor roles, mentor reports,
mentor recognition and future development of the program.
Play Soccer Make Peace!
PRESENTER: Mr. Robin Graham, Project Director, Play Soccer
Make Peace!
Play
Soccer Make Peace! (PSMP!) is a sports initiative of WANGO.
The goal of PSMP! is to create models of peace in which competing
youth soccer teams demonstrate qualities of skill, unity, and friendship.
It achieves this by working with WANGO representatives in each of
44 selected countries to identify and strengthen youth soccer teams
and associations which promote talent, competence, ethical behavior
and sportsmanship, both on and off the field. These youth teams are
usually in local soccer associations, and are already aiming for high
standards of skill and character.
The typical PSMP! project identifies eight community or NGO-based
youth soccer teams. The chosen teams compete against one another in
a tournament. Prizes are given
to all the teams in the tournament. By sharing the PSMP! principles
and codes, the young players can connect to the PSMP! community worldwide. All the players are encouraged to multiply the
underlying PSMP! values in their communities, and in social projects
sponsored by their soccer clubs.
PSMP! is funded by the Sun Moon Soccer Foundation that organized the
Peace Cup held in Seoul in 2003. Soccer
is a universal sport, and it is played everywhere throughout the world,
be it in the streets, on dirt fields, or in brightly lit stadiums.
Soccer brings people together. It generates much excitement, and can
teach physical fitness, mind-body coordination, teamwork, cooperation, character development and integrity. It is uniquely suited
as a link between the work of NGOs and a culture of world peace.
The
“Love Makes Whole” International Relief Program
PRESENTER: King Ying (Rebecca) Wang, Executive Director,
Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation
One
of the missions of the Noordhoff Foundation is to provide international
cleft care in the developing countries. With program, a concept is
adopted that local medical practitioners are trained together with
the cleft care provided.
A five-step program for the international relief activities was carried
out. (1) Subject Assessment. This stage consists of familiarization
with the political, economic, medical, and technological conditions,
the attitude of the government in the host country, and the approaches
of cooperative hospitals and the support of key individuals. (2) Facilitation
of Local Sources. Employment of local resources often includes assistance
from local Taiwanese business people as well as international non-profit
agency resources. (3) Outstanding Service Quality. Service that is
free of charge nonetheless must not be free from quality. Consequently,
quality control is essential, beginning with seasoned professional
staff members to ensure patients' rights to proper care and the fine
reputation of the volunteers and their home country. (4) Local Seed
Medical Technician Training. Seed personnel training in Taiwan aims
not only to enhance the know-how of trainees, but also instill in
them empathy towards patients as if treating their own family. (5)
Follow-up Supervision. Following completion of training, assisting
seed trainees to maximize their assets is essential.
Since 1998, the Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation and the craniofacial
team from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan have provided treatment
to approximately 700 cleft patients on 19 missions in countries such
as Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and China, and have
given training to 35 local seed practitioners.
International relief action is an exercise in global fellowship. Mutual
relationship among countries can establish a virtuous circle so that
developing countries will achieve up-to-date cleft care.