The Peace Corner Podcast

Five years after the historic adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR)2250 on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), where are we on the implementation of the agenda? In this pod, Gwedolyn Myers discusses the Liberian youth-led initiatives and the work of Messengers of Peace-Liberia to generate conducive environments for youth inclusion at the local level, as well as the challenges they have been facing. Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

[English text below!] Le maintien de la sécurité environnementale et de la paix est le plus important défi auquel l’humanité n’a jamais fait face. Or, ils sont tous deux inextricablement liés. Cette double conjoncture aggrave les difficultés de manière quotidienne dans la région du Sahel. Les changements climatiques sont l'une des causes de la Guerre du Sahel ainsi que de la recrudescence du terrorisme. Ils provoquent aussi des conflits autour de ressources naturelles, génèrent des maladies tuant des milliers de personnes chaque année, affectent de manière critique la sécurité nutritionnelle, la pauvreté et les sources d’énergie. Au milieu de cette situation très complexe, l’ONG Espaces Verts du Sahel (EVS - du Tchad, mais aussi au Cameroun, Burkina Faso, Mali et Niger) a accompli un impressionnant travail de formation de centaines de (très) jeunes-experts à répondre de manière proactive aux problématiques environnementales. Avec eux, l’ONG a réussi à conduire d’impressionnants efforts de plaidoyer auprès de hautes sphères politiques nationales et internationales, stimulant du changement vers la préservation de l’environnement et une paix durable. Joël Yodoyman, coordinateur de l’ONG et membre de l’Équipe-Pays de la CSPPS au Tchad, souhaite vous parler, auditeurs du Podcast, alors écoutez cet épisode pour recevoir son important message ! PS : Nous sommes heureux de présenter un premier épisode en français, pour un Peace Corner Podcast plus inclusif ! *** Environment and Peace Relations in the Sahel: Youth Leading Change The safeguarding of environmental security and peace is the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced. More importantly, they are inextricably bound together. This dual predicament intensifies the struggle in the Sahel region daily. Climate change is one of the causes of both the Sahel War as well as a surge in terrorism. It also causes conflicts over natural resources, generates disease outbreaks, which kill thousands of people every year and critically affects nutritional security, poverty and access to energy. Amid this highly challenging situation, the NGO Espaces Verts du Sahel (EVS - based in Chad, but also in Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger) has accomplished the outstanding work of training hundreds of (very) young experts to respond proactively to environmental challenges. The NGO has succeeded in conducting impressive advocacy efforts at the highest national and international political levels, stimulating change towards a sustainable environment and peace. Joel Yodoyman, coordinator of the NGO and member of the CSPPS Country Team in Chad, is looking forward to talking to you, so tune in to catch his powerful message! P.S.: We are happy to present this first French-speaking episode in a bid to diversify towards the Peace Corner Podcast! Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

For centuries, the transgender community across India has been battling for basic livelihood, dignity and social acceptance. In 2014, the Supreme Court of India finally recognised the transgender community’s civil rights in the country. Kalki Subramaniam was one of the most prominent activists behind this milestone. In this episode of the Peace Corner Podcast, Mori Plaschinski from UNOY sits down with transgender activist and artist Kalki Subramaniam to discuss how art can help to advocate for gender diversity and trans rights in India and worldwide. Through Kalki’s “artivism” we learn about the role of trans people as changemakers and their journeys to achieving equality, safety, peace and well-being for their communities. Tune in to discover how performance and art have been key pieces for LGBT+ peacebuilding in Tamilnadu-India, and beyond! Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

We know the same-old story. A violent conflict breaks out and international interveners come rushing to support peace in the country. But oftentimes, this leads to a short term ‘fix’ and even more chaos returns with monstrous damage to the people. What we often tend to forget, is that locals know best. Local peacebuilders and ordinary citizens know best what the root causes and solutions are to the violence that is affecting them. But why then are they systematically pushed aside in offering solutions? And why do youth and women have to try so hard to reach the decision-making level in spite of seemingly global consensus on the importance of their voices? In this live launch episode of a fresh Peace Corner season, we are starting our journey with award-winning peacebuilding author and researcher Séverine Auteserre and young changemaker Shadi Rouhshahbaz. Make sure to tune in and subscribe! Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

Strong gender stereotypes plague the participation of Jordanian women in daily life. Not only strongly ingrained cultural perceptions, but infrastructure and legislative measures limit women’s ability to fully contribute to society. The lack of gender-friendly facilities and child care outside of the capital, prevent women from even stepping into the workplace. How can meaningful economic and political participation be achieved when so many face these barriers? Fatema of GPPAC sat down with peacebuilder Sanaa Albanawi of the Jordanian National Commission of Women to discuss women’s participation in the Middle East and North Africa. Great improvements can be seen, but what can help to break these cultural barriers? Tune in to hear how for instance interactive theatre can raise awareness for women’s issues and bring Jordan one step closer towards equality. Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

Colombia has always been an interesting case-study in the peacebuilding field. Since 2016, a lot of optimism exists after having reached a peace agreement with the FARC. However, the fragile peace faces many challenges. The COVID-19 outbreak has deepened the already existing problems, affecting disproportionately the rural areas. In the midst of a crisis, there are always opportunities. La Paz Querida is a group of citizens convinced that a peaceful future is possible for Colombia. In this episode, Carlos from UNOY Peacebuilders sat with Dr. Carlos Lemoine and Dr. Gabriel Murillo, members of LPQ, to discuss their work in promoting a culture of peace and a new ethic based on human dignity. They are making this happen by promoting dialogue and advocating for sustainable social policies to protect the most vulnerable. Tune in to listen to their stories and learn about their efforts to build a culture of peace in Colombia.

Sierra Leone only has 2,028 cases of COVID-19. The experience of the Ebola epidemic in 2014-2016, shaped how the West African nation approaches the virus. The same is true for the brutal civil war, which has led to many people wanting to maintain a culture of peace and stability in the country. In both cases, youth has been at the forefront of change. Young people have taken the lead in sensitising people on the measures to prevent COVID-19 and have brought peacebuilding and humanitarian support together. But what does this look like? On the Peace Corner podcast, Caitríona from GPPAC sat down with Marius Kargbo, from Young Leaders Sierra Leone Network, to learn about the role they have played in helping their communities in countering fake news, accessing proper prevention information and how COVID-19 can become an opportunity to build a more peaceful world. Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

In Uganda, the marginalised, such as youth and women, are feeling the effects of the pandemic the most. Many people are facing hunger, as they solely depend on the informal sector to earn their keep and provide for their families. As a result, domestic violence has soared and the risk of increased armed violence is looming. Natalie of GPPAC sat down with returning guest Patrick Bwire, a project officer at CECORE in Uganda. Whilst the pandemic has seriously affected his work, he has been able to give a voice to the marginalised. In this pod, Patrick dives into the intersectionality between peace and development. He argues that peace shouldn’t be left behind, because it is the bedrock for positive changes to happen in Uganda. Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

In 2018, Colombia had over 7 million internally displaced people. With lockdowns all over the world, it is the most vulnerable and marginalised communities that are the most affected. This is the case in Colombia. How can we change that to build a diverse and equality society for all? Alessia from UNOY wanted to find out, so she sat down with Diego Garzon, the co-founder and project leader of Multicultural. Through his work at Multicultural, he focuses on empowering young people from marginalised communities in Colombia through educational, social and cultural activities. In this episode of the Peace Corner podcast, we discuss how empowering young people is key to creating a culture of peace in Colombia. Beyond that, we take a deep dive into the problems faced by IDPs and other marginalised communities as well as the challenges they face during this pandemic. Check out some of the music videos from Multicultural: https://youtu.be/7Vsi6vYtt0o, https://youtu.be/ayKbKh-gkh0 , https://youtu.be/xpO7g8jCvOA Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

With over 349,300 cases of COVID-19 and 39,485 related deaths, Mexico has felt the harsh reality and impact of this pandemic. In Mexico, just like in other places across the globe, vulnerable communities are disproportionately impacted by this deadly virus. Not only are they at high risk, but they are not given the space to voice these concerns. How are indigenous communities impacted in Mexico? What are their predefined roles in society and how can this be changed? Young peacebuilders Daniel Martín and Maria Francisca Garcés Ocampo of Centro de Colaboración Cívica (CCC) in Mexico dialed in to discuss giving a voice to ethnic minorities, the presence of racism in Mexico and how spaces can be build for change. Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

The 25th May 2020 is a date that will go down in history. The tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of the police, marked the beginning of a call for racial justice and an end to police brutality. Despite the threat posed by COVID-19, protestors took to the streets in over 4,000 cities worldwide. United in their message, they continue their mission for change. But what does this movement mean for the future? What do we as societies need to feel safe? For the Peace Corner podcast, Zander of +Peace sat down with peacebuilder and human security expert Jon Rudy to discuss how we can transform societies to prioritise human security and to eradicate structural violence. Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

Over 70% of the Zimbabwean population are youth. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government imposed lockdown saw the closure of the informal sector. With the majority of the youth in Zimbabwe employed here, and without savings, the daily struggle to feed their families intensified. Tensions in their densely populated living spaces grew. Extortionate prices of mobile data heightened the risk of contracting COVID-19 as access to information and guidance on social distancing could not be obtained. But how can civil society organisations help to reach these vulnerable populations? How can previously active youth peacebuilders continue their fundamental work? Young peacebuilder Nqobile Moyo, the director of Voices In the Vision for Africa (VIVA), dialed into the podcast to lay his cards on the table. Tune in to hear how his personal journey and pledge to support the youth in the COVID-19 response is playing out in Zimbabwe. Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

7 decades of civil war and military oppression have swept Myanmar. Suppression of the Rohingya, a stateless ethnic minority, has been so severe, they are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite calls for a nationwide ceasefire, clashes between the military and the Rohingya have continued. On the 10th of May, the government set their own ceasefire, but what did this entail? Increased vulnerabilities have further exacerbated conditions for previously displaced refugees. 15,000 Rohingya face quarantine in already crowded camps. With the suppression of human rights activists and the media, how can these issues be heard and, most importantly, resolved? Giving a voice to those who are silenced and suppressed, we are joined by peace activists Khin Ohmar, Chair of the Board of Progressive Voice Myanmar, and Marc Batac from Initiatives for International Dialogue for a new episode of the Peace Corner podcast. Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

There are 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 15 and 29 in the world today. Youth are often overlooked and pushed aside, yet, are one of the most active agents for peace and security. Young people are often key figures in political or social movements. However, this leadership rarely translates into being able to actively represent themselves at the decision making level. Five years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, how are young people continuing to push beyond policy and what are the challenges and opportunities ahead of us? What kind of opportunities and challenges has COVID-19 created for young peacebuilders around the world? Zander at +Peace sat down with Jordan Stevenson at STAND: the Student-Led movement to end mass atrocities & Mena Ayazi at Search for Common Ground. On today’s episode, we dive deeper into Jordan & Mena’s work on US Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) legislation and working in the peacebuilding field. Interested in more on YPS? Dive into: US YPS Act: https://www.sfcg.org/youth-peace-security-act/ STAND: https://standnow.org/2020/03/10/yps-act/ A Budding Bill to Support Youth: www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/mar/15/budding-bill-support-youth/%3famp-content=amp Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.

Whilst COVID-19 rapidly spreads across the globe, misinformation is filling up millions of feeds and web pages. A dangerous trend that is also often seen in conflicts. Accurate information informs decisions and creates a space for learning. So, how can we break through the deafening noise of fake news and the overload of information? How can readily available information empower youth and women to create peace in their societies? Music credit: 'Coffee Shopping' by Bruno Freitas, licensed under hooksounds.com.