Bulletin of World Report on the Culture of Peace for May/July 2008

Dear Friends,

There are two subjects in this bulletin: 1 )update on the Culture of Peace News Network (CPNN) and 2) the results of the first Youth Solidarity Fund grants.

CPNN

Regarding CPNN, I must ask if the recent reduction in articles reflects a true reduction in work for a culture of peace, or does it mean that you are not thinking of sending in articles about the work that you are doing? Last year at this time there were 15 new articles listed on the CPNN website( http://cpnn-world.org ), but this year there have been only five in recent months.

In any case, you are invited to send in a brief article on your organization's work, using the CPNN submission page at http://cpnn-world.org/write/submitart.html . If possible, please send a photograph or other image directly to our email address below.

One aspect of CPNN has become easier. If you wish to register and contribute to the ongoing discussions of CPNN articles, you no longer need to wait for verification. A new system is put in place that allows you to register, log-in and contribute immediately.

YOUTH SOLIDARITY FUND

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations initiative has announced the seven winners of the first round of small grants for youth-led projects. The announcement was made on July 10 and is available on the AoC website at http://www.unaoc.org/content/view/249/73/lang,english/

As readers of the Bulletin know, the Youth Solidarity Fund was announced at the Alliance of Civilizations Forum in Madrid in January 2008 and aims to provide seed funding (in amounts up to $20,000) to outstanding youth-led projects aiming to enhance intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

The call for applications was launched in February 2008 and the announcement of the first round of funded projects was made to the successful applicants on June 24, 2008. Youth played a critical role in the selection process; an international team of seven young people was called upon to review submitted project proposals and make recommendations for funding.

The winning projects are as follows:

* Speaking and Listening with Respect: Students, Faith, and Dialogue, led by the International Movement of Catholic Students – Pax Romana

* Embracing Diversity and Nurturing Understanding through the Empowerment of Women for Political Leadership, led by the International Union of Socialist Youth

* The Role of Youth as Citizens in the Construction of an Intercultural Society, led by the Argentinean Youth Organization for the United Nations

* God and Me, led by No Ghetto, France

* Capacity Building for Youth Leaders of Religious and Traditional Groups on Tolerance and Cultural Diversity for Sustained Peace and Development in Ghana, led by the Federation of Youth Clubs, Ghana

* Capacity Building for Youth Leaders and Strengthening Youth Networking for Peace Building, led by Generation Peace Youth Network, Philippines

* Interethnic Youth Alliance, led by the Cultural Center DamaD, Serbia

Brief descriptions of the seven organizations are provided on the AoC website, and more detailed project descriptions will be made available at a later time in an annex.

It is important that these projects are successfully carried out and evaluated, so that the Fund can be expanded and support a greater number of activities in future years.

Peace,

David Adams

http://decade-culture-of-peace.org