We, the World, a non-govermental organization, and the International Confederation of Free Trade Union (ICFTU) organized and launched on 9 July at UN Headquarters the first of a three-part videoconference series 2003, entitled "Building Peace and Security in the 21st Century". The event was attended by representatives of the World Bank, UNHCR, OAS, CARE, Mercy Corps, Word Affairs Council officials, conflict resolution practitioners, youth and professionals. The webcast event linked the United Nations with the University of Washington, DC, the University of Minesota and speakers around the world on the topic of conflict prevention policies and practices. The aim was to disseminate information through media channels to enable wide audience participation.
The conference focused on programmes, policies and practices that could prevent armed conflict and terrorism by engendering sustainable societies that increase peace and security worldwide. Topics covered included: environmental security issues, such as the need to switch to renewable non-polluting energy sources; business responsibilities regarding labour and the environment; promotion of peace-building through educational programmes, international law and the empowerment of women; promotion of democracy and dialogue; and disarmament issues.
Guest speakers during the 9 July videoconference were representatives from various backgrounds, from governmental and academic to organizational, and included: Felicity Hill, from the UN Development Organization for Women, working for the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), which calls for an essential role for women in conflict resolution and peace-building; Congressman and Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, who has introduced legislation mandating a cabinet-level Department of Peace in the United States Government; Mel Duncan, Executive Director of the Nonviolent Peaceforce—international trained, unarmed civilians applying proven non-violent strategies to protect human rights, deter violence and help local peacemakers carry out their work; Rick Ulfik, Founder and Director of We, The World; and Moderator Gemma Adaba, UN Representative, ICFTU.
The United Nations facilitated the videoconference mainly by finding a place for it and providing logistical arrangements. The main reasons for conducting these events were rooted in their mission statement, which includes forming a global network of collaboration between groups and individuals who believe in "building a better world". Their mission also highlights the importance of raising public awareness on these issues to "awaken the spirit of caring and involvement so that millions of people see themselves as part of one global interdependent community".
Although the schedule for the following videoconference still remains flexible in order to accommodate Secretary-General Kofi Annan's participation, the next in the series is planned for early September. The guest speakers who have confirmed their attendance include: Audrey Kitagawa, advisor at the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; Hazel Henderson, consultant on sustainable development and Board Member of Worldwatch Institute; Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute; Carol Barton, coordinator of Women's International Coalition for Economic Justice; journalist Amy Goodman; Alice Slater from the Lawyers Committee for Nuclear Policy; and John Langmore, Director of International Labor Liaison Office in New York City.
View a recorded webcast of the event !
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