Youtube: https://youtu.be/WJduOUUM7IU
For the first time WFWP celebrated the Founding Day of the UN at the UN Vienna!
WFWP was supported by UNODC-Ngo Unit, UNCAV- UN Correspondence Association Vienna and ENFiD -European Network of Filipin Diaspora. One speaker also came from the Vienna City council.
From each organization on speaker presented her /his perspective on peace and especially the role of youth in this respect. To counter crime is also an important aspect when aspiring a society where peaceful development is possible- the words of UNODC Representative Mariana Gomez, Consultant UNODC- NGO Unit She further explained the activities in Crime prevention and involvement of youth.
Ms. Atty Daryll Migano, Attaches’ the Embassy of the Philippines, expresses her gratitude to be invited to speak at this meaningful occasion. She describes youth as agents for change, its inclusion being mandatory for a humane civil society, following the human rights.
Mr. Herman Kroiher, Gen.Secretary of UNCAV+ Board Member of Austrian Police Ass.,
explained in his opening speech that certain requirements are necessary so the t youth can thrive, e.g. Peacefull and supportive societies, where education is possible . Then young people will be enabled to contribute from their side through their talents and creativity!
Ms. Caroline Hungrlaender, councilor of the City of Vienna, describes her involvement in developing a college for young migrants, who are 85% young men from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Ukraine, and others. The priority is to learn German, but at the same time give them a structure to develop stability and supports in finding opportunities for job or further education. Mag. Hungerlaender together with colleagues founded an academy for young people to learn about political work, to encourage public engagement.
Sarah -Jozel Rojas represented the youth in ENFiD and explained multiple ways of young people to be advocates for peace: ADVOCACY &AWARENES through social Media platforms, EDUCATION & EMPOWERMENT: Educating about democracy and possibilities of civic engagement, conveying an understanding of rights and responsibilities enables young people to become an active partner in society also for peace building. DIALOG & MEDIATION: In conflict areas it is often the young people that can promote dialog and reconciliation. But of course they need to be equipped with the right tools and platforms to engage.
Ms Merly Barlaan then explained the project of “Youth ambassador for peace”- an educational program that is developed in New York and will be supported by the NY. city government. The training aims at enabling girls and young women from a an early age on (High School level9 to learn the tools to conduct “Bridges of Peace” among the different migrant groups and start constructive interaction. This should counter the problems and even violence that increasingly occurs among the migrant / parallel societies.
For a better understanding 3 pairs crossed the “Bridge” in front of the audience:
A Philippino/Austrian – Philippino /Spanish origin
Philippino /USA background- Egyptian/Austrian
Philippine Austrian- Korean /Austrian
The words they prepared for each other, why they felt they want to cross the bridge of forgiveness and reconciliation were moving and astonishing at the same time!
The song “Let there be Peace on Earth “ -presented by the Filipino singer Shirley Dimaano, concluded the event officially. For some time after personal talk and exchange of contact details took place!
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