He loved
the war
Fought in
the war
Won the war
But lost
the battle
By The
Protest Poet 2016
BE CONSCIOUS THAT in the last week there was
too much happening all over the world. Thando took some time out to amass
consciousness in Azerbaijan.
She wrote us from there.
The 26th of April 2016 marked the official
opening of the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
(UNAOC) at the Baku Convention Centre in Azerbaijan. The Global Forum brings
together more than 2,500 participants, including Heads of State and Government,
political officials, civil society representatives, religious and youth
leaders, who are sharing their perspectives and solutions along the theme "Living together in inclusive
societies". The world leaders are systematically addressing the rising
disparities of wealth and opportunities within societies lead to marginalization
and exclusion.
The opening speeches by the heads of UN and Azerbaijan
addressed pertinent issues concerning world peace and overcoming challenges;
the following are random points to be noted from the speeches;
- We are losing the
battle against violent extremism and Islamism, it is time to
act.
- Corruption is a tool in
the hands of the terrorists fueling conflicts, there has to be an economic
strategy to fight extremism
- The United Nations is
not strong enough, it cannot build peace by sending violent troops from
nations to peacekeeping missions, it needs its incapacitated force.
- Civilizations are
mortal
- Governments should
respond to violence by extending economic empowerment to its people
- We know that extremism
and terrorism flourish when human rights are violated and aspirations for
inclusion ignored. We must pay particular attention to addressing the
causes of violent extremism
- We are at a time of crisis;
we need inclusive societies as soon as yesterday.
The highlight of the event according to the UN Higher
Representative Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser was done before the event and this
was the creation of the Narratives of tomorrow created by the 150 young leaders,
aged 18-35, from all around the world. He elaborated on the role of young
people in peace building initiatives emphasizing that the young people are
agents of change today and that if they are told that they are the future they
should just leave and come back in the future.
The Zimbabwean young delegate and Director of Youth for
Innovation Trust, Miss Thando Gwinji, noted the relevance of the event in
bringing together different people from different backgrounds to figure out a
way forward in addressing issues of coexistence. She emphasized on the importance
of the grassroots approach to the intercultural dialogue and applauded the
forum for bringing forth young representatives who are capable of directly
imparting the information discussed to the masses.
The outcome of this youth engagement, titled 'Narratives of Tomorrow,' has been
presented to high-level representatives of the UN and governments during other
sessions of the Forum. It was also published as a reference to be used by youth
organizations, other civil society organizations, the UNAOC.
TIME-OUT-We took time to act busy also during trade
fair which happens annually in Bulawayo in the month of April. This event is
for those who are in business; however it presents opportunities for
networking. Zimbabwe has an unemployment rate standing at 90%; one wonders what
actually will be exhibited, produced by whom? Where?
It was a frenzy on public days as youths, especially school
going ones had a chance to visit the space and set their eyes on the President
of Zimbabwe, and at least get drunk like the whole nation.
Auntony, our friend photographer shared his best snaps
from the fair. For real, the pictures summarize all.
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| His Excellency listening to a submission. |
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| "I want to see the President" |
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| This is real business...She hopes |
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| The VP Mphoko watches on as science is explained. |
ARE YOU AWARE that
there is a WORKERS’ DAY in our Calendar? Yes, meant for those working. Zimbabwe
sits at nearly 90% unemployment in Zimbabwe and those working also unhappy. We
hear that the Vice President had to address an empty stadium in Harare https://goo.gl/jMisie .