Sara Pantuliano’s Post

I found his speech when he left the UN intringuing and more sincere than expected. This Hardtalk interview is equally enjoyable and for me it was a feel-good voice as I have been arguing some of the same points in many articles, book chapters and statements in the Macedonian media in the last 4-5 years. Here are my few takeaways: 👏In many of the conflicts what we actualy need is a pathway which shows how good can be done. It's an incentive to show people they can do the right thing even in the middle of doing wrong things. 📌Why has the traditional power leverage not been able to enforce dialogue in order to prevent or stop conflicts? Impunity is all over the place, law is abused,... 🗝There is a massive decrease in #internationalmediation in conflicts. And mediation in conflicts is not a matter of action from those who have interests. Its gotta hold discipline and principles! 🛎The percentage of success in preventing a war is down to 20-30 %.. Very low. You've got to accept the level of failure, which is about human nature, but what you therefore need to do is increase your experience and get it right!!!

This was honestly one of the most difficult pieces I’ve had to put together so far, for 2 particular reasons - reasons that inevitably went on to inform what this final product would be. The primary reason, which serves as the foundation of the narrative of this piece, was its subject matter. Conflict has always been something I was well aware of as a child, but it was thanks to the efforts of the community I was surrounded by that I was never directly exposed to conflict at this scale - It only ever existed outside of my immediate field of view. Today, however, when a lot of what I do hinges on my understanding of this country and the things that happen within it, conflict just seems ubiquitous in this great nation - It’s a thing that just… happens. This is why I believe that it is so, so important to shine a light on this. It’s so incredibly easy in this day and age to shut out conflict and become numb to it when it doesn't directly involve you - but just because you can’t see it, that doesn’t mean it’s not happening, and so showing it became the priority. This led to the other reason this project was such a challenge. So much of the story I composed here is supported by footage that I could only source, as well as primary interviews, which I was able to collect firsthand, thanks to the incredible Ruth Kissam-Tindiwi, whom I considered the focal point of this composition. This ended up giving me so many stories to tell, but practically, so little footage to accompany them. And so, the combination of these points had me cutting down and making this as concise as possible. What this ended up being was far simpler than I had planned, and in many ways, that was for the better. In dealing with a subject as sensitive as this, the less distraction, the less noise, the better. At least, I hope that’s how it turned out. Despite these challenges, putting together this piece was an incredibly informative experience, and I'm so deeply grateful to the United States Institute of Peace for allowing me to tell this story. https://lnkd.in/gf8TCJbr

Another powerful & inspiring interview with Francis Ngannou- from Cameroon to world champion- spoke to me a lot as someone who has spent a lot of time in Africa, also having worked in refugee contexts, & in the area of grief. So many themes including grit, determination, dreaming big, grief, powerlessness, freedom, arduous journey to Europe, the refugee experience, homelessness, & so much more https://lnkd.in/d6cGx2sn

If you have ever wondered how you or your organization can support reconciliation, “Indigenous Relations” is a must read. There are so many helpful ideas from Bob Joseph in this book to guide you and your organization in navigating how to work respectfully with Indigenous communities to help make this world a much better place.

This is my first article in the Hill Times that I wrote: https://lnkd.in/gkZtPfRn

Our latest blog, originally featured on SIPRI’s WritePeace blog, sheds light on an urgent and complex global reality. With 2023 marking one of the most violent years since the Cold War and the world entrenched in its 18th year of democratic decline, the need for effective solutions is critical. The blog underscores the profound potential of non-violent resistance movements to address the core drivers of conflict, including authoritarianism and kleptocracy. Grounded in local communities, these movements have demonstrated a powerful capacity to inspire collective responsibility and effect change – proving to be twice as effective as armed efforts in fostering democratic progress. Our Director of Peacebuilding & Partnerships, Bryan M. S., argues that strategic, cross-sectoral support and funding for these movements are essential to building sustainable peace in an increasingly turbulent world. This approach demands collaboration that transcends boundaries and engages both grassroots actors and powerholders. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGebEpym

Building trust and cooperation starts with reciprocity. Learn how the power of reciprocity in relationships and society fosters long-term success. 🌍💼 https://lnkd.in/dFdYf_kn

We can all identify with this scenario in the UK

As we head into another year of school gatherings and work events, aim to actively engage with your organization's Land and/or Territorial Acknowledgment. Does it speak to you each time you hear it? Is it alive with knowledge and meaning? Is it personal? Is there a commitment to action? The words themselves form a foundational step toward reconciliation, but a very basic one. There's more work to do. Here is a CBC/Radio-Canada article by Kanhehsiio Deer to help guide you.

SIPRI's latest #WritePeace blog post gives an overview of current issues in the #RedSea region and possible ways to address them, building on the outcomes of a panel discussion at the 2024 #SthlmForum on Peace and Development ➡️ bit.ly/3AVLUuw