Foundations for a Peaceful World

This week we are launching a new book at the United Nations General Assembly with the voices of multiple countries impacted by armed conflict, some on different sides in the same region, all committed to helping all the children. 

Excerpts from the Introduction

"The aim of this book is to inspire and affirm your commitment to peace building with young children by showcasing authentic voices from the International Networking Group on Peace Building with Young Children (here referred to as the INPB or the Network).

This book presents an array of voices and realities from regions impacted by conflict, each with a different way of thinking shaped by the culture and experience of the authors. Expect to be challenged by some of these pieces and yet our deepest hope is that you will experience a sense of connection with the people of even one of these countries, that you will share our belief in the principles of the INPB, and that you will affirm your commitment to support the work of the Network."

"Since 2015 the Network has had a specific focus on supporting the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) with a specific focus on Quality Education (Goal 4), Peace Justice and Strong Institutions (Goal 16) and strengthening Partnerships for implementation of the goals (Goal 17)....

Our most recent strategic plan in 2019-2024 recognises that while we have made a great deal of progress in our first decade, this period has also been marked by increased conflict and inequalities and as such in this book we have focused on solutions that will disrupt cycles of violence, build strong foundations for sustainable development and social cohesion and promote a “culture of peace.” Our objectives include the promotion of integrated early childhood development programmes as a key part of reconciliation processes in conflict and post conflict societies. We are developing of evidence-informed and evidence--based programmatic interventions supporting reconciliation and child and family well-being.  We study the impact of conflict on children, families and communities and use this knowledge for action to bring about positive, sustainable change."

"We invite you to see through the eyes of these authors, then join us in the concluding chapter and help us think about how our principles offer a substrate for growth of effective country and region-specific models for promoting peace building with young children.  Join us in our efforts to bring to fruition the promise of the Network. We are at a critical stage in the development and sustainability of the Network. The International Networking Group on Peace Building with Young Children (INPB) must grow if we are to realize our promise. The decades of successful work in our many member nations are at stake. To continue and extend this work we need policy engagement and financial support so that we can launch the next phases of our work in the countries we serve and expand the Network to the many other countries and regions impacted by conflict. "

References:

Connolly, P., Hayden, D., with Levin, D., (2007) From Conflict to Peace Building:

The Power of Early Childhood Initiatives Lessons from Around the World

1. Donaldson; F. Affloter; R Salah; P.R. Britto; J.F. Leckman; P, Connolly; S. Fitzparrick;
2. Walmsley (2018) Contributions of early Childhood Development programming to sustainable peace and development

Author

Joshua Feder, M.D. Dr. Feder's Blog