By VOW Co-Chair Hannah Hadikin
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reminds us:
“In today’s troubled world, building peace is a conscious, bold, and even radical act. It is humanity’s greatest responsibility that belongs to us all – individually and collectively.”
Troubled world indeed. Reflections on the year past, bring very little cheer. Resolutions seem futile, bright lights appear to have lost their splendor, bringing glad tidings with the ringing of ‘holly jolly’, all the while the bells of peace are silent in many countries. Looking ahead at a globalized world which remains clouded with more of the same as witnessed in 2024. Instability of global affairs unresolved from year to year, hampering hope for a world without war.
Meanwhile, the military-industrial complex continues to expand, weaponizing armed conflicts and wars, creating humanitarian disasters along with the destruction of the planet. Wars are among the worst threats to earth’s climate, causing floods, droughts, deeper poverty and the deterioration of social conditions. Multinational corporations continue looting high-value resources, stashing the stolen proceeds into private banks, leaving developing countries trapped with crippling debt.
What has happened to the affairs of the world? At the UN Security Council sessions, diplomats stress the critical role of intercultural dialogue, co-operation, mutual understanding, underscoring the importance of setting aside polarized opinions. Developing relationships and skills for learning how to facilitate dialogue on peacemaking, organizing peace circles, and building cultures of peace.
Outside of United Nations, aggressive expansion of profitable militarism, and governments encouraging defence industries to keep their pace. Unstoppable armed conflicts and wars. The Israeli war machine in full gear, Newscasts in bold headlines, “Israel strikes continue to set Gaza ablaze, raining bombs and missiles.” Francesk Albs speaking at the Geneva Conventions, points to Israel’s continued impunity as it commits genocide and the failure of the international community to hold it to account.
“There are never sanctions on Israel and trade continues and diplomatic ties remain intact.” https://x.com/smohyeddin/status/1866887215143420115?s=51&t=VJCvHr6r3nUAsWxap0SDNA
Some half dozen corporations’ control 90% of mass media, from decades past. In Canada, a handful of billionaires owned and financed most of our media. This form of publishing journalism is not guaranteed to act in the best interests of the public. It is common for corporate media to push back against critiques of Western policies. Sharing information and coverage of issues that matter to community members is left to independent and investigative journalists, upholding code ethics and strict journalistic standards. Big Tech giants such as Google, Meta, and other digital firms claim editorial independence, all the while funnelling millions into reputation-laundering.
In the meantime, independent media outlets hope to survive as alternatives to corporate media. Many free lance journalists are feeling incredible pressure to do whatever it takes to ensure the money tap doesn’t turn off. For the last 20 or so years, large corporations and Postmedia empire cut staffing costs by buying up, and gutting independent alt-weeklies, and local papers. Gratitude to journalists not on the payroll of corporate media or editorial boards, refusing corporate control of mass media with the distortion of facts. Gratitude also to the forming of media cooperatives taking place with seasoned journalists, covering social issues, human rights, and foreign policy from a grassroots perspective.
Recently, on a visit to Toronto to attend the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace’s (VOW) Annual General Meeting (AGM), I had a chance to attend an International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) seminar. The seminar “Canada and the Bomb – A Public Seminar on Canada’s Nuclear Security,” was an opportunity for dialogue between a panel of experts and the public, as well as to serve as a foundation for future seminars. Discussion of the urgent need for nuclear disarmament and Canada’s role in shaping global nuclear policy. Substantial focus on the consequences of nuclear weapons use, what Canada can do to reduce nuclear risks, and the role of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). TPNW petitions were circulated with further plans for involving broad-based civil society. Canada has refused to sign and ratify the TPNW. As a member of NATO, Canada takes the position of having the “right” to base its “defence” on threatened use of nuclear weapons. However, in 2021, polling showed that 74 percent of Canadians were in favour of Canada signing and ratifying the TPNW.
The urgency to do something substantial towards a culture of peace grows stronger. Waves of voices concerned citizens, activists with banners, marches, protests, all taking action to strengthen disarmament and peace. In solidarity are voices of youth. At a recent UN Summit-of-The-Future, youth were acknowledged as leaders in securing breakthroughs in global cooperation.
“Youth challenge conventional thinking, hold leaders to account and are focused on generations that come after us. Youth stand to lose the most if global leaders fail to fulfil their promises… the day will be convened under the theme of “#YouthLead for the Future: We believe in the promise of a better world for all”. https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/action-days
The UN Security Council Resolution 2250, recognizes and honours the critical role of youth in peace and security efforts and engagement worldwide. At a recent commemoration of nine years, brought youth together for an inter-regional dialogue. Discussions included exploring new partnerships to strengthen global youth-inclusive initiatives with Canadian, African and the Americas participation. The Canadian Coalition for Youth, Peace & Security hosted the virtual event to mark the milestone.
All of us hold strong voices for sustainable peace and disarmament. All of us stand strong for human rights, social justice, environmental protection. There is no doubt that youth who share their amazing talents, will become leaders in promoting peace, environmental and social justice. It is very inspiring hearing the enthusiasm for educational workshops to develop peace building skills. Promoting, signing petitions and letters, supporting initiatives, participating in peace activities, with the promise of an expanding sustainable peace movement. For 65 years, VOW has been a critical organization dedicated to building cultures of peace, disarmament, a future free of nuclear weapons and nuclear power. VOW has actively encouraged youth to become agents of change with a progressive vision for human security. VOW’s partnership with the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War Canada will remain in the frontlines.
Building Peace is the main task of every conscious person on the planet these days. Thanks for the encouraging article