Baptist World Aid Australia’s Post

Why is Gen Z in the UK giving war the cold shoulder, opting instead for a group chat approach to solving global issues? 🌍✌️ In the age of Instagram stories and TikTok truths, the UK's Gen Z has developed a keen eye for the real price of conflict, swapping battlefield strategies for hashtags and peaceful protests. Raised on a diet of digital news and real-time updates, they've seen the world's pains up close, fueling a preference for diplomacy over destruction. Education has evolved, teaching them to question the why behind wars, fostering a generation that champions the pen (or should we say, the keyboard) over the rifle. 📚💬 Climate change, social justice, and a strong emphasis on mental health frame their worldview, painting war as a major "unfollow" in their book. Witnessing the toll of past conflicts on our veterans and their families, Gen Z's definition of bravery involves speaking up without raising fists. Patriotism? It's about making the world a better place, one peaceful negotiation at a time. So, as this generation thumbs through history on their screens, they're not afraid of war; they're just convinced there's a better way to solve humanity's greatest challenges. Could their collective swipe left on conflict be the hope we've been double-tapping for? 🤔 #GenZ #PeaceOverWar #HopeForTheFuture But, let's not mistake this peace-loving attitude for a lack of patriotism. As a proud member of Gen Z and a firm patriot, I firmly believe in standing up for our country and protecting the King, should the need arise. 🏰🛡 Our commitment to peace does not mean shying away from our responsibilities. On the contrary, it highlights a readiness to defend our nation's values and sovereignty with honor and pride, while ensuring inclusivity for those with disabilities or health conditions who wish to contribute in their unique ways. This balance of modern pacifism and unwavering patriotism defines us: ready to champion peace at every turn, yet unflinching in our duty to safeguard our nation and its legacy when called upon. #GenZPatriotism #DutyAndHonor #PeaceAndDefense

Bridging Divides, Building Resilience: The Quest for an Inclusive Society in the Aftermath of Tragedy Violence against any individual, regardless of their ideology or position, can never be justified as a means of improving society. The attack on life is an act that undermines the very foundations of a civilized community. Throughout history, controversial figures like former President Trump have emerged and will continue to emerge. Their presence on the global political stage challenges us to reflect deeply on our values and the direction of our societies. This tragic event urges us, as an interconnected global society, to critically examine the systemic inequalities and widespread indifference that persist in our world. We must address the root causes of social discontent and work tirelessly towards a more equitable and just future for all. In memory of Corey Comperatore, who dedicated part of his life to the common good and did not hesitate to protect his family with his life, let this serve as a call to action to seek change through dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful means. Only then can we build a truly inclusive and resilient society. #society #peace #resilient #people #fair #USA #Trump

Healing, 'Attention-to-peace Deficit Disorder' = "we discovered that peace systems tend to share certain commonalities: 🕊 Overarching common identities, such as shared national or regional identities (like Africans, Latin Americans, or Christians) that emphasize commonalities between different ethnic groups. ☮ Greater positive interconnectedness and independence in the realms of economics, ecology, and security. In other words, they have public spaces, institutions, and activities that bring members of different groups together and help them realize that their fates are closely linked. 🕊 Stronger non-warring norms, values, rituals, and symbols, like commemorations of successful peacemakers and monuments that celebrate the prevention of war. ☮ In fact, using a machine learning technique called Random Forest, we discovered that the single most important contributor to peace is non-warring norms, followed in decreasing importance by non-warring rituals, non-warring values, mutual security dependencies, superordinate institutions, and economic interdependence. 🕊 Peace language in the press. ☮ ☮ A greater degree of peace leadership from politicians, corporations, clergy, and community activists who help establish a vision and set a course toward peace. 🕊 Peace leadership occurred, for instance, when the Iroquois peace prophet unified five warring tribes and replaced the weapons of war with dialogue and consensus-seeking. In the end, it is vital to remember that peace exists today in pockets all around the globe, and that the more we study and learn from such societies, the higher our chances of building a global peace system for all. Peace is possible—and the more we understand, the more probable it becomes." 👏 👏 👏 #Peace #worldpeace

Justice requires focused citizen participation Not left or right. Not socialism, capitalism or neoliberalism. Is it possible that the majority of people want the same things? Dignity, equality, access to quality education, health, child and aging care, safe shelter, the ability to contribute, make progress, learn, play, connect, and commune. To celebrate the sacred in their own way. Work that feels meaningful towards something they care about. Shall we start there? Of course, those who currently hold the reigns of power and wealth fear giving up their full deck of cards. They see any less than 52 cards as injustice. They see those with one or two cards as less than human. Expendable and exploitable. How do we address this? How do we bring humanity back into their being? And while we are considering this question, how do we bring the majority together across the chasm of ideology, united by the desire for the same things, focused with clarity on this and not all the petty differences that prevent it from happening? War has always been the pathway from extreme division towards a remembering of our collective desire for peace and dignity. Is there another way? Can we humans actually convene and transcend war? Do we start with the revolution at the grassroots, or do we attempt to address those who continue to profit from what war brings, an amplification of existing power? Or is it both? Life, this glorious, mysterious life, has its way with us. It will break even those who appear immune. Those who work a system for their entire lives to become more immune. Justice, truth, integrity, peace, beauty, all-respect - require active, focused citizen participation. Citizens of planet Earth, when we have more than others, we have a responsibility to act for those with less. Never rights without responsibility. There is always someone with less. When we fail in our responsibilities, when we step over lies, corruption and injustice, we are complicit. We get the world we create through participation.  https://lnkd.in/gYnKSgRs #syntropicworld #syntropicenterprise #beautyofbeginnings

“We cannot shape a future for our grandchildren with a system designed for our grandparents,” said António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. His statement underscores the urgent call for systemic reform to address the pressing global challenges of today. Guterres emphasized that relying on outdated structures is insufficient to create a sustainable, equitable future, highlighting the need for modern solutions that can effectively respond to the evolving needs of future generations. As part of the Board of Directors of the Global Peacebuilding Association of Japan, I am honored to be moderating the session titled, "Future Leaders Panel: The Impact of Youth on Peace and Conflict" with my colleagues, Daiki Inoue and Maciej Witek at the Global Peacebuilding Forum. The Global Peacebuilding Forum is an annual event that gathers leading experts from Japan and around the world to explore peacebuilding from both practical and academic perspectives. The forum covers recent developments, projects, initiatives, and opportunities in the field. This year, we are honored to feature distinguished speakers, including Akashi Yasushi, Former United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cambodia, and remarks by Ms. AKANE Tomoko, President of the International Criminal Court among others in the field of peacebuilding. At the center of this forum lies the question, "What role do youth play?" Youth engagement and their role in addressing global and local challenges have gained increasing importance across all aspects of peacebuilding efforts. Therefore, the youth session will bring together promising undergraduate and PhD students to present their current academic research and share insights on youth involvement in peace processes and decision-making. Therefore, we will have the honor of hearing from Silvia Luz González Márquez, Toyoko Okubo, Syed Ahlan Jadid, and Buthmee F. from International Christian University and Tokyo International University. If you are interested in joining online or in person, register here! https://lnkd.in/eXkV22uf. (Deadline: October 25, 2024)

Absolutely! Wars have far-reaching and profound effects on individuals, societies, and the world. They bring about immeasurable pain, suffering, and loss. Lives are tragically cut short, families are torn apart, and communities are shattered. The physical destruction caused by wars is often accompanied by emotional and psychological scars that can last for generations. Not only do wars result in the loss of human lives, but they also lead to the displacement of countless people. Families are forced to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they know and love. This displacement causes immense hardship and disrupts the social fabric of communities. Furthermore, wars have a detrimental impact on the economy. Resources that could have been used for development, education, and healthcare are instead allocated to the machinery of war. This hampers economic growth, exacerbates poverty, and widens social inequalities. The consequences of wars extend beyond the immediate combatants. Innocent civilians, including women and children, often bear the brunt of the violence. They become victims of indiscriminate bombings, forced recruitment, and sexual violence. The trauma inflicted upon them is immeasurable and has long-lasting effects on their physical and mental well-being. It is crucial for wars to stop because peace is the foundation for progress, stability, and prosperity. When conflicts are resolved peacefully, societies can focus on rebuilding, healing, and creating a better future. Peace allows for the allocation of resources towards education, healthcare, and infrastructure, improving the quality of life for all. Moreover, peace fosters cooperation and understanding among nations. It promotes dialogue, diplomacy, and the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means. By working together, we can address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality. So let's continue to advocate for peace, spread awareness about the devastating effects of wars, and strive for a world where conflicts are resolved through peaceful means. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for generations to come. 🌍✌️ #Johnnywealth #peace #plutocracy

🌌 Have you ever imagined a world where social justice, public scrutiny, and accountability intersect in a cosmic symphony? 💫 But amidst the stars, the trending topics on Google paint a narrative interweaving these elements in the vibrant city of Chicago. 🌃 So, from migrants' complaints at shelters to the Catholic religious order's secrecy and demands for civic transparency, the story unfolds with a majestic complexity. 🛰️ These reports pull back the cosmic veil, shedding light on the challenges migrants face, the protection of children, and the imperative for enhanced civic transparency. 🌠 But fear not, for these events are not mere isolated incidents; they are constellations forming a multifaceted societal landscape. 🪐 So, the diverse dynamics inherent in Chicago's social fabric are revealed through these trending stories, touching on the treatment of vulnerable populations, religious institutions, and public governance. 🌈 The convergence of these cosmic narratives calls attention to the need for continuous vigilance, accountability, and advocacy. 🌟 But amidst this cosmic dance, what other tales of social justice and accountability await our exploration in the ever-unfolding saga of Chicago? 🔍 So, let us remember that every star contributes to the brilliance of the universe, and each individual can play a vital role in promoting equity, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and fostering accountability. 🚀 Join us in this cosmic journey to a just, transparent, and equitable society. 🌌 #SocialJustice #AccountabilityInGovernance #ChicagoStories #EthicalPractices #Empowerment #TransparencyMatters #EquitableSociety Be proactive in promoting yourself and visit us at https://lnkd.in/gUxjfrt7 for 30 days of social media posts.

Past Shadows, Present Struggles Even though we're tirelessly preparing for the launch of the Shared History of the World exhibition, it's crucial—especially during these turbulent weeks when mainstream media isn't showing us this—to keep a close eye on our distant relatives across the Caribbean. Let’s remember the bonds that connect us as we stand in solidarity through challenging times. Slavery and colonialism may not exist in their old forms, but the exploitation and oppression they left behind are very much alive. The systems may have changed names, but the injustices remain. Today, forced labor, economic dependence, and systemic oppression continue to thrive, hidden beneath the surface of modern life. We witness the same powers rising to crush those who resist these injustices. And when the old empires send in the military police to stop an uprising among the people, you know that the fight is still on, just as it always has been. What does social justice mean to you? If you stand for justice for all people worldwide, comment “Social Justice for All” and share your thoughts on what solidarity looks like in today’s world. Let’s connect through our shared values and keep this important conversation alive. Thank you Sophie Acomat & #knowyourcaribbean #CaribbeanHeritage #ColonialismLegacy #SocialJustice #Resistance #CulturalEmpowerment

As we close out #mentalhealth month, we must remember that this is an ongoing crisis within our humanity that borders on the crisis of human rights, the crisis of #diversity #inclusion, and #belonging, all requiring us to collectively come to terms with who we are together. Dr. @Adebayo C. Akomolafe, Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, and Dr. Augustine Nwoye, editors of WE WILL TELL OUR OWN STORY, tell us that "we today, as a human community, collectively face a constellation of planetary crises so riveting, so unparalleled, that our most granted realities and our most unstated givens are being disturbed and, in most cases, discarded." In response, we must build our toolbox of boundaries, which include fortifying the truths through education, reinforcing our strengths by dispelling myths and celebrating our differences in the ways that we are the same. Sit with the scholars of WE WILL TELL OUR OWN STORY: The Lions of Africa Speak and know this is not just the title of a book, but a call to action that is more imperative today than ever before https://lnkd.in/e-mH8V7b Ayo Sekai, Ph.D. Universal Write Publications

The West is facing stark warning signs of decline, from plummeting birth rates to fraying social cohesion and stagnation of some ecomomies. One significant factor behind this decline is the excessive focus on identity politics, particularly around race and sexuality as examplified in the recent 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony which has faced huge amounts of backlash for pushing a political agenda whilst offensing the religious community especially christians. While important, this emphasis has led to a fragmentation of society, eroding shared values and common purpose. Prioritizing differences over shared humanity neglects the essential building blocks of a healthy society: family, community, and civic engagement. The outcome is a divisive culture that stifles free speech and suppresses dissenting voices, undermining Western civilization. In contrast, nations unencumbered by these distractions are advancing, fueled by a strong national purpose and collective identity. The West must realign its focus, rediscover core values, and embrace civic unity to prevent succumbing to decline and irrelevance.