INDY, Energy independent and efficient deployable military camps’ Post

Impressed by USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance's Commitment to Iraq's Future Recently, Elise Jensen, Mission Director for USAID/Iraq, shared a powerful message on the importance of cultural preservation and community resilience in Iraq. Her story, masterfully showcasing the impact of international cooperation, resonated deeply. USAID/Iraq's commitment is evident: - $30 million invested: Recovering over 3,000 artifacts and vital historical documents. - Preserving minority cultures: Collaborating with the Yazidi Institute for Surveys to document their heritage. - Restoring lost treasures: Repairing, digitizing, and making accessible thousands of documents damaged by ISIS. These initiatives serve as powerful testaments to hope and renewal. They highlight the undeniable importance of safeguarding history and traditions for future generations. Beyond the borders of Iraq, this story resonates: - Elevates the importance of cultural preservation. - Underlines the transformative power of aid. - Demonstrates the critical role of the United States in fostering security and prosperity in post-conflict regions.

Celebrating My Certification in Humanitarian Negotiation I am thrilled to share that I have successfully completed the workshop from the Centre of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation (CCHN)! This achievement reflects my dedication to enhancing humanitarian efforts, especially in challenging contexts. A Unique Learning Experience The highlight of this certification was the immersive #peerworkshop, which featured a distinctive #simulation that placed us in the shoes of negotiators facing real-world challenges in the field. This hands-on experience offered invaluable insights into the complexities of #humanitarian #negotiation, significantly expanding my understanding of the dynamics involved in facilitating aid in #conflict zones. Leading the #Negotiation During the workshop, I had the honor of being nominated as the lead #negotiator in a challenging scenario involving 'General Wallis of Landstown'. Set in a fictional yet strikingly realistic context, the simulation focused on Landstown, a country grappling with prolonged internal conflict and humanitarian crises. My role required navigating intricate access constraints, negotiating with various stakeholders, and ensuring the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance to internally displaced populations. Engaging with General Wallis, characterized as an ambitious leader with military backing, provided me with a unique opportunity to explore the delicate balance between humanitarian principles and the realities of operational access. Broadening My Horizons This workshop not only sharpened my negotiation skills but also broadened my perspective on the challenges humanitarian actors face daily. The complexities of negotiating access in a volatile environment, especially where trust is tenuous and local dynamics are critical, were brought to life through this simulation. I learned the importance of building relationships, understanding cultural contexts, and developing practical solutions to facilitate humanitarian assistance. Looking Ahead With this certification, I feel better equipped to contribute to humanitarian efforts, particularly in contexts similar to the one we simulated during the workshop. The knowledge and skills I have gained will undoubtedly enhance my effectiveness in future negotiations, ensuring that vital humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to apply what I’ve learned in my work. Thank you for your support as I continue on this journey in humanitarian assistance! #HumanitarianNegotiation #Certification #ProfessionalDevelopment #AidWork #ConflictResolution #NGO #HumanitarianAid #Leadership #SimulationTraining #NegotiationSkills

📣 communicate better, 🌍 embrace new actors, and 🔄become more flexible – inspired by a willingness to learn from failures: these are our three key take-aways after two intense but insightful days with our International Advisory Board. It was an honour as well as a pleasure to welcome our board members last week for the 2024 annual meeting. Facilitated by Jonas Alberoth, Principal Senior Advisor to the Challenges Forum - The International Forum for the Challenges of Peace Operations, the board deliberated on the future of #multilateralism in these turbulent times. Our advisory board, comprising high-level representatives from the United Nations, the military, think tanks, and other international organizations, plays a crucial role in providing strategic direction to us – our team, our #leadership, our work - through their collective international and mission-related expertise. 💡 What we take away on... 👉 tools and output: Deike Potzel, Director General for Crisis Prevention, Stabilisation, Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Assistance and Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues at the German Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany, emphasized the need for expertise to sharpen crisis prevention tools despite shrinking budgets. 👉 visibility and impact: The board focused on enhancing the visibility of successful crisis management and identifying measurable parameters for peacekeeping effectiveness. 👉 strategic communication – especially in member states – is challenging but necessary to make clear why it matters to invest in and act for peace. 👉 new actors on the ground: Multi-stakeholder approaches that integrate civil society, activists, youth, women… in peace processes are needed to deal with complex conflict environments. 👉 honest lessons identified: Only a willingness to reflect on failures combined with a willingness to assess and adapt will enable peace operations to become more agile and flexible. 👉 visual inspiration: A visit to Villa Grisebach inspired discussions on the power of visual elements in crisis management. 👉 Germany’s Role: Dr. Tobias Lindner, State Minister at the Federal Foreign Office, discussed Germany’s opportunities & challenges in the changing multilateral order & the role of values in foreign policy. Astrid Irrgang, Executive Director of ZIF, reflected: "The valuable exchange with the experts of our advisory board has shown that investing in crisis prevention is crucial, especially now. Peace operations remain vital for stabilisation and crisis management despite the obvious challenges. We are grateful for their support and the trust we've built through numerous international partnerships." Thanks to our board members (Comfort Ero, Benedetta Berti, PhD, David Haeri, Jonas Alberoth, Jörg Krempel, Konteradmiral Ralf Kuchler, Helga Maria Schmid, Commissioner Faisal Shahkar) for attending & providing excellent input & advice! Now let's get to work and see how to implement your recommendations.

🔴🏥 International Red Cross Day, celebrated on May 8, honors founder Henry Dunant's birth in 1828. A symbol of global volunteering, Dunant won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. The day raises awareness about humanitarian aid. 🌍 The movement, born after the Battle of Solferino in Italy, operates globally, aiding in wars and emergencies. It comprises the ICRC, the International Federation, and 189 National Societies. 🇧🇷 In Brazil, the Red Cross began in 1907 and expanded during WWI, establishing volunteer groups and a Nursing School in 1916. 🌐 Operating in over 192 countries, the Red Cross protects vulnerable populations, promoting neutrality and assisting regardless of background. ⚖️ Guided by seven principles including Humanity, Impartiality, and Voluntarism, the Red Cross values unity and universality. 🎉 International Red Cross Day celebrates the humanitarian spirit, honoring local heroes with the theme "Everything we do comes from the heart." #SimpleWayEurope #BusinessExpansion #Internationalization #EmergingMarkets #Diversification #CulturalDifferences #GlobalExpansion #worldredcrossday

Peace After Conflict: A Negotiated Process It was great meeting Larry Sacks, Chief Development Officer, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation at the Goals House #UNGA panel on the topic “Missing Peace: How Sustainable Development Can Foster Lasting Peace”, moderated by Simon Mundy the Moral Money Editor of the Financial Times.   Larry spoke eloquently of how peace is a complex negotiated political process. He gave examples from his career and his experiences in South America, especially Columbia which has faced several bloody cycles of civil war. The Columbian conflict is more than a half century old and resulted in a massive number of deaths, refugees and extreme instability. The peace process which resulted in the 2016 peace accord that disarmed and demobilized the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) (the largest existing armed group) received a Noble Peace prize for the Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (2010-2018). It took four years of negotiation and was the fourth major attempt with FARC since 1982 to agree on peace. The accord is a 310-page document, facilitated by Cuba and Norway.    When negotiating peace, Larry emphasized that leadership needs to be informed by the realities on the ground. Setting up a Truth Commission (2018) to understand root causes was much needed for conflict management as there were different narratives and emotions that needed to be addressed when peace is lost - half a million people killed, and 7 million became displaced across these 60 years.   Larry spoke about the gap in addressing root causes of conflict that begins in rural areas. Larry oversaw a $1.1 billion fund as Mission Director for USAID/Colombia from August 2017 to July 2022 on advancing Colombia's transition from over 50 years of violent conflict to a sustainable and inclusive peace. For peace reconstruction after conflict – a much need aspect is funding for development projects. He said a just transition system was less about the financial structure but more about mobilizing private capital. In terms of funding – here is an interesting fact, the U.S. private sector invests roughly four dollars for every dollar of U.S. foreign assistance for sustainable development.   Having the private sector involved was important as peace requires a generational shift. What I thought was most insightful was the idea that peace is a process (there is no single step solution) especially after years of conflict. For example, the accord still has a long way to achieve the goals outlined in the document, but there is hope and this is seen in the fact that Columbia will host COP16 - Biodiversity Conference to be held from 21 October to 1 November 2024.   If you would like to see the links to the article - visit www.melodena.com #peace #conflict #ODA #PPP #funding #developmentalaid #diplomacy #blendedfinance #internationalrelations #SDG #UNGA #Columbia #justtransition #peaceaccord #privatesectorfunding

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Geneva Conventions, I reflected in this article on my long humanitarian journey and the relevance of these conventions in the current era. #GC75

UNSCR 2719 provides a framework for peace operations led by the African Union (AU) to access UN funding through assessed contributions. This has the potential to make peace operations more effective and sustainable while enhancing African leadership in managing them. https://lnkd.in/dc6QhiBi

Global Crisis Unleashed: Somalia at a Diplomatic Crossroads, Negotiating Ethiopia's Vital Alliance Amidst a Bold Rejection. In a riveting twist of geopolitical events, Somalia's outright rejection of diplomatic talks with Ethiopia over a crucial port lease has thrust the world into a state of high tension. The memorandum, signed on Jan. 1, proposed a deal where Ethiopia could recognize Somaliland's independence in exchange for strategic Red Sea access, setting off a fierce clash of interests. Somaliland, having declared independence in 1991 without international recognition, adds a layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape. The African Union's call for restraint and meaningful dialogue emphasizes the gravity of the situation, with regional leaders gathering under IGAD to seek a peaceful resolution in Entebbe, Uganda. Yet, Ethiopia's conspicuous absence at the summit, citing late notification, adds a new twist. Ambassador Meles Alem vehemently rejects the Arab League's accusations, introducing another layer of intrigue to this global chessboard. Somalia, grappling with military challenges, highlights the enormity of Ethiopia's strategic decisions. The menacing presence of the Al Shabab militant group, currently held at bay by Ethiopian forces, amplifies the stakes. Ethiopia, standing at a crossroads, faces a critical decision: 1) Sustain its under 20,000-strong military presence in Somalia, acting as a bulwark against the encroaching Al Shabab menace. OR 2) Contemplate a withdrawal, potentially allowing Al Shabab to seize control and imperil regional stability. International observers, including figures from the EU, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, sound alarms about signs of Al Shabab exploiting the situation, intensifying the geopolitical conundrum. In the face of these complexities, the imperative for the current Somalian government is crystal clear comprehend Ethiopia's stance and veer away from the perilous path of conflict. Prioritizing dialogue and collaboration over war is paramount, given the potential catastrophic ramifications of hasty hostilities. As the world watches with bated breath, the hope lingers that sagacious leadership will triumph, averting the perils of conflict and paving the way for enduring regional stability. The global community remains vigilant, urging a swift diplomatic resolution to untangle this intricate web of geopolitical intricacies.

🎥 Check out this inspiring story of resilience! This company, originally founded in #Kharkiv, has shown remarkable perseverance in the face of war. Despite the challenges, the team has successfully shifted production to the west of the country after being forced to leave their homes due to shelling. The founders found a new home for both themselves and their business, and with the help of grant support from the DOVIRA project, the company has been able to stabilize its operations and continue on its journey towards success. 💪 Watch the video to learn more about how support from USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance is empowering Ukrainians and helping them overcome obstacles. Together, we are stronger! 💙💛