Kofi Annan Foundation’s Post

It is crucial for youth to understand the importance and relevance of various platforms that provide them with easy channels to voice their concerns. In Rwanda, there are several spaces where citizens can gather and contribute to governmental processes, such as umuganda, citizens' forums (inteko z'abaturage), umugoroba w’umuryango, and others. Based on my experience as a Never Again Rwanda volunteer Under the DKI (Dufatanye Kwiyubakira Igihugu) project, which aims to enhance citizens' capacity to actively engage in government processes and programs (planning and budgeting).  I have had the opportunity to participate in different citizens' forums and witnessed how effective they are as local platforms where citizens raise their concerns to leaders and advocate for issues related to their development and that of the community. These platforms are responsive to the needs of the people. And probably citizens get solutions to their problems However, it is unfortunate that many participants are older individuals, primarily women, with very low attendance from youth and men, even though the issues discussed affect all groups. There is a need to sensitize all citizens to engage in these platforms, and to explore inclusive approaches that could motivate people from all categories to take interest in them. Otherwise, groups like the youth risk missing out on opportunities that already exist for their participation in these important forums or sadly people decide on their behalf sometimes .Theoneste NdungutseNkurunziza Joseph RyarasaKamabonwa PrudencienneHero Shyaka

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐬 (𝐀𝐀𝐌) 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟑 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐙𝐎𝐎𝐌. A large group of prominent Muslim organisations and community leaders from around Australia attended the 7th National Summit to discuss important issues of concern to Australian Muslims and the future of the Muslim community in Australia. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: • First-hand experience of a local doctor who recently travelled to Gaza to provide humanitarian relief. • Challenges in the preservation of Islamic identity and the upcoming summit • Political advocacy, including experiences and lessons learnt from the recent state elections. • The serious concern in relation to the rise of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian racism and sentiments. • Enhancing media and political engagement, strengthening public relations, and advocating for the protection of the civil rights of minority groups. 🔗 Read More - https://lnkd.in/g6z93Ppz #australianmuslims #AAMsummit #islamophobiaawareness #communityleadership #humanitarianrelief #muslimadvocacy #australiandiversity #civilrights

I'm thrilled to start the year 2025 with two significant academic achievements, shaping my educational journey: A publication of my long awaited article, titled, "Building a culture of peace for sustainable socio - economic and political stability in South Sudan" and the acceptance for publication of my Pan African value embedded article titled, "The promises of Democracy, a path to Africa's political stability, economic growth, and development, a case of South Sudan". The published article about building a culture of peace, advocates Quakerism as postulated by Emile's pacifism theory. A movement for peace through peaceful means (non violence). Following the long history of the country's political instabilities during which violence was a common practice, the article advocates a chapter for lasting peace through non violence techniques of love, reconciliation, justice, and constitutionalism to effectively transition from the culture of violence which undermines and perpetrates national unity, socio-political and economic development, to a culture of peace which is nutritious for economic development. Drawing examples from Rwanda which once experienced grievous violence, the article pleads for a collective responsibility to cultivate a culture of peace. That government institutions, civil society groups, media platforms, private sector, religious groups, and international communities should embrace peace values within their jurisdictions to realise a lasting peace ✌️. 👇👇 https://lnkd.in/er4futpv #TOGETHER #WE #CAN #MAKE #SouthSudan #A #GREAT #NATION.💔😭😭

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 Islamophobia Awareness Month This year's theme is "Seeds of Change," and how small actions contribute to big change. According to the 2023 study of Muslims Experiences' of Inclusion, Discrimination and Islamophobia in Aotearoa New Zealand - First Baseline Study - Led by Fatima Junaid: ✨ Over 85% of Muslims living in Aotearoa New Zealand believe that Islamophobia exists ✨ 56% stated that they had personally experienced Islamophobia ✨ 58% felt that their children have been discriminated against at school ✨ 50% stated that Islamophobia negatively affects their mental wellbeing. (The study was conducted by researchers from Massey University and funded by the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), and the New Zealand Islamic Think Tank (ANZITT)) Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks Muslims have been perceived through a security lens and dehumanised, and this has led them to experience Islamophobia in workplaces, schools, universities and public sphere in New Zealand and other countries around the world. Let's take this month as an opportunity to raise awareness, change the narrative and create more welcoming, inclusive, and safe environments for Muslims and everyone. Mahi Tahi! (Please find in the comments some resources to help with raising awareness and changing the narrative) #IslamophobiaAM #Inclusion #SafeSpaces

🌍 Reclaiming Kenya’s Forgotten Voices of Resistance 🗣️ Kenya’s journey to independence is often told through the lens of a few well-known narratives, with the Mau Mau rebellion taking center stage. But what about the other voices? The untold stories of communities that resisted in their own powerful ways? From the Giriama's spiritual defiance to the Swahili and Bajuni coastal uprisings, from the Turkana, Maasai, and Somali armed struggles to the Luo and Luhya's economic resistance, each community had its own way of challenging colonial rule. These efforts shaped the broader independence movement, making it a truly multi-ethnic fight for freedom. A deeper dive into the unsung heroes of Kenya’s anti-colonial struggles, exploring the complex interplay of gender, class, religion, and colonial divide-and-rule tactics that still influence us today. By amplifying these forgotten voices, we not only honor our diverse history but also lay the foundation for a more unified and inclusive future. Let’s embrace our shared heritage and celebrate the resilience of all communities that stood against oppression. Their stories deserve to be told. What are your thoughts on this? Are there resistance movements or stories from your community that need more recognition? Let’s discuss! #KenyaHistory #DecolonizingNarratives #InclusiveHeritage #UnityThroughDiversity #KenyaIndependence

Abdul Mateen Akhunzada, a Religious Scholar from Balochistan, emphasized the need to rectify governance in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, ensuring basic human rights, particularly women's educational, economic, and social rights. He raised a question that in Muslim societies, how should we respond to the fundamental changes brought by material advancement in human societies? Apparently, our policies are also shaped by this, and due to inadequate mechanisms, a significant gap exists between us and the West, resulting in our placement in the Third World, he added. #PAKAfghan #BeyondBoundariesVI #Policy #technology #development #Afghanistan #Pakistan #HumanRights

The claim that NGOs are not merely inadvertently alienating local communities but are instead engaging in well-planned efforts to undermine Islamic values suggests a deliberate strategy. This perspective reflects a broader concern within Pakistan about the influence of foreign-funded organizations, which some view as imposing Western ideals that conflict with local cultural and religious norms.For instance, the article from DW discusses how the Pakistani government has accused certain NGOs, like Save the Children, of "anti-state" activities, indicating a mistrust of foreign organizations and their motives. This distrust is compounded by the perception that these NGOs may prioritize donor agendas over local needs, leading to a disconnect between their initiatives and community values.

The UYDEL #Annual Retreat and #Capacity Building is currently taking place at the Masooli Rehabilitation Centre, supported by the #UNODC Kampala Office and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda. The retreat focuses on reviewing achievements, refining strategies, and setting future priorities, with a renewed commitment to youth empowerment and #Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE). Central to the discussions is the role of youth as peace ambassadors in their communities. By equipping young people with skills to promote peace and resilience, UYDEL aims to address the root causes of violent extremism and foster inclusive, tolerant communities. The retreat highlights the importance of mentorship, dialogue, and capacity-building initiatives that empower youth to lead PVE efforts. The upcoming #Alumni Engagement Event, set for December 7, 2024, will celebrate alumni achievements and strengthen their role in PVE and peacebuilding. This event will inspire continued collaboration and showcase how youth can drive meaningful change. UYDEL remains dedicated to creating safer communities and empowering youth to be catalysts for peace and social cohesion. #UYDELRetreat2024 #YouthEmpowerment #PeaceAmbassadors #PVE #UNODC

2025 - Empowering Muslim Nations, Enriching the Ummah 🌎👥 As we step into the new year, the Commonwealth for Muslim Nations (CWMN) is poised to make significant strides in fostering unity, cooperation, and progress among Muslim nations. 🚀 Our vision for 2025 is clear: to create a more empowered, connected, and prosperous Muslim world, where nations and communities can thrive and reach their full potential. 🌟 Economic Cooperation 💸 Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building 📚 Cultural Exchange and Understanding 🌐 Humanitarian Assistance and Relief 🌟 Join the Movement! Follow us for updates, insights, and opportunities to get involved! 👉 @CWMN #CommonwealthForMuslimNations #CWMN #MuslimUnity #EconomicCooperation #KnowledgeSharing #CulturalExchange #HumanitarianAssistance #SustainableDevelopment #SocialJustice

New report: Navigating the Impact of Conflict on Syria’s Ethnic, Religious and Tribal Communities 13 years of civil war have permanently changed the social structure in #Syria. Yet, some traditional structures of #authority and order still persist within Syria‘s complex political landscape. This new report by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Lebanon presents five critical case studies on the country’s ethnic, religious and tribal communities, highlighting constraints and opportunities towards localised solutions for peace formation. #peaceformation #peacebuilding #localisedsolutions