PartnersGlobal and the Alliance for Peacebuilding Host “Narratives for Peace” Event in New York
September 24, 2018
PartnersGlobal and the Alliance for Peacebuilding welcomed representatives from multiple industries and organizations to reframe the narrative of peace and peacebuilding.
22 September 2018 — Washington DC: PartnersGlobal, with the Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP), hosted an array of global organizations, including co-hosts Generations for Peace and MBC Amal, to celebrate the International Day of Peace at a music-filled “Narratives For Peace” event. Held at SAP Innovation Hub in New York, the evening highlighted the power of creativity to shift narratives, recognizing the pressing need to reframe the importance of peace and peacebuilding for a broader public audience.
On hand were representatives from the United Nations, along with non-profit and private organizations from various industries, including entertainment, marketing, media, the arts, and peacebuilding. Participants spent the evening together to expand the conversation of building peace to a more diverse range of active participants. The celebratory reception gave those present an opportunity to engage with potential new partners in an energetic, dynamic, and creative setting.
In alignment with the event’s focus on young people and the arts, the “Narratives For Peace” event also debuted an original song by 15-year-old Lynn Hayek, a rising Lebanese pop star. Accompanied by a Platinum Records music video depicting youth engaged in peacebuilding programming, the song described the role of unity in building hope for a peaceful future. Lynn was accompanied by the United Voices of NY Gospel Choir, showcasing a diversity and unity of musical styles and cultures. The audience also enjoyed a mix of world music by DJ Warp throughout the evening.
Julia Roig, President of PartnersGlobal said, “It is imperative that we improve the ways we frame the narrative of ‘peace’ so that we can bring in more allies to support a peacebuilding agenda. In doing so, we can create a groundswell of peace-loving citizens and organizations around the world that not only believe in peacebuilding, but also work together to achieve it.” She added, “The International Day of Peace invites us to reflect on the many ways to enhance the values of peacebuilding within a broader sector of society—joining forces to amplify compelling narratives through our diverse voices is one important step we can take in this direction.”
Liz Hume, Acting CEO of AfP, shared, “When we talk about peace, we must recognize that the involvement of everyone—even those not directly involved in a ‘peacebuilding’ industry—is vital. When we unite together using our strengths, we find a broader range of methods available to share the important message of peace, including narrative, poetry, art, and more. Inspiring peace is one of the fundamental principles of constructing the peacebuilding concept in different societies, regardless of context or setting. Peace in these varying contexts helps reach different groups, serving our mission in building sustainable peace worldwide.”
The Narratives For Peace event was held during the ongoing 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which runs through September 27th. PartnersGlobal and AfP are active proponents of Sustainable Development Goal 16 to achieve Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by 2030, working closely with the Global Alliance for Goal 16 together with the UN Development Program.