Peacesharing Forum 2023

Peacesharing Forum 2023

Peacesharing Forum 2023

Explore the meaningful, positive and transformative best practices and promising approaches to strengthening safe, engaged classrooms and communities. Early intervention in educational settings builds resiliency in youth and prevents violence and disengagement. Join our upcoming 2-day Forum to learn from educators, peacebuilding experts, and hear from individuals impacted by political, extremist and targeted violence. Register today and earn a certificate at our free professional development workshop.

Sessions

Welcome and Opening Session (March 29th at 10:00 AM BST)

This introductory session will feature opening addresses by various leaders and visionaries on making progress on this year’s theme of “Strengthening Peaceful Communities and Schools” worldwide. We will hear from the leaders of the convening partners and others who are building the leadership capacity of NGOs, Community-Based Organizations, Schools, and Tertiary Institutions. In addition to examining greater public, private, and civil society collaboration toward building and sustaining peace needed for development, prosperity, and well-being.

Moderator: Dr. Tony Devine, Ed.D., Vice President of Education, Global Peace Foundation

Dr. Tony Devine works with Ministries of Education, educational systems, schools, universities as well as private and civil society stakeholders to reimagine what it means to educate in preparing students to be future ready and be successful in all aspects of their lives. He oversees the development of the Transformation of Education, Moral and Innovative Leadership, Character and Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Digital Literacy programs in counties around the world. These programs and advocacy efforts develop character and values that guide skills such as creativity, problem solving, communications, collaboration in the application of new knowledge for the greater benefit of humanity. He is a contributor to the Advisory Group of OECD’s Future of Education & Skills 2030 Project. He is the President of Global Peace Foundation Ireland where oversees International Peacesharing Programs and Forums that exposes practitioners, educators, peacebuilders, government representatives and faith leaders to values-based peacebuilding and reconciliation. 

Mr. Peter Sheridan, Chief Executive, Cooperation Ireland

Peter Sheridan joined Co-operation Ireland in 2008 as Chief Executive. In addition to his role as CEO, Peter is an Equality Commissioner in Norther Ireland and he is also a Commissioner with Londonderry Port and Harbor. Peter is a former Assistant Chief Constable with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) (formerly the Royal Ulster Constabulary). He retired from the police service in 2008 having spent 32 years policing in Northern Ireland. Before retiring he was responsible for the Crime Operations Department, which included serious and organized crime investigations including terrorist investigations. A graduate of Cambridge University, Peter attended the FBI Academy in 1999 and was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honors list in 2008 for services to the community.

Mr. James P. Flynn, International President, Global Peace Foundation

Mr. James P. Flynn serves Global Peace Foundation as its International President. As the executive officer of a large, global network of chapters, he provides leadership and management for Global Peace Foundation’s diverse portfolio of peacebuilding and international development work.

His robust leadership is reflected in the planning and convening of Global Peace Leadership Conferences on four continents and in the preeminent Global Peace Convention, as well as in the organization’s branding, educational content, and operational management.

Mr. Flynn has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than thirty years and served as an educator, international conflict mediator, interfaith facilitator, and grassroots leader of family strengthening and youth violence prevention programs.

He previously served as the president of the American Family Coalition, a grassroots educational organization with chapters in all 50 states advocating the promotion of family-friendly public policies. Mr. Flynn is a co-founder of Street-Smart Inc. a nationally recognized non-profit organization serving at-risk youth in Denver, Colorado, and served on the Supervisory Committee of the Denver Community Development Credit Union.

 


 

Aligning Education Readiness to the Future of Work and Society through Public-Private Partnerships (March 29th at 10:30 AM BST)

The many social and economic transitions (technological transformation, the greening of economies, demographic trends, AI, 4th Industrial Revolution, Automation, etc.) are shaping the world of work. They have caused a shift in demand for competencies and skills. In addition, social issues and increasing inequalities pervade many parts of the world. As a result, education can no longer remain in a silo. New community and private sector inputs are needed for education to be responsive and shape the new world of work and society. Leaders in the corporate sector will share how they are contributing to making education relevant by enhancing technology and digital skills of students and teachers, building moral and innovative leadership competencies, and enhancing experiential, holistic, learner centered and discovery-oriented approaches to make learning more well-rounded, enjoyable and fulfilling.

Moderator: Mr. Vince Ochieng, Resource Mobilization and Partnership Manager, Global Peace Foundation Kenya

Vince Ochieng is a community development expert with 19 years of experience. He holds a community development diploma and an education degree from the University of Nairobi. He is currently the resource mobilization and strategic partnership manager at the Global Peace Foundation Kenya. My competencies are project design, implementation and management. He also possesses strong skills in fundraising, business development, product development and donor management. He has 15 years of working experience for both non-profit organizations and the government.

Mr. Kaitan Mbuya, Ubongo Country Representative Kenya, Ubongo Kids

With more than 10 years experience in tech, media, broadcasting, and educational content adaptation, I believe that improving education, and the education system is one of the steps into developing good education for kids in Africa and thus helping them succeed in life. For the last 2 years I have been privileged to be part of the Ubongo team that extends boundaries leveraging the power of technology and entertainment to reach children and help them learn and love learning thus building brains, and building change.

Ms. Sarah Ngetha, Senior Employer Relations Associate, Moringa School

Sarah Ngetha is a career development professional with over 8 years of experience in career guidance and counseling. She is currently the Senior Employer Relations Associate at Moringa, where she works at the intersection of matching industry to the exceptional tech talent that Moringa trains. Sarah is immensely passionate about working with young people and supporting them to launch successful careers in business or employment, by working with them to identify and grow their skills, strengths, and abilities.

Mr. Deogratius Magero, Technical Advisor, Youth Empowerment and Employability, Plan International

With a background in Education Strategy and Business Developemnt, Deogratius is the Technical Advisor on Youth Employment at Plan International, where he leads the strategy, program development and innovation for workforce development in the country. His work involves linking the youth spirations, workforce development initiatives and organizational programs to the ever-changing labor market Landscape; leveraging engagements with public and private sectors to facilitate youth skills development and entry into employment. Prior to this, Deo has served various roles including the regional program and Partnerships Manager for Affrica and Middle East at Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Senior Outcomes Manager at Moringa School, Programs and Business Development at Mckinsey & Company among other roles including a high school teacher 11 years ago.

 


 

Strengthening Safe Communities: Free Training (March 29th at 11:30 AM BST)

In this 1-hour workshop-style training, learn important information to raise awareness and build resiliency related to safety in school and education settings, the workplace, and your community. This training webinar will present information on recognizing potential threats in your community, protective factors in building resilience in the classroom, community, or workplace, and how bias plays a role in targeted violence and terrorism.

Facilitator: Mr. Tahir Sakhi, Project Manager, Global Peace Foundation

Tahir Sakhi is serving Global Peace Foundation in capacity of Program Manager, in headquarter office in Washington DC. His priority area of engagement is managing Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention projects funded by U.S Department of Homeland Security.

Mr. Sakhi is Security and Counter Terrorism practitioner with 15 years of demonstrated decent history in designing, managing and implementing multi-sectorial projects in international humanitarian and development sectors, associated with relevant exposure to multifaceted situations.

Prior to joining Global Peace Foundation, he has served several international organizations in various functions including UNICEF, UNDP, AECOM, ICMA and Creative Associate
International.

 


 

Building Educator Capacity with Transformative Pedagogies and Innovative Leadership Skills (March 29th at 12:30 PM BST)

Each year 30% of the world’s Higher Education Institutions students graduate with a leadership degree to become the world’s private sector leaders (http://data.uis.unesco.org/). Higher education faculty professors are still trained as experts within their discipline and focus on transmitting knowledge rather than developing student agency. They are not prepared to provide the mindsets, frameworks, and tools to bring about the urgently needed leadership skills to make sense of complex realities and, accordingly, for the private sector to contribute substantially to issues of global challenges of human rights, polarization, peace, and sustainability. The session will explore the needed pedagogical innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership required from educators to help advance students beyond cognitive-based education and include socio-emotional training, critical thinking, and analysis, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration with a societal purpose and impact.

Moderator: Dr. Tony Devine, Ed.D., Vice President of Education, Global Peace Foundation

Dr. Tony Devine works with Ministries of Education, educational systems, schools, universities as well as private and civil society stakeholders to reimagine what it means to educate in preparing students to be future ready and be successful in all aspects of their lives. He oversees the development of the Transformation of Education, Moral and Innovative Leadership, Character and Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Digital Literacy programs in counties around the world. These programs and advocacy efforts develop character and values that guide skills such as creativity, problem solving, communications, collaboration in the application of new knowledge for the greater benefit of humanity. He is a contributor to the Advisory Group of OECD’s Future of Education & Skills 2030 Project. He is the President of Global Peace Foundation Ireland where oversees International Peacesharing Programs and Forums that exposes practitioners, educators, peacebuilders, government representatives and faith leaders to values-based peacebuilding and reconciliation. 

Dr. Meredith Storey, Senior Management of the I5 Project, PRME

Meredith Storey is the UN Global Compact – Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiatives’ Senior Manager of the i5 project. The Impactful-five project examines characteristics of playful learning experiences in business education, funded by the LEGO Foundation. Before taking this position Meredith was the Education and Data Analytics Manager for the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Networks’ SDG Academy. Prior to working at UN SDSN, Meredith attended the University of Limerick – Kemmy Business School where she obtained an MSc in International Management and Global Business and a PhD in Business Education for Sustainable Development. Meredith holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Marietta College and is a certified U.S. Green Building Council – Green Associate and Classroom Professional.

Dr. Suzanne Dillon, OECD Education 2030

Dr. Suzanne Dillon is an education policy specialist whose career has focused on improving educational outcomes for all students.  She began her career in educational development, working to design and implement an in-service teacher education programme. She served as a teacher in second-level schools for 13 years before joining the Department of Education and Skills in Ireland as a school inspector in 2002. In 2011, Suzanne became an Assistant Chief Inspector with responsibility for leading the Department’s Evaluation Support and Research Unit. Since 2016, her responsibilities included providing advice on curriculum and assessment policy to the Department and to the wider educational system, supporting significant curriculum reform at primary and post-primary levels.

Dr. Daniel Wilson, Director, Project Zero, Lecturer on Education, Harvard University

Daniel Wilson is the Director of Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). He is a Principal Investigator at Project Zero, a Lecturer at HGSE, and the Educational Chair for Harvard’s “Project Zero Classroom” institute where hundreds of practitioners come together to explore questions at the heart of teaching and learning. His teaching and writing explore the inherent socio-psychological tensions – dilemmas of knowing, trusting, leading, and belonging – in adult collaborative learning across a variety of contexts.  Specifically, he focuses on how groups navigate these tensions through language, routines, roles, and artifacts.    

 


 

Social Media as a Positive Tool for Peacebuilding (March 29th at 13:30 PM BST)

How can we message public safety on preventing targeted or extremist violence in social media and digital spaces? Crafting positive, engaging messages that will resonate favorably in an online space and not fuel controversy can be challenging. Hear from our panelists how they adapt online campaigns, measure impact, and raise awareness about safety and danger signs in digital spaces. 

Moderator: Ms. Cat Lockman, International Director of Organizational Development, Global Peace Foundation

Cat Lockman leverages more than twenty years of expertise in resource and program development, implementation coaching and evaluation in the United States and internationally.  Most recently Cat has been a leader in developing, resourcing and implementing on programs related to democracy strengthening, community-led peacebuilding, and countering violent extremism.  In public speaking roles, Cat has been featured internationally and in the U.S. as a gala awards MC, panel moderator and speaker at various conferences and conventions, corporate briefings and community events.

Ms. Shana Kemp, Managing Partner, Greene Street Communications

Shana Kemp is a Managing Partner of Greene Street Communications, LLC where she helps lead the organization’s marketing and strategic communications efforts with a focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility approaches.

Ms. Jinna Mutune, Chief Executive Officer, Pegg Entertainment Africa

Jinna Mutune, Kenyan filmmaker/social activist/social entrepreneur. She is founder of her own production company, Pegg Entertainment, which is based in Nairobi, Kenya with Investors from the U.S & Africa & she has created content that has been acquired by international brands such as Emirates, South African Airlines, Gathr (American Theatre box Office),  & AFS (Canada). The company has also generated work for reputable organisations such as the Siemens Foundation, A.F.D.B Bank, Global Peace Foundation (A branch of Peace corps,) Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology-Tanzania. (Supported by Bill & Melinda Gates) & Alpha Film Series Global Christian Outreach campaign & recently the African Development Bank. & Public Service Announcement for Kenya with Graca Machel.

 


 

Measuring Peacebuilding Impact: Challenges and Best Practices (March 30th at 10:00 AM BST)

Evaluating the impact of peacebuilding programs often presents challenges as there are no defined set of practices, methods or approaches for peace performance measurement. This session will examine the various approaches adopted by peacebuilding organizations to prove program effectiveness and outcomes of their projects. Panelists will share insights on best practices and lessons learned from their experiences conducting monitoring and evaluation, and measuring the impact of their peacebuilding programs.

Moderator: Dr. Nilufar Choudry, Senior Advisor, Partnerships and Development, Global Peace Foundation

Nilufar is the Senior Advisor, Partnerships and Development at the Global Peace Foundation (GPF). She has more than 20 years of experience in program design and implementation and proposal development. She supports GPF’s national and global strategy on partnerships, program design and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and resource development. She is a member of the core project team of GPF’s Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Project in Maryland, and was also actively involved in the implementation of GPF’s Countering Violent Extremism Train the Trainers and Cross Community Engagement Project in New Jersey. She previously served as the Director of Research and Executive Office at Meridian International Center, and Director of Development at the Center of Concern. She completed her PhD in Political Science from Carleton University, Canada.

Ms. Shaziya DeYoung, Researcher - Learning & Evidence, Alliance for Peacebuilding

Shaziya DeYoung is the Learning and Evidence Researcher at the Alliance for Peacebuilding. She has a wide range of expertise in quantitative and qualitative research and analysis methods specializing in evidence synthesis and translation efforts, and data analysis and visualization. Her work is currently centered around researching measurement constructs and their resulting evidence within peacebuilding and development contexts, while also focusing on delivering outputs that are actionable and contribute to capacity building and/or decision making.

Mr. George Grayson, Programme Development and Assessment Manager, Horn of Africa, International Alert

George has worked for International Alert since 2013, leading programme development in the region and providing technical support on monitoring and evaluation. He has extensive experience designing and evaluating peacebuilding programming in Kenya and Somalia. His areas of expertise include democratic transitions, security sector reform, civil society engagement, preventing violent extremism, conflict early warning systems and economic development for peace. He also has extensive experience within the higher education and non-profit sectors in the UK.

Ms. Jennifer Batton, Co-Chair, Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC)

Prof. Jennifer Batton, M.A., Co-Chair of the GPPAC Peace Education Working Group, has 25 years of experience in the field of conflict management/alternative dispute resolution working for state government, higher education, and a non-profit to help local and global communities build their capacity to prevent, address, and manage conflict. Her experience includes 8 years in state government (serving approximately 3600 primary and secondary public schools and 52 teacher training colleges and universities) as the Director of Education Programs for the Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management. She also served seven years as the director of the Global Issues Resource Center at Cuyahoga Community College and led or supported international education work in 23 countries. She provided direct service to more than 71 colleges and universities, 600 primary and secondary schools, and hundreds of civil society and governmental organizations.

Ms. Limou Dembele, Institutional Learning Team Specialist, Search for Common Ground

Limou is a Specialist in this Institutional Learning Team at Search For Common Ground. She is part of the Strategy Alignment Department. A department which focuses on providing standards in M&E, learning and programming quality across the organisation.

Limou has more than 10 years of experience working in the peacebuilding, development and humanitarian sectors for various NGOS and at headquarters and regional offices of UN agencies. She undertook leadership roles in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) by developing standardised MEAL frameworks for large scale initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the Middle East and North Africa, including the design of tools and by providing advisory support, such as in conflict analysis research and programme design and learning. She also has a background in neuroscience and mental health research.

 


 

National Efforts to Transform Education (March 30th at 11:00 AM BST)

We are experiencing a deep learning crisis globally which was the impetus of the 2022 United Nations Transforming Education Summit in New York. Forward-looking, Ministries of Education have introduced new education frameworks and policies to accelerate lifelong learning and the holistic development of their students. The session will focus on the most transformative aspects of these policies in preparing youth with character, creativity, imagination, agency, transferable skills, transdisciplinary learning, global competencies, digital skills, learning how to learn and well-being, all in order to navigate and positively impact a future in constant change.

Moderator: Dr. Ashok Pandey, Global Peace Fellow, Education, Global Peace Foundation

Mr. Ashok Pandey is widely acknowledged as an innovator, classroom practitioner and effective educational leader. Mr. Pandey has spent thirty years working with children and teachers. His two books on classroom teaching and practical aspects of school management have been best sellers.
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, IIMA, has recently published a case study on the impactful Professional Development Programme he carried out at Ahlcon International School. Recipient of the National Teacher Award 2012, Extraordinary Leadership Award 2021 by the Education World, and The Forbes India Top 100 People Manager’s Award 2020 make him a reputed thought leader on contemporary educational issues.

Mr. Pandey is SDGs expert and has played a key role in introducing Global Goals and Global Citizenship Education in schools across the country. He presented a position paper to UNESCO on Global Citizenship Education. He has contributed over 20 thought-provoking articles/papers on the NEP2020/SDGs.

Mr. Pandey is Global Peace Fellow, (Education) with Global Peace Foundation, USA. He is presently serving on the Governing Board of the National Council for Teacher Education, NCTE, Cambridge NEP Advisory Board for India and South Asia, and GEMs Education India.

Dr. Reni Francis, Principal, MES’s Pillai College of Education and Research

Dr. Reni Francis is currently the Principal at MES’s Pillai College of Education and Research, Mumbai and was previously working with Jabriya Indian School, Kuwait. She has been awarded the Doctoral degree in Arts – Education, University of Mumbai and Doctoral degree in Business Economics- University of Mumbai. She has a varied experience of more than 21 years in facilitating learning with school students, teachers and teacher educators in India and Kuwait. She has authored 28 books International (6) and National (22). She was the Member of Board of Studies (Education), University of Mumbai and Member of the Syllabus Revision Committee of Credit Based Choice System, University of Mumbai. She is a recognized Ph.D Guide (Education) and successfully guided 02 students for the award of PhD under University of Mumbai. Well versed in planning, conducting various activities and programmes at the Institution and National level. Proficient in conducting training workshops for teachers as a part of their CPD (State and National level), Students – school and college, Parents and Community. Conducted sessions towards Community outreach programs – Adult Literacy Drive, special language programs for second – language learners. She is on the Editorial board for few research journals. She has 05 approved Patent 02Australian patent and 01 German patent and 02 Indian Design patent.

Ms. Deepti Singh, Advocate, Sustainable Development Goals

Deepti is experienced as a Software Tester for 5 years and a Masters in International Peace Studies from Soka University Japan in 2020. Her research is focused on Global Citizenship Education and Sustainable Development Goals.

After graduating she has worked with:
1. Schools in Japan and has taught SDGs education and English.
2. ‘Beyond Skin’ as a Freelance Facilitator for ‘Blueprint’ project on SDGs supported by EU PeaceIV Programme, Belfast
3. Universities and conducted online workshops on the topics related to peace, sustainable development goals, nuclear disarmament, climate education, ethics and moral value, value creation education, soka education, humanistic leadership and societal change, and leadership.

After an year’s full time job as a mother since February 2022 , she has finally resumed work as an SDGs advocate and Business English Instructor as Berkeleys Language School and Zenken Corporation Japan.

Dr. N. Mythili, Associate Professor, Indira-Mahindra School of Education India

N. Mythili is currently working as Associate Professor at Mahindra University, Hyderabad since a year. AS a founding faculty of Indira-Mahindra School of Education, she started the Ph.D. programme in the school. Before, joining Mahindra University in 2021, she worked as Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, Delhi (NIEPA) from 2013 to 2021. Here, she led large scale programmes on School leadership development in several states of India to train school heads, undertook research and set up School Leadership Academies in several states.
She has been leading in the research and discourse on School Leadership, and gender and school leadership in Indian context through her research monographs and peer-reviewed articles published at international and national levels. Her recent works include ‘Women in School Leadership’ published by Sage and ‘Pedagogical Leadership: A handbook for leading learning in Schools’. The handbook on Pedagogical Leadership developed by her has reached all schools affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi.

Earlier, she worked at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Azim Premji Foundation, Bengaluru, and Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Development Research, Dharwad, Karnataka. She completed her Ph.D. from the Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Dr. Tony Devine, Ed.D., Vice President of Education, Global Peace Foundation

Dr. Tony Devine works with Ministries of Education, educational systems, schools, universities as well as private and civil society stakeholders to reimagine what it means to educate in preparing students to be future ready and be successful in all aspects of their lives. He oversees the development of the Transformation of Education, Moral and Innovative Leadership, Character and Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Digital Literacy programs in counties around the world. These programs and advocacy efforts develop character and values that guide skills such as creativity, problem solving, communications, collaboration in the application of new knowledge for the greater benefit of humanity. He is a contributor to the Advisory Group of OECD’s Future of Education & Skills 2030 Project. He is the President of Global Peace Foundation Ireland where oversees International Peacesharing Programs and Forums that exposes practitioners, educators, peacebuilders, government representatives and faith leaders to values-based peacebuilding and reconciliation. 

 


 

Communities Impacted by Violence: Dealing with the Past and Looking Towards the Future (March 30th at 12:00 PM BST)

In community conflicts, individuals and families have been personally impacted by violence. School shootings, political violence, targeted violence, or terrorist attacks have left scars from the past and are sometimes a struggle in the future. Survivors of targeted violence and terrorism discuss tragedy and community responses to strengthen connections and nurture a way forward.

Moderator: Ms. Sallie Lynch, Senior Program and Development Consultant, Tuesday’s Children

Sallie Lynch, MA, Senior Program and Development Consultant at Tuesday’s Children, has more than two decades of experience serving families of 9/11 victims, responders and survivors, post-9/11 military families of the fallen, global victims of terrorism and communities impacted by mass violence. She is the principal researcher and author of Tuesday’s Children’s evidence-based Long-Term Healing Model, a five-module training curriculum and online toolkit for community resilience. Sallie has provided capacity-building support, training and customized guidance in the aftermath of terrorism, mass violence and widescale trauma and loss to frontline service providers, community leaders and survivors in U.S. and international communities. She has facilitated cross-cultural resource and idea sharing sessions and trainings with international victim service providers from 34 countries engaged in Tuesday’s Children’s peacebuilding initiative Project COMMON BOND. She has secured federal and institutional funding for expansive multiyear projects addressing trauma and loss in response to terrorism, targeted violence and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sallie has represented Tuesday’s Children in interviews and speaking engagements to high-profile audiences, including at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice and the United Nations. She has published in U.S. and international journals on long-term healing, community resilience and peer-to-peer support and is a co-author of the book FDNY Crisis Counseling: Innovative Responses to 9/11 Firefighters, Families and Communities (Wiley, 2006). In the aftermath of 9/11, Sallie was co-investigator of a longitudinal research and intervention program with Columbia University School of Social Work and the FDNY Counseling Service Unit for 9/11 widows and children who lost a firefighter parent. Sallie has served on advisory committees for Vibrant Emotional Health’s Crisis Emotional Care Team (CECT), Peace of Mind Afghanistan (PoMA) and the UN Centre for Counter-Terrorism. She holds an MA in Cultural Anthropology from Columbia University and a BA in Cultural Studies from Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Sallie is certified in Grief Education and Psychological First Aid and is co-founder of Tuesday’s Children’s Survivors of Tragedy Outreach Program (STOP), a coalition of survivors and organizations united for prevention and peer support with the goals of promoting long-term recovery and resilience and address the multi-layered impacts of targeted violence and preventable mass-scale tragedies.

Mr. Michael Morisette, Outreach Coordinator, Give an Hour

Father of Kristina Kaylee Morisette, who is one of the 12 lost in the Borderline Bar&Grill shooting at Thousand Oaks, CA, on 11/07/18.

He knew that had Kristina survived the shooting, not only would she be deeply impacted, she would be doing everything possible to tend to, care for, and support this traumatized and grieving community of friends. And knowing that Kristina was a part of him, Michael attempted to support those she would have cared for. He began right away to feel the reciprocal effect of peer support, feeling stronger himself as he encouraged others.

Michael felt the eyes of the community on the victim family members, gauging their response to the tragedy. He knew that he had the opportunity to help point people towards any hope and healing he could possibly display in his own journey through this life changing event.

Through the care, support, and guidance from the many amazing organizations his impacted community encountered, Michael was introduced to a ‘parallel universe’ of people and agencies purposed to offer help and hope to hurting populations.

After the hard news of suicides in the wake of other tragedies, he began volunteering with the non-profit Give an Hour in advocating for mental health and emotional wellness, and began to work part time, and then full time in community outreach in the environment which has a heart to care for victims of mass violence and disaster… a heart to care which he saw in his daughter.

Ms. Amy O’Neill, Therapist, Consultant, Survivor, Tuesday’s Children STOP Program

Amy C. O’Neill, MS, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor, part of the Survivors of Tragedy Outreach Program for Tuesday’s Children, the steering committee for the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center, a member of the VOCA-NCJA and OVC TTAC Office of Justice Program Consultant Networks, and a Survivor of the Boston Marathon Bombing. She serves on the Crisis Emotional Care Team for Vibrant Emotional Health, the Disaster Distress Helpline peer support task force, and the Disaster Mental Health Team for the American Red Cross. Ms. O’Neill has presented at the ISSTD Congress for Complex Trauma, the National NOVA conference, the United Nations Global Congress for Victims of Terrorism at UNHQ NYC, contributed to the United Nations Parliamentarians Model Legislative Provisions, the KCIT Resilience Conference, Tuesday’s Children Lessons in Recovery and Resilience, and The Inaugural Speakers Who Dare in NYC. Ms. O’Neill maintains a private counseling practice, is an Adjunct Instructor for the graduate Counseling Psychology Program at Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA, and is a Doctor of Health Sciences Student at Bay Path University. Ms. O’Neill hosts The Trauma Impact Podcast on Mental Health News Radio Network, focusing on trauma and recovery from mass violence. It has been downloaded around the world.

Mr. Robert Pycior, Volunteer, Group Leader, Facilitator, Speaker, Tuesday’s Children

Rob Pycior is a school social worker from the suburbs of New York City. His father, Joseph J Pycior Jr, was killed in the September 11th 2001 attacks while working at the Naval Command Center in the Pentagon. Rob was 8 years old at the time and has spent the last 20+ years as both a recipient and now provider of services for grieving children, especially those impacted by violent extremism and conflict. His own experience in the tumultuous aftermath of September 11th put him on a path of service to others and a desire to have a positive impact on younger generations impacted by conflict and traumatic loss. He is involved with several non-profits and enjoys spending time with his wife and 1 year old daughter. Rob’s involvement with Tuesday’s Children began over a decade ago and has evolved from program participant to the current day as facilitator and speaker through both Project Common Bond as well as the Survivors of Tragedy Outreach Program. He recognizes firsthand the positive impact that community, connection, and open dialog can have.

 


 

The Role of NGOs in Creating Cities of Peace from Conflict Zones (March 30th at 13:00 PM BST)

NGOs have significantly contributed to building peace in capital cities and surrounding regions and bringing divided communities together. Key leaders will share their successes in dealing with the past, building trust, and engaging their citizens in peaceful engagements and conflict resolution. Explored will be the role of the youth generation, who did not experience conflict directly, and their perspective in preserving peace, ensuring development and prosperity.

Moderator: Mr. Matt Gamble, Program Coordinator, Cooperation Ireland

Matt joined Co-operation Ireland in 2019 and helps co-ordinate two Youth and Education programmes – Amazing the Space and Entwined Futures. Both programmes bring students from different backgrounds together to work alongside each other and to explore the complexities and narratives of the past.

Having graduated from Queens University Belfast in Archaeology and Ancient History, Matt began his career as a tour guide and archivist in a local museum before turning his attention to teaching. The experience of working as a History teacher in school has really helped in his current role in motivating students to work together and make new friendships.

Mr. Peter Sheridan, Chief Executive, Cooperation Ireland

Peter Sheridan joined Co-operation Ireland in 2008 as Chief Executive. In addition to his role as CEO, Peter is an Equality Commissioner in Norther Ireland and he is also a Commissioner with Londonderry Port and Harbor. Peter is a former Assistant Chief Constable with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) (formerly the Royal Ulster Constabulary). He retired from the police service in 2008 having spent 32 years policing in Northern Ireland. Before retiring he was responsible for the Crime Operations Department, which included serious and organized crime investigations including terrorist investigations. A graduate of Cambridge University, Peter attended the FBI Academy in 1999 and was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honors list in 2008 for services to the community.

Dr. Geeta R. Thakur, Professor, Department of Education and Humanities. Head, Manav Rachna Centre for Peace and Sustainability

Dr. Geeta Thakur is a well-respected academician and education consultant who currently serves as the Dean and Professor at Manav Rachna University. She also holds the position of Director at the Manav Rachna Centre for Peace and Sustainability. Dr. Thakur’s expertise in instructional design has been instrumental in improving education delivery and examination management systems across various organizations and government levels.

Dr. Thakur has played a vital role in the growth of the e-learning industry, serving as a solution architect for a leading company and as a senior consultant for Cambridge Global Partners (Education & Management Consultants) in the UK. As a renowned resource person, she conducts developmental workshops for UGC programs, sharing her expertise in developing innovative instructional material, utilizing digital tools, and enhancing life skills.

In addition to her academic and consulting roles, Dr. Thakur has authored two books, published over 50 research papers, and developed e-content for various educational projects. She is also a Heartfulness-certified meditation trainer, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in education.
Dr. Thakur’s accomplishments extend to her involvement in various advisory boards, including the Saradar Patel University in Balaghat MP, Sheel Niketan Group of Schools in Bhopal, and Himalayan Education Society in Jammu. She initiated RAINDROP, a project aimed at bringing resilient quality education systems

Mr. Joseph Malekela, Project Coordinator, Global Peace Foundation Tanzania

Mr. Joseph Brighton Malekela is a UN trained Youth Champion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) who works with Global Peace Foundation Tanzania as Project Coordinator. Currently he is pursuing Masters of Strategic and Peace Studies at University of Dar es Salaam, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Joseph is a Secretary of the joint Committee for National commemorations of International Day of Peace in Tanzania. He was recognized by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition as a Distinguished Human Rights Defender in January 2020; while the United Nations Volunteers Tanzania named him a best volunteer of the year 2021 through his works at Global Peace Foundation Tanzania. He is an Alumni of Gamal Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership (Egypt) and Alumni of Young African Leaders Initiate – YALI East Africa (Kenya). Joseph has a leadership experience with youth organizations and networks such as Youth of United Nations Association of Tanzania, Tanzania Students Networking Programme – TSNP and Dar es Salaam University Students Organization – DARUSO.

As a young leader and social change maker, Joseph has been dedicating his time, knowledge, and skills to creating awareness of the 2030 Global Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially goal number 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by influencing youth participation and engagement in decision making, peace-building, conflict resolutions and prevention of violence.

Rev. Gary Mason, Executive Director, Rethinking Conflict

Rev. Dr. Gary Mason is a Methodist minister and directs a conflict transformation organisation based in Belfast called “Rethinking Conflict.” Prior to this he spent 27 years as a Methodist clergy person in parish ministry in Belfast and has played an integral role in the Northern Irish peace process. He played a key role in establishing the $30 million Skainos project which is a world class urban centre developed in a post conflict society as a model of co existence and shared space, it is acknowledged as the largest faith-based redevelopment project in Western Europe. He holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Ulster, completed his theological studies at Queens University, and a Bachelor’s in Business Studies from the University of Ulster. Gary also holds an honorary doctorate from Florida Southern College for his role in peace building in Ireland.

Gary is a Senior Research Fellow at the Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention at Maynooth University in Ireland. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Candler School of theology at Emory University in Atlanta lecturing on reconciliation, peace building, the history of the N. Ireland conflict, racism, Christian Nationalism, sectarianism and conflict transformation. Gary is an affiliated expert and partner to the Negotiation Strategies Institute, a Harvard University programme on negotiation for Israelis and Palestinians.

 


 

Strengthening Safe Communities: Free Training (2) (March 30th at 14:00 PM BST)

In this 1-hour workshop-style training, learn important information to raise awareness and build resiliency related to safety in school and education settings, the workplace, and your community. This training webinar will present information on recognizing potential threats in your community, protective factors in building resilience in the classroom, community, or workplace, and how bias plays a role in targeted violence and terrorism.

Facilitator: Mr. Tahir Sakhi, Project Manager, Global Peace Foundation

Tahir Sakhi is serving Global Peace Foundation in capacity of Program Manager, in headquarter office in Washington DC. His priority area of engagement is managing Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention projects funded by U.S Department of Homeland Security.

Mr. Sakhi is Security and Counter Terrorism practitioner with 15 years of demonstrated decent history in designing, managing and implementing multi-sectorial projects in international humanitarian and development sectors, associated with relevant exposure to multifaceted situations.

Prior to joining Global Peace Foundation, he has served several international organizations in various functions including UNICEF, UNDP, AECOM, ICMA and Creative Associate
International.