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Beloved Friend and Angel

Avon was part of our Gaiafield Wisdom Council that met weekly to meditate and practice subtle activism for over 10 years. From time to time, we would meet at Larkspur Landing for lunch. I loved our lunches, she was so present with me and our conversations would be great rambling adventures into the mystery. Avon was also beautiful to meditate with. She truly did have an angelic presence, golden, silent, loving. We visited Doc Childre at HeartMath once, and we sat together with him in silence. It was such a beautiful experience, we were one silent unified field. Avon was a dear friend as well as a powerful spiritual ally. I still feel her strongly as a presence and she seems radiant and happy on the other side.

~David Nicol

Love and Light for dear Avon

Dearest Avon, whom we all know and love, embodied grace, joy, and a full-hearted commitment to peacebuilding.  I am grateful for her early encouragement, at age 12, to constructively engage in peace-building based on an understanding that peace “is not only possible but inevitable”1 requiring the spiritual transformation of individuals and communities. Avon’s pure soul no doubt will continue to inspire others as a “leaven that leaveneth the world of being, and furnisheth the power through which the arts and wonders of the world are made manifest.”(Baha’u’llah) We pray that she may “enter the garden of happiness, [and be] cleanse[d] … with the most pure water”2 as her soul advances in the world of light.

~Shahla Maghzi-Ali

Founder and President

Remembering An Angel

My dear sister Avon has been my mentor and guide for the past 35 years.

As she journeys on the other side, I continue to feel her presence in my life each and every day.

Avon’s beloved Pathways to Peace, has been a source of inspiration to the non-profit work of Unity Foundation, especially in the creation of the foundation’s annual Peace Day Global Broadcast for which her guidance was invaluable.

Avon is an angel who came to this earth with a divine mission of promoting peace throughout the world. Although she has passed on to another realm, Avon’s work for peace on earth will continue to inspire and empower millions of people worldwide.

~Bill McCarthy

Avon our Angel

I have so much to say and so much to share I’ve typed, deleted, typed and deleted my thoughts about eight times now. I have so many kind words and memories of her I’m not sure which I should express in 800 characters or less. So instead, here’s her last message to me. She called me while I was eating dinner with some loved ones and texted me immediately after. I am so grateful to have sort of rudely left the dinner table to talk to her as I had no clue it’d be my last time. She expressed how proud of me she was and like usual, we ended up getting into a deeper discussion that lasted longer than it needed to, but I’m happy it did.  Before hanging up I remarked to her on her ability to always make me feel powerful, courageous, and able. Her reply to that came via text. Rest easy, Avon

~Jon-Luc
Pathways To Peace

The Mater Dei Prep Global Institute Shines at Historic Civil Rights “Season for Non-Violence” Conference!

How often do young leaders have the opportunity to share a stage with Civil Rights Icon’s straight out of our history books? Well, last Thursday, March 25th, 2021 students from the Mater Dei Prep Global Institute of Emerging Leaders were presented with this historic occasion!

MDP Global Institute students Emma DeBiase (’23) and Abigail O’Sullivan (’24) had the dual opportunity of serving on The “Season for Non-Violence” Planning Committee and played a vital role as moderators, technology assistants, and structural designers. Cathrine Volk (’24) also assisted with the virtual event. The MDP Student Presentation “Our Voices Matter” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7COYEX94I0 opened the conference and was led by a compelling narrative by MDP student Tyler Malik Ismail (’22). Tyler spoke powerfully about how in order to create change we must see the world through each of our lenses in order to understand our views and how they are impacted. Tyler was followed by fellow Global Institute Leaders Mia Rodriguez (’24), Abigail O’Sullivan (’24), Cathrine Volk (’24), Gianna Wohanka (’24), Oliva Crowe (’24), Garrett Nolan (’24), Mark Paone (’24), and Mary Kate Brew (’24). Each shared how Tyler Malik Ismail’s words impacted their own concerns within their respective communities. The “Season for Non-Violence” Conference honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. The evening was possible because of the tireless devotion of Co-Chairs Lindy P. Crescitelli and Shawn Denise Landry. The evening conference introduced its audience to Civil Rights Leaders past and present. Speakers included Angeline Butler, Organizer to The Nashville Sit-Ins, James Zwerg “Freedom Rider”, Kings Holland deep south desegregationist, Linda Blackmon Lowery, the youngest marcher on The Edmund Pettis Bridge and author of “Turning 15 On the Road to Freedom”, and Voz Rivers Tony, Emmy and Academy winning producer and Civil Rights activist. Kings Holland spoke powerfully about the role Catholic schools played in his life because they did not adhere to segregationist policies and it allowed him to receive the education for him to attend Fisk University and prepare him for his role in Non Violent Civil Disobedience. Debra Rose, NYC Councilwoman, also presented a powerful message regarding the movement today. The evening presented other Civil Rights legends and performances in music and spoken word from organizations from Japan and Africa. The evening ended with a short viewing of the Broadway production “Turning 15 on The Road to Freedom” and a memorable rendition of Ben E. King “Stand By Me” by well-known New Jersey music artist and UN Representative, Ray Anderson. http://mrray.com/

The following statements by the Mater Dei Prep students expresses their experience of the overall event.

Tyler Malik Ismail – “My statement embodies what I as a conscious Melantated man in this society views on a day-to-day basis. It was an honor to a part of a conference with such powerful activist and human right figures. I would also like to thank Mr. Anthony for selecting me as the lead statement in the presentation. I want to additionally thank my classmates for sending out such powerful messages.”

Emma DeBiase, Pathways to Peace United Nations Delegate and Sophomore United Nations Representative of Mater Dei Prep – “I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to work with Civil Rights Leaders over the past couple of months.  Being able to be in the same Zoom room with them makes me feel like I am a part of something extraordinary. Helping out Mr. Crescitelli and Ms. Landry with technological aspects and being able to help with the overall event is an amazing honor. I would like to thank Mr. Anthony for motivating me to be a part of something great. We are the force that aspires change, we are the change that can make a difference.”

Gianna Wohanka – “Yesterday was a dream that had turned into a reality. If a person came up to me a year ago and told me that my voice would be told to the world and that I would have the opportunity to meet profound individuals that I have only read about in books and watched in movies, I would have never believed them. A year ago, I was the person that lacked the self-confidence to speak my voice and tell the world what I was feeling. Today, I can proudly say the tables have turned and this program has greatly changed me for the better. Mr. Anthony is truly an amazing teacher that will push you to be the best that you can be. This class is not just a quick high school experience, it’s something that will prepare you for the real world. It teaches you how to speak to a crowd, and how to show emotion when you talk, because down the line when you do a profession you will need to speak to your colleagues with emotion and passion. The last couple of months have been an experience that I will never forget.  In the video “Our Voices Matter” I talked about social media platforms and news channels and how they form people’s views. I chose this topic because I think it plays a big part in how people form their views of situations. I feel that there is so much misinformation, malformation and disinformation in our news channels and social media platforms, you truly don’t know what to believe anymore. One thing that I found not only to be true but quite impactful was a saying by one of our Politicians, “it’s not the truth that matters, it’s what people believe because that’s what becomes their reality.”  It really doesn’t matter what the moral of the story is, it matters what they believe because that’s their truth. Seeing the video being played at the conference in front of Lynda Blackmon-Lowery, King Hollands, and Catherine Burks-Brooks, was a very real experience. Their stories were so incredible that they gave me goosebumps. They were so unique and impactful for what is currently going on in our world. This experience has taught me so much and I am beyond grateful. The main thing I learned from this experience is that “when the whole world is silent, one voice becomes powerful” – Malala Yusufzai

Garrett Nolan – “If you asked me a couple years ago if I thought I would ever be a Pathways To Peace United Nations Representative as a freshman in high school, I wouldn’t have believed it. For the past year, I have been afforded the opportunity to work side by side with Civil Rights icons and organizations thanks to Mater Dei Prep’s Global Institute of Emerging Leaders ran by Mr. George Anthony. This program has accomplished numerous tasks and paved the way for me in becoming a Representative for the United Nations. In this program we do things such as U.N. promotional videos, Globe Quest competitions, and various acts of charity. A number of months ago, we started discussing a “Spring Project” to present at the 24th annual “Season for Non-Violence” Conference webinar. The class discussed important topics to address in our presentation and I made the choice to address religious persecution across the globe. This topic was important to me because while thankfully the situation has improved, as an Irish-Catholic, I was well aware of the discrimination we faced throughout history. To say that this video was a long time coming is an understatement, our class labored to improve this presentation and to confirm that it would resonate with hearts and minds everywhere. During the evening of this event, we were able to see our hard work pay off. We presented it at a historic meeting because such icons attended like Angeline Butler, the woman who organized the Nashville lunch counter sit-in, James Zwerg, the man who organized the freedom riders and the integration of schools, and Linda Blackmon-Lowry who was the youngest person to complete the full-length march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama and was part of “Bloody Sunday” on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. When our presentation was started, these leaders were moved and impacted by its message because despite it being sixty years later, our great Nation is still facing such trials and tribulations. I hope that our message continues to be spread around the planet because we all have a responsibility to repair the world.”

Cathrine Volk “When starting the Global Leaders program, I never could have imagined I, a freshman in high school, would be on a planning committee for one the largest Peace Conferences. To be able to work and listen to civil rights icons like Angeline Butler and Catherine Burks-Brooks was unbelievable. I learned their incredible stories in history class and I cannot express what an honor it was to work directly with them. I was given the opportunity to create a video with my classmates to spread our voices across the world. Our words are the most powerful part of us, it’s what people remember. I spoke about different treatment of boys and girls from a very young age. I am just one of billions of girls to face this and one of thousands to talk about it. That does not mean my voice matters less, it means together our voices amplify each other’s. I will continue to use my voice and share mine and other’s stories. This is just the beginning.”

Olivia Crowe – “The filming and writing process took a lot from our own individual experiences, opinions, and ideas. I think the most important thing about filming and writing is you can only write so much on a piece of paper that you need to honestly say what is from the heart. When I was writing I had to sit down and think about what has affected us as humans and I concluded it has to do everything with being on social media and our phones. Especially my generation is affected by it because there is so much toxicity our phones and social media. I think it’s just all about letting your voice be heard because it is needed especially now even if that voice is making your own club, zoom call, or speaking to others that would love to help expand your ideas and grow them!”

Dylan Coleman – “My role in this class was to design a PowerPoint that captured the energy and commitment we all feel in moving the message of peace forward. I had the privilege of creating an origami peace dove in the opening frame that models an organization we work with called “The Peace Crane Project”. The link their website can be found here: https://peacecraneproject.org/. This class is very powerful because I learned that everyone has a voice and you can’t be afraid to express yourself and make it be heard. I experienced being in 3 or 4 videos promoting this program and meeting inspirational individuals like Linda Lowery, Avon Mattison, President of www.pathwaystopeace.org, and so many others. I also gained a voice I never knew I had which I can now use. After COVID, I hope to return to the UN and meet more amazing people and go to many inspiring conferences”.

Mark Paone – “I had the chance of a lifetime and was able to speak in our video “Our Voices Matter” at this conference. This video really gave me the opportunity to emphasize my opinion on some things I think people don’t really pay too much attention to. It also helped me voice my opinion to the United Nations as a whole. Having your own voice is extremely important and now that I got to use it and have had it heard by over 192 countries, I can honestly say I feel really amazing and proud. I couldn’t ask for anything better from this program!”

Abigail O’Sullivan – “I don’t think I could have ever had such an honor to be part of the Season for Non-Violence committee. I was able to talk to Mrs. Marion Fuson who is a 101-year-old Civil Rights leader and an inspiration to all of us. It was an evening I will never forget. I truly felt I was walking side by side with these living legends I have only read about in our history books. I look forward to joining them again next year moving their message forward.”

Evangelia Ameno-Cataudella – “These past couples of weeks that we all spent working on the Spring Project was definitely a great experience. Between planning everyone’s role, to writing PowerPoints, all the way to figuring out the right words to make an impact in someone else’s life, it turned out amazing. A few of my Peers and I got to put a PowerPoint together introducing our class and the amazing things past generations have done throughout the years. It was presented across our school and to many other people to invite them to join in our movement. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. At this conference, my class had the opportunity to show the video they all prepared. It was showed to so many amazing people around the world on this historic event. All the different speakers and words used were amazing, the words especially by Lynda Lowery were beyond incredible. They definitely made an impact. Just know, as long as you have a voice, you have the power to change the world!”

Mary Kate Brew – “There is a field beyond all notions of right and wrong. Come, meet me there”. I never would’ve thought I’d be quoting Rumi, but there I was. I had the opportunity of closing out this year’s Spring Project video. I had the chance to make a change, and speak potent words in front of people who matter. In this class, I’m learning to find my voice and knowing that others will be impacted by the message I’m trying to convey. The message in this film is, in order to repair the world, we have to move our hearts and our minds to a place of peace; a safe place where we can all be heard.”

Mia Rodriguez sums up this extraordinary experience with these words. “As Gandhi once said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” While growing up in our society I have learned that the world has become too accustomed to the injustices and hatred of our communities. But I refuse to become just another number in the grand scheme of things. I am not a demographic. My life isn’t destined to become another tragedy. We must learn how to fight against these things. As a woman of color myself, I have always wanted to speak my truth when it comes to the racial injustices all around us. Mr. Anthony gave me a platform to share not only just my story but the stories of those who can’t speak for themselves. In our film “Our Voices Matter” I spoke about the importance of recognizing the racism people today still have to face. As I mentioned in our film racism truly isn’t a thing of the past. That’s evident in the fact that we are still referred to as the “minority.” Why is that? Don’t you think it’s strange that we are still referred to as a word that separates us from others? Racism is so deeply rooted in the world we live in that we don’t even realize small things like that impact our daily lives. This is why it’s so important to teach our generations that our voices matter. Our society shouldn’t care how old or young you are, we are all profound thinkers that deserve to be heard. As a student of Mater Dei Prep’s Global Leaders class, we are taught how important our voices truly are and that’s the message we wanted to share throughout our film. We wanted to provoke thoughts and questions within our viewers about the world we live in and that’s a goal I feel we achieved. My journey is not anywhere close to an end and I owe it all to Mr. Anthony for this opportunity. In my life I intend to use my voice to fight against the things we pretend not to see. I will use my voice to make a difference… will you?”

Lindy P. Crescitelli, Co Chair and Organizer of The Season for Non-Violence Conference, stated “Emma and Abigail played essential roles in the Intergenerational Planning & Organizing Committees of The Institute For International Leadership, Nonviolence & Service: LEARN LEAD SERVE INC. 24th Annual Gandhi-King Season For Nonviolence.  In addition to many other things, Emma served as one of our Technical Directors and Abigail helped head up The Global Leader Institutes contributions to The Annual Flags of The World/May Peace Prevail On Earth Ceremony, which this year was truly Global including videos sent in from places like Japan and many African Countries.”

George Anthony stated “The Global Institute at Mater Dei Prep strives to connect our students with partner organizations such as www.gandhikingsfn.com and  www.pathwaystopeace.org in order to provide our students with every opportunity to create the change they wish to be in the world. I truly believe our students can provide the solution to heal the world if we just offer them the skills and the platforms to do so! Mater Dei Prep continues to take the lead in building better communities for all!”

To view the historic conference please visit www.gandhikingsfn.com

For additional information please visit www.materdeiprep.org or contact George Anthony at [email protected]

 

Originally posted: https://www.materdeiprep.org/apps/news/article/1414813?fbclid=IwAR0eUO1q0pqYOMTtQEd_WUNNWaXVo-ESz9b4m66PGOAiOxH3Ct7-cdGdSMQ

Mater Dei Prep Global Institute Students Attend “A Pandemic of Misinformation” Virtual Conference

Mater Dei Prep students Abby O’Sullivan (MDP ’24), Garret Nolan (MDP ’24), Catherine Volk (MDP ’24), and Alyssa Drach (MDP ’24) attended an International Conference as student representatives of The MDP Global Institute and UN NGO Pathways To Peace on addressing “A Pandemic of Misinformation”, combatting variations of COVID-19 dangers and responses. Students from MDP participated virtually with an international panel of experts.

In this age of COVID-19, the rapid spread of misinformation may be as dangerous as the virus itself. International experts examined and shared with students why people believe and spread misinformation. They offered techniques and resources to help students (and educators) recognize “red flags” of misinformation (“fake news”). A Student Panel at the conference directed special attention to social media. Participants heard from UN communications professionals about special initiatives underway to stem the spread of misinformation and were informed on how educators and students can participate in this effort.

Speakers included:

Some of the topics discussed were:

  • Click-Bait: Internet content, whose main purpose is to attract attention and encourage visitors to click on a link to a particular web page.
  • Disinformation: Deliberate distortion of information intended to deceive public opinion.
  • Fake News: What was once called ‘yellow journalism’ – news stories that have no factual basis, but are presented as fact; propaganda or hoaxes spread via traditional news media or social media. It can also be used to discredit anything that seems hostile to someone’s specific agenda.
  • Misinformation: Incorrect information of any kind, whatever the intention or source.
  • Synthetic Media: The attempt to create a fake news site that closely and deceptively resembles a real or well-known one

Mater Dei Prep students shared their views:

Garrett Nolan, “I had the opportunity to attend a webinar hosted by the United Nations about “digital literacy” and fact-checking what you read and post on the internet. It is important to make sure something is true before you post it. Not only is the internet ‘eternal’, but anyone around the globe could see it. When you post something that is a lie, many people will still believe it. The past year has, at the very least, been trying for this country and the world. We have seen a frightening amount of biased news sources ‘spinning’ the truth to suit their target audience or sponsors. One must make sure that something is true and factual before posting it for the world to see on the internet.”

Abigail O’Sullivan, “The webinar on misinformation during the COVID-19 outbreak was extremely useful in helping me learn how to stop the spread of wrong information. One individual talked about the 5 C’s: Critical thinking, contexts, credibility, construction, contribution, and comparison. They explained this concept of the 5 C’s is to inform us to watch what we repost and how we interpret information.”

Catherine Volk, “I thought presentation was very interesting and informative. The Verified program initiated by The United Nations to “fact check” information and web sites (sites and not ‘bots’) was very interesting. I am excited to see what happens with the 2021 year of recovery, and I believe the different programs will help many people. I also am hopeful that more programs to help teachers and students combat misinformation are made available to more schools. Overall, I enjoyed to presentation and thought it was quite useful.”

Alyssa Drach, “This meeting gave me some more knowledge about how everyone else is reacting to the pandemic. The International Panel of Speakers that I found to be the most interesting were the students. I can relate to them since I am a student as well. It reminded me how important it is to follow the science and the guidelines. We will not be able to fight COVID-19 if we don’t work together.”

George Anthony, Director of The MDP Global Institute, welcomed the student participation. “I think it is vital that students utilize critical thinking skills and acknowledge the various forms of media manipulation that seeks to confuse, divide and misinform societies in an effort to create cultural and systemic divisions. Knowledge, information and science will assist towards the working together, where we all can benefit in finding solutions towards safer and informed societies. Our students will take the ‘tools’ they gather from these conferences and classroom lessons and apply them toward their own communities locally and globally. They are, in my mind, tomorrow’s leaders, emerging!”

Calling 22022022, THE BIG SHIFT PARTY

It is about spreading the idea that on an agreed date, we pass ‘officially’, by ‘popular decree’, from the old world to the new world. On this date we will have a big party, a bit like a carnival, free, global, open to all : THE BIG SHIFT PARTY !
It’s about going from the Great Secret to the Great Decree. What is secretly expected by human beings must be decreed by them!

Mater Dei Prep’s DeBiase Virtually Attends United Nations World Youth Skills Day Conference

Tezikiah Gabriel, Executive Director of Pathways To Peace and Emma DeBiase

Tezikiah Gabriel, Executive Director of Pathways To Peace and Emma DeBiase

MIDDLETOWN — On July 15, Mater Dei Prep (MDP) student Emma DeBiase, (MDP ‘23) attended The United Nations World Youth Skills Day Conference virtually. Emma was attending as a High School Representative for UN NGO Pathways to Peace and as a student leader in The Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders Program.

Her platform was to connect with other UN Global Representatives and student leaders and look for opportunities to discuss our MDP Educational Tool Kit and our campaign with “The Peace Traveler” initiative called #mymaskisforyou. This campaign encourages “teaching the conversation in peace building and mask protection as an action.”

View the campaign on the school’s website in their news section.

Emma was able to interact and learn from numerous global speakers such as Columbia’s First Lady H.E. Maria Juliana. The First Lady of Columbia spoke of how we need to think about the three “E’s”, “Entrepreneurship, Education, and Employ.” UN Rep David Bungallon of the Philippines, as well as other diplomats and representatives from UNESCO, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia all were in attendance. All representatives addressed how the youth will be the source of new technology and how we need to work together to reshape the education of MDP students.

Emma contributed to the conference by submitting a question regarding the success of youth and what organizations would participate. The question/statement centered on, “To create a sustainable change, the youth must be able to own and initiate their skills into our communities. With the support by organizations such as the UN and other local organizations, what do you recommend that would create opportunities for success?”

Emma came away from the meeting by feeling incredibly lucky to be a part of something bigger than herself. She looks forward to using the lessons she learned in building more peaceful and sustainable societies

That afternoon Emma, a Matawan resident, attended her second UN Meeting. She participated in a Pathways to Peace Executive committee meeting with Tezikiah Gabriel, Executive Director of PTP; Deborah Green, Founder of Peace
Traveler and George Anthony, Head of the MDP Global Leaders program.

The meeting focused on the Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders Campaign #mymaskisforyou. Deborah spoke about the professionalism of working with Alexis Lombardo (MDP ‘21) in editing the #mymaskisforyou YouTube video. Deborah will be using segments of the video featuring Mater Dei Prep Global Leaders to spread a global message that in wearing a mask people are Peace Building in action by committing a caring act. The Trenton Monitor Diocesan News Magazine will be featuring the MDP #mymaskisforyou project. The article was written by MDP Alumnus John Spinelli.

Chiara Del Cogliano, MDP Faculty member, will be attending an upcoming UN High Level Commission on The Status of Women Conference on Gender Equality as a UN CSW64 Stakeholder. The Conference is scheduled for tomorrow, July 21.

To view the conference, please go to www.unweb.tv.org

The Global Leaders Program continues to build platforms for peace and leadership and looks forward to developing a new cadre of students for the coming year.

Originally Posted

2020 Joint Civil Society Statement on Youth Engagement and Peace, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education

Written Version for Delivery on 13 October 2020 to the UN General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament and International Security)

Includes all signatories as of 14 October 2020

1. We often hear young people described as the world’s future. While true, this cliché doesn’t tell the whole story. More than 40% of the world’s population is under the age of 25. We are here now, in the present day, representing close to a majority of the world’s population. But we are severely underrepresented in forums like this one, where decisions about our present and future – our peace, our security, our human rights – are made. Disarmament education, if implemented in ways that take our voices seriously, can enable the active participation of diverse young people in making the world a more just, peaceful and sustainable place.

2. Our lives are at the intersecting frontlines of so many human security problems. The proliferation of small arms threatens the lives of youth caught between armed groups and security forces. Even places of learning are not safe – we fear mass shootings and the bombardment of our schools. Militarization entrenches colonial legacies and gendered inequalities. As many of us engage in social movements calling for more just and democratic methods of ensuring human security, our bodies are targeted by those who are supposed to protect and serve the public.

3. The diversion of the world’s resources into the weapons of war and oppression takes money and talent better directed to addressing public health emergencies and creating jobs in a sustainable economy. We face a climate catastrophe, our communities battered by natural disasters, biodiversity loss and the toxic legacies of violence, including radioactive contamination and military pollution. The effects of these environmental consequences of weapons and war are disproportionately borne by Indigenous Peoples and marginalized communities. High-tech forms of remote and autonomous killing abuse information and communications technology, which could be used to build productive linkages between the world’s young people.

4. The 2002 UN Secretary-General’s Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education emphasized that education must not only be about disarmament, but also for disarmament. If targeted well, disarmament education can empower youth – particularly marginalized communities, women, survivors of violence and Indigenous people from impacted regions – building our capacity to engage in peace and security policymaking. One of the most powerful ways to bolster peace, disarmament, and non-proliferation education is to combine it with tangible action. Young people often come to disarmament work through social movements, such as those addressing intersecting issues of racism, exploitation, disability, LGBTQA rights, the environment, gender-based violence, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This is why we must work on intersectionality and connect disarmament to people’s everyday experiences of insecurity. For many young people in this city and around the globe, our participation in Black

Lives Matter demonstrations has spurred us to educate both ourselves and others about the devastating, racialized impact of police violence.

5. Civil society, academia and social movements bear much of the burden of advocacy and instruction on peace and disarmament issues. But Member States must also adhere to their obligations for disarmament education. Peace, disarmament and nonproliferation issues are rarely covered in public primary and secondary education. It is disappointing that so few Member States submit reports to the Secretary-General for reports on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education. There is a lack of funding and few professional opportunities for youth who are passionate about disarmament issues, leaving many of us ultimately disengaged – particularly those of us facing intersecting forms of marginalization. The structures of disarmament diplomacy are not designed for youth participation, especially not youth from affected communities. It is time to move beyond talking about the importance of including youth; we must see them included on panels, in discussions, and, most importantly, at high-level policy meetings.

6. The overwhelming effects of COVID-19 on the global education sector is a major challenge for the UN, member states, and civil society institutions delivering effective disarmament education. According to UNESCO, “1 billion students and youth across the planet are affected by school and university closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak.” UN and civil society disarmament education events have had to move online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Transferring disarmament policymaking into less transparent, online formats can limit young people’s access to in-person engagement with diplomacy and advocacy. But this year’s digital diplomacy also offers a chance to be more inclusive and to hear directly from those who cannot normally travel to New York, Geneva or Vienna

7. Indeed, renewed multilateral action on disarmament education and youth gives us reasons for hope. Target 4.7 of Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education includes “promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence.” The Secretary-General’s 2018 Agenda for Disarmament committed the UN to “further invest in disarmament education [and] … youth engagement.” UN Security Council Resolution 2419 highlights the importance of “participation of youth in peace processes, including disarmament….” Last year’s First Committee resolution on Youth, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation stressed the “need to promote the sustainable entry of young people into the field of disarmament and non-proliferation.” UNODA’s Youth4Disarmament program has been a great step forward.

8. We are especially encouraged by the nearing entry-into-force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which stresses the “importance of peace and disarmament education and of raising awareness of the risks and consequences of nuclear weapons for current and future generations.” The TPNW has shown that a significant change is possible, especially with a strong partnership between Member States and civil society. For younger generations today, a world without nuclear weapons is a possibility within our lifetime.

9. Seventy-five years ago, the founders of the UN committed to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” Twenty years ago, this body passed its first resolution on disarmament and nonproliferation education. In this landmark anniversary year, we call on you to recommit to those of us in the “succeeding generations.” Elders and youth from different backgrounds and cultures must come together in the spirit of intergenerational cooperation and solidarity, working for a world where peace and security do not depend on the use and threat of mass violence. Hear our voices, include us in making the decisions that literally determine whether we will live.

10. Therefore, we call on delegations to:

  • Express vigorous support for action on disarmament and nonproliferation education,
  • Promote greater connections between disarmament education and the empowerment of youth, particularly those from marginalized communities,
  • Engage in international cooperation and assistance to support youth engagement and peace, disarmament and non-proliferation education, such as UNODA’s Youth4Disarmament and Disarmament Champions projects,
  • Include us in your delegations and expand paid internship, fellowship and professional opportunities for students and young people pursuing vocations in disarmament and nonproliferation, particularly those from marginalized communities,
  • Implement peace, disarmament and non-proliferation education in ways that are sensitive to human rights, gender and differential access,
  • Use creative and innovative methods, including information and communications technology, to expand access to disarmament education and youth networking, particularly to those cut off from educational institutions by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting Organizations

Quadrennial report Report Review for year 2013 – 2016

Status: Special, 1989

Quadrennial report for year 2013 – 2016

Submission year: 2018
Report received: 13 Jul 2017
Report Officer: Nahleen Ahmed
Assigned to: Nahleen Ahmed
Initial review date: 13 Jul 2017
Date review completed: 13 Jul 2017
Review Status (by NGO Branch): Submitted to Committee
NGO Committee Decision: Taken note
ECOSOC Decision: Taken Note

Status: Special, 1989

Quadrennial report for year 2013 – 2016

Introduction:

General Consultative Status with ECOSOC since 1987 Pathways To Peace (PTP) is an international Peace building, educational and consulting organization.

Aims and purposes of the organization:

The primary mission of PTP is to contribute to the evolving mission of the United Nations (UN) by expanding the substantive expression of “Peace” and Peace building, and to build a Culture of Peace by uniting and enhancing the strengths of existing organizations and programmes, locally and globally.

Significant changes in the organization:

There have been no significant changes.

Contribution of the organization to the work of the United Nations:

i.Parallel Events 1.2015: Realizing the SDG’s by 2030: Crucial Entry Points for Communicating the SDG’s and Climate Change for Transformative Citizen Engagement a. PTP attended and planned a parallel event for the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development on July 2, 2015 at the UNHQ that was co-sponsored with the Earth Child Institute. 2. Commission on the Status of Women a. PTP attended and ran parallel event at CSW for each of the four years. (2013 was excluded due to lack of space.) i. 2014: PTP co-sponsored an event with H.E. Anwarul Chowdhury titled “What Will It Take to have a UN Global Conference on Women” which was held on March 10, 2014 at the UNHQ; 2015: PTP co-sponsored an event at the Armenian Convention Center titled “Imagine A World…At Peace” on March 12, 2015.; 2016: PTP sponsored and led an event titled “What will it take to end human trafficking?” relating to human trafficking SDG and implementation, held on March 14, 2016 at the CCUN Building.

Participation in meetings of the United Nations:

  1. 2013: UN Youth Initiatives: Uniting for Youth a. PTP representatives attended and brought recommendations on youth initiatives back to PTP. 2. 2013-2016: Commission on the Status of Women a. PTP sent representatives to attend UN CSW in NY for each consecutive year and provided statements for each of the years. 3. 2013-2016: International Day of Peace a. PTP attended and provided statements on the International Day of Peace. This event will be later discussed in further detail. 4. 2013-2016: UN General Assembly a. PTP representatives have attended different sessions as well as meeting with government officials and participated in UN WOMEN throughout the years. 5. 2013: Raising And Empowering Youth to break the cycle of violence against women and children a. PTP representatives attended on March 25, 2013 which was the first DPI-NGO Youth-Led Briefing. 6. 2014: DPI/NGO Briefings a. PTP representatives attended and participated in most DPI-NGO briefings. 7. 2015-2016: Conference of the Parties – UNFCC a. PTP ECOSOC representative attended COP in both 2015 and 2016. 8. 2016: UN DPI NGO Youth Summit a. PTP representatives helped develop different activities and led youth sessions during the conference. Additionally, PTP conducted a workshop on global collaboration between NGOs civil society and enhancement civic engagement.

Cooperation with United Nations bodies:

  1. UN-DPI International Day of Peace i. PTP has assisted the UN DPI with the planning and the execution of the annual UN International Day of Peace for all four years. This includes helping creating the theme and curate programming. PTP established the universal website (interenationaldayofpeace.org), o serve the UN and civil society to focus worldwide attention to the UN and highlight activities for diverse nations and sectors around the world. b. UN- Commission on the Status of Women i. PTP representatives have attended the CSW for all four years. As discussed above, PTP has co- sponsored several side-events throughout the years.

Initiatives taken by the organization in support of the Millennium Development Goals / Sustainable Development Goals:

  1. Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education 1. PTP ECOSOC Representative Abdul Rad held an event titled “Toward a World at School: Forum on Global Education” on May 4, 2015. Participants included several UN representatives including UN Youth Champion Monique Coleman, UN Youth Envoy Ahmed Alhendawi, UNESCO Initiative Secretariat Min Jeong Kim. ii. Culture of Peace Initiative 1. PTP is an officially designated Peace Messenger Organization (1987) and serves as the International Secretariat for the Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI). The CPI not only advocates for the SDG’s but also educates diverse organizations worldwide on various SDG’s and their implementation in civil society. The CPI in one of its functions serves as a platform to connect and mentor participants in all the world regions.

Initiated in 1978 and incorporated in 1983, Pathways To Peace (PTP) is a UN-designated Peace Messenger Organization, has Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the Department of Global Communications (GDC).

PTP is a tax-exempt, Social Profit, Non-partisan 501(c)(3) Corporation, (tax-exempt ID# 68-0015625).

Pathways To Peace (PTP) is an international Peacebuilding, educational, and consulting organization. For over four decades, PTP has dedicated itself to expanding the understanding and expression of Peace, fostering Peacebuilders and Peacebuilding activities, and building an integral movement for a Culture of Peace.

Contact Us

Mailing Address:
Pathways To Peace
c/o Tezikiah (Tez) Gabriel, Executive Director
122 Demont Ave E, #173
St. Paul, MN 55117

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