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I am very honoured to have been selected to take part in the Kosovo Summer Peacebuilding Academy this summer. The Summer Academy consists of 10 days of lectures, workshops with the UN, and volunteering in order to actualise a long-term peace in Kosovo, and globally. Peacemaking in the 21st century has had severe unintended consequences through the use of armed force. The effects of which has resulted in the loss of thousands of civilian lives globally. The Summer Academy in Kosovo selects some of the best political minds globally in order to rethink peacebuilding for the modern age, so the next era of politicians does not make the same mistakes again.
Peacebuilding is the key to creating sustainable change. It involves working with local communities and leaders to address the root causes of conflict, promote reconciliation, and build trust between different groups. It is a complex and challenging process, but it has been proven to be effective in places like Northern Ireland, where peace was ultimately achieved.
The impact of peacebuilding cannot be overstated. It has the power to transform entire communities, to heal wounds that have been open for decades, and to create a brighter future for generations to come. By supporting my mission, you will be contributing to this vital work and helping to make a real difference in the lives of people who have suffered for far too long.
The statistics speak for themselves: in 2021, there were over 2,000 violent incidents in Kosovo, with over 500 people injured or killed as a result. The cost of this violence, in terms of human suffering, economic damage, and social division, is incalculable. By contrast, peacebuilding efforts have been shown to produce tangible results. In Northern Ireland, for example, the number of deaths from political violence has fallen from over 3,500 in the 30 years before the Good Friday Agreement to just 170 in the 20 years since.
This is a very important cause to me as it is unacceptable to see the consequences of the UN and Western peacebuilding strategies globally in the last decades. I have studied ‘Dimensions of Peace and Conflict’ with a focus on disciplinary and regional approaches to peacebuilding this year at University. The topic really struck a chord with me and resulted in me having numerous conversations with my lecturer about progress in the topic. This inspired him to recommend me to the Kosovo Peacebuilding Academy this summer.
This is a fantastic cause which will greatly change the trajectory of global peacebuilding to a more positive peacebuilding approach. I am passionate about the power of peacebuilding, and I believe that by working together, we can make a real difference in Kosovo as well as the global community. Your donation, no matter how small, will help to fund my mission and support this important work.
I was very fortunate to receive a £275 scholarship to the school. However, I have to subsidize the rest of the cost, as well as travel and insurance, on my own. This is very difficult for me, as I am a full-time student with no disposable income. Therefore, any donation of any size that could contribute to my attendance at the summer programme is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration, and for your commitment to a more peaceful world.
