By Olisemeka Sony
World Peace Rebirth Initiative has called for a rethink of global peace interventions, urging leading world leaders and organizations to focus more on providing grants and technical support to non-governmental organizations working for peace efforts championing global peace, especially at the grassroots level.Dr. Charles Chidi Paradise, the president of Nigeria-registered NGO made the call in a statement issued on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Dr. Paradise, a doctorate holder in peace and conflict management from ECU of America, remarked that the ongoing UN General Assembly provided the United Nations the opportunity to pursue a new peace process and pact geared towards bringing the entire world together under a single banner of tranquillity.“We believe there is an urgent necessity to give peace efforts a top priority and allot sufficient resources in order to promote a safer and more peaceful world. We must pay attention to these warnings and respond purposefully.According to him, his organization has decided to launch a UN Youth SDGs Global Peace Campaign as part of its quest to help checkmate the rising spate of violent crime in Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world.His words: “In a world rife with discord, our UN Youth SDGs Global Peace Campaign emerges as a beacon of hope. We place unwavering faith in the power of our youth to be agents of positive change.
Through heartfelt dialogue, relentless efforts, and grassroots advocacy, we aspire to leave an indelible mark on global peace and security.He stressed that securing grants, especially through the United Nations, would enable the organization to expand the scope and impact of its peace campaign.“UN funding and support bestows a multitude of associated advantages, encompassing access to invaluable resources, expansive networks, and expert insights. Together, these supplementary benefits coalesce into a dynamic force that can propel the Rebirth Initiative forward, harnessing its potential for maximum efficacy”, he adds, adding that the NGO has applied for grants for the initiative.He adds that the organization was equally pursuing collaborations and partnerships to enable it to achieve the goal.
“We are open to meaningful collaborations with pertinent stakeholders, encompassing governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. Such partnerships vividly underscore the holistic and inclusive nature of your initiative.Paradise, however, took a swipe at some prominent global philanthropists like Bill Gates, the Rockefeller Foundation and others for not supporting initiatives aimed at achieving global peace.He expressed disappointment that well-known individuals and organizations like Bill Gates and the Rockefeller Foundation have shown little interest in aiding the pursuit of world peace.“Their response revealed a lack of alignment with our objective, despite our UN young SDGs Global Peace Campaign’s tireless efforts to sensitize the youth of the world through the influence of peace quotes and songs.“We are begging them to think twice about supporting the cause of peace in this time of uncertainty and turbulence. Recent acts of terrorism, brutality, and cold wars in places like Nigeria, Sudan, Yemen, and throughout Africa serve as sharp reminders that peace is still elusive. We must raise funding for the Global Peace Mission in order to successfully handle this global catastrophe”, he adds.
