Kids for Peace leader invited to UN as Kosovo enters final status talks
The invitation from the UN Economic and Social Council representative in Geneva, came during a successful four day trip to Geneva, Switzerland to celebrate last months United Nations International Peace Day. Fatmire spoke as a key note speaker at several events including a Human Rights Council plenary session, an NGO committee on the status of women, the YWCA session on empowering women living with AIDS, and at a youth group meeting at which ideas to arrange cooperation between Kosovo and Swiss youth were discussed, and a Sunday service at the Episcopal Church.
Fatmire’s show of determination to never give up working for peace in Kosovo is a promising sign during increasingly desperate times Throughout her visit Fatmire shared openly about her life story, including the experience of enduring war as an eleven year old child and coping with the grief of losing her brother and sister who remain missing to this day.
“I thought to myself, the violence that is destroying us must end. The pain needs to stop", said Fatmire, describing her thoughts at the time of the conflict. This was her response to this difficult time, explaining that everyone around her was consumed by hatred and bitterness, vying for revenge for their loss and suffering, she chose a route of peace and healing”.
Despite her young age of eighteen, she was a key note speaker on a panel with peace activists including religious leaders from a number of faith traditions at the Geneva Cathedral.
I thought to myself, the violence that is destroying us must end. The pain needs to stop" Fatmire was also hosted by the World Vision Advisory Board and Staff and also spoke to staff and board meetings with great maturity and insight.
The energy and conviction with which she conveyed her passion to work for peace in her troubled part of the world was both moving and inspiring. The collective response from those listening to her speak was one of admiration and awe as she spoke of her story and her search for peace, demonstrating a strength of character and zeal rarely seen in adults. Fatmire’s show of determination to never give up working for peace in Kosovo is a promising sign during increasingly desperate times.
Fatmire’s show of determination to never give up working for peace in Kosovo is a promising sign during increasingly desperate times Throughout her visit Fatmire shared openly about her life story, including the experience of enduring war as an eleven year old child and coping with the grief of losing her brother and sister who remain missing to this day.
“I thought to myself, the violence that is destroying us must end. The pain needs to stop", said Fatmire, describing her thoughts at the time of the conflict. This was her response to this difficult time, explaining that everyone around her was consumed by hatred and bitterness, vying for revenge for their loss and suffering, she chose a route of peace and healing”.
Despite her young age of eighteen, she was a key note speaker on a panel with peace activists including religious leaders from a number of faith traditions at the Geneva Cathedral.
I thought to myself, the violence that is destroying us must end. The pain needs to stop" Fatmire was also hosted by the World Vision Advisory Board and Staff and also spoke to staff and board meetings with great maturity and insight.
The energy and conviction with which she conveyed her passion to work for peace in her troubled part of the world was both moving and inspiring. The collective response from those listening to her speak was one of admiration and awe as she spoke of her story and her search for peace, demonstrating a strength of character and zeal rarely seen in adults. Fatmire’s show of determination to never give up working for peace in Kosovo is a promising sign during increasingly desperate times.
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