Romanian Peace Institute wins World Vision International Peace Prize

Հինգշաբթի, Սեպտեմբեր 22, 2011

The Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania (PATRIR) is the winner of this year’s World Vision International Peace Prize announced on September 21, the International Day of Peace. “We work, live, celebrate, discover, struggle, wrestle, make mistakes, and try to learn from them, because we know that peace is possible, that there are more effective ways of addressing conflicts, and that violence must end”, said Kai Brand-Jacobsen, President of PATRIR.A ceremony in the Romanian capital Bucharest on 21 September brought together professionals and institutions working to build a stronger, more cohesive society, in which conflicts can find peaceful solutions. The awarding of the peace prize to a leading international institute based in and developed from Romania is also an important recognition of Romania’s increasing role and engagement in the promotion of peacebuilding, prevention and post-war recovery.

We work, live, celebrate, discover, struggle, wrestle, make mistakes, and try to learn from them, because we know that peace is possible, that there are more effective ways of addressing conflicts, and that violence must end

“Every year, on International Peace Day, people from all over the world commit to promote non-violence and harmony between nations. Peacebuiding is something we fight for every day. This year, we focus on consolidating democracy, an ever present theme. For the Unitated Nations, democracy is a fundamental value. It is essential for human rights and offers the tools for ending conflicts and bringing power in the hands of the people and hope for those marginalised”, said Yesim Orcuc, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) representative in Romania.

In a world troubled by conflicts and war, World Vision International created the Peace Prize Award in 2008 to honour the memory of Steve Williams, World Vision U.K.’s Senior Policy Advisor on Peace and Conflict. Steve’s experience in peacebuilding as well as conflict and policy analysis distinguished him as a leader, not only within World Vision but within the peace community around the world. His commitment to integrating values of peace and reconciliation both in his work and personal life set a model for the spirit of integrity and justice World Vision wants to honour.

“We are here to congratulate our colleagues from PATRIR for their commitment to prevent violence and support the peace building and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. PATRIR proved that it has the capacity and dedication to facilitate development and this is where PATRIR and World Vision meet, as World Vision Romania’s mission is to help create strong, empowered communities where children can thrive”, said Catalin Popa, World Vision Romania National Director.

PATRIR’s ability to partner with organisations, local communities and public officials has propelled transformation in communities facing structural and cultural violence on five continents. PATRIR’s programming addresses chronic causes of unrest like poverty, inequitable and unjust gender roles, and excels at mobilising future generations of peacebuilders. Through its work PATRIR has become recognised globally as a leading centre of excellence in peacebuilding, prevention and post-war recovery, and is requested by governments, the UN and national and international organisations and agencies to provide expert support.

We are here to congratulate our colleagues from PATRIR for their commitment to prevent violence and support the peace building and post-conflict reconstruction efforts...

Through its International Peace and Development Training Centre (IPDTC) based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, PATRIR has trained thousands of people in peacebuilding, from communities to conflict parties, senior political leadership and staff and country missions of the UN, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Commonwealth Secretariat and other national and international organisations. PATRIR works on violence prevention, mediation and peace processes and post-war recovery, working outside Romania when requested from governments and conflict parties.

PATRIR’s National Department in Romania works on the promotion of peace education in schools and the community. It also works on public awareness raising campaigns on peace and development, and with the Department of Peace Operations, engages with the Romanian Government to place peacebuilding at the forefront of its development cooperation. Together with the Department and partners internationally it also works to promote the important role of children and youth in peacebuilding.

With the International Day of Peace, World Vision is also excited to announce the launch of the 2012 Peace Prize. For further information on this year’s competition and the 2012 competition, please visit the webpage: wvipeaceprize.ning.com