The inaugural International Peace Conference, that spanned three days from January 23rd to 25th, was our first stepping stone in the realization of peace. With over 250 participants attending from all spreads over the world, the three day conference was diverse, thought-provoking and inspiring.
Though the conference was initially met with mild skepticism and disbelief, by the end of three days, a predominant proportion of the participants came out inspired and provoked into further thought. What might have amalgamated into this profound change in mindset towards the possibility of peace?
The notion of a peace conference was first conceived remarkably by two students, Mohannad Alshalalda and Ido David, from Palestine and Israel respectively. Upon arrival at the Maastricht campus in 2013, it was apparent that the past these two endured in their respective states, would hinder cooperation and understanding between the two. Astoundingly through the course of the academic year, both Mohannad and Ido were able to set aside the numerous differences, tensions and disparities that they had, and slowly but surely commenced in constructive discussion as to how they could contribute towards a speedy end to the conflict in their region. This transformative change caught the attention of many students, most importantly the two who were directly involved in it.
The notion of a peace conference was first conceived remarkably by two students, Mohannad Alshalalda and Ido David, from Palestine and Israel respectively. Upon arrival at the Maastricht campus in 2013, it was apparent that the past these two endured in their respective states, would hinder cooperation and understanding between the two. Astoundingly through the course of the academic year, both Mohannad and Ido were able to set aside the numerous differences, tensions and disparities that they had, and slowly but surely commenced in constructive discussion as to how they could contribute towards a speedy end to the conflict in their region. This transformative change caught the attention of many students, most importantly the two who were directly involved in it.
As such, Ido and Mohannad gathered in a group of students who became equally as inspired to create a platform, in which youths can find solutions to the world's conflicts. With the addition of Sherab Dorji (Bhutan) and Jennifer Perry (USA) to the organizing team, the preliminary plans for the conference were drafted. It was decided that the conference would take place over three days and would be open to youth from across the world, although those nearest to their location in Maastricht, the Netherlands would be most likely to attend. IPC 2015 was an undeniable success. We emerged from the conference in 2015 more inspired than ever, by our speakers, by our workshop leaders, and by our participants. We were convinced, as we had always been, by the power of people to make small changes. However, compelled by a speech from Hans von Sponeck, we realized that there was a clear inequality even within the structure of international law. In order to work towards a peaceful future, the world cannot operate with certain countries unable to have their voices heard and acted upon.