Empowering the Next Generation of Peacebuilders

"You mark that word, and from this school, I’ll tell you, will go men and women whose influence will be felt for good towards the establishment of peace internationally.” - David O. McKay

Empowering the Next Generation of Peacebuilders: Reflections on our Collaboration with the David O. McKay Center

Last week, our organization participated in discussions centered around peace and intercultural understanding at the David O. McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding at BYU-Hawaii. This event brought together students from diverse backgrounds to explore the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in peacebuilding efforts.

One of the key takeaways from our interactions was the profound significance of local and indigenous knowledge in addressing global challenges.

During our discussions with the Hawaiian studies program, we learned about the cultural symbolism of the wa'a (canoe) Iosepa, a canoe that represents the interconnectedness and journey of the Hawaiian people. This exchange highlighted the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and traditional wisdom into our approaches to peace rather than relying solely on top-down, Western-centric models.

The enthusiasm and engagement of the students at our booth further underscored the critical role that the next generation of peacebuilders will play in shaping a more harmonious future. Over 100 students visited our booth, eager to learn about our vision and projects. We were particularly excited to share details about our upcoming peacebuilding student competition, where participants can compete for a $1,000 prize to launch their own NGO focused on peace and conflict resolution.

The rationale behind this initiative is rooted in our belief that empowering young people to take the lead in peacebuilding efforts is crucial. NGOs have long been at the forefront of grassroots-level peacebuilding, providing innovative solutions and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. By supporting students in developing their own peacebuilding NGOs, we aim to nurture a new generation of leaders who can bring fresh perspectives, local knowledge, and a deep commitment to creating positive change.

This vision aligns closely with the legacy of David O. McKay, the former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who dedicated BYU-Hawaii in 1955 with a prayer that stated: “You mark that word, and from this school, I’ll tell you, will go men and women whose influence will be felt for good towards the establishment of peace internationally.”  By empowering students to establish their own NGOs focused on peacebuilding, we hope to fulfill this prophetic call and contribute to the ongoing work of cultivating peace.

As we reflect on this collaboration with the David O. McKay Center, we are reminded of the power of cross-cultural dialogue and the importance of fostering partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries. By bridging diverse communities and perspectives, we can challenge our own assumptions, gain new insights, and collectively navigate the complexities of building a more peaceful world.

Moving forward, we are filled with renewed purpose and optimism. We hope to empower the next generation of peacebuilders through initiatives like our student competition and contribute to the growing landscape of NGOs dedicated to conflict resolution and social cohesion.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project and our other endeavors in the months ahead.