“Different But the Same”: Four South Asian Countries Hold Online Event to Commemorate International Day for Tolerance

 

 

On November 15th, in observance of the International Day for Tolerance proclaimed by the United Nations, an “Online Event Commemorating International Day for Tolerance” was held. A total of 65 people attended the event, including the heads of IPYG partner organizations from India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the Maldives, as well as teachers currently participating in HWPL peace education.

International Day for Tolerance is a day designated by the United Nations to promote harmony and tolerance across racial, religious, and cultural differences. Through this gathering, participants reaffirmed the importance of harmony, understanding, and tolerance. They also shared the belief that working together for peace across diverse nations is the first step in practicing tolerance.

Attendees watched videos featuring messages from key figures and reflections on the activities of the Youth Empowerment for Peace Working Group (YEPW) members. They also viewed videos of the “Echo Ten Minutes” activities, a Legislating Peace (LP) program conducted in various countries this year, and the “11th Anniversary Commemoration of the HWPL 9·18 Peace Summit” held in South Korea. Based on their experiences, IPYG conveyed the message that peace activities must continue in order to spread a culture of harmony and peace.

 

 

The Youth Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) is a platform that promotes national youth networks and peace activities, carrying out initiatives such as peace walks, peace letter campaigns, youth peace summits, and various volunteer activities.

During the open discussion, various opinions were shared, including experiences of discrimination, the importance of the rule of law, mutual respect, and the willingness for future cooperation. In particular, Ilshad Ahmed Hana, a youth movement coordinator, emphasized the crucial role young people must play in promoting peace, sharing his own experiences of unfair situations due to discrimination. He expressed that partnering with IPYG was one of the most meaningful decisions he had ever made. Following the event, there are plans to hold further briefing sessions to establish YEPW activity on a regular basis.

This event served as an opportunity to strengthen awareness and practice of tolerance, expand global partnerships, and further broaden the possibilities of youth-led peace projects. Tolerance is the foundation of peace, reducing conflict and building mutual trust, and it is a crucial element in achieving sustainable global peace. HWPL and IPYG will continue to work in solidarity with various countries to firmly spread a culture of peace.