In a world seeking harmony amidst diversity, SERAC-Bangladesh emerges as a pioneer in nurturing peacebuilding initiatives and empowering youth to lead the change. Featured prominently in the ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors Journal, SERAC-Bangladesh’s flagship initiative, Peace Adda, has become a dynamic platform for fostering dialogue, tolerance, and understanding among the younger generation.
Empowering Peace Through Dialogue: The Birth of Peace Adda
Founded in 2017 by SM Shaikat, an ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassador, Peace Adda was conceived to address the growing need for conversations about peace, justice, and social harmony in Bangladesh. This initiative provides a safe, structured, and inclusive environment for youth to engage in meaningful discussions and actions centered on conflict resolution and empowerment.
As highlighted in the ICESCO report, Youth for Peace: Transformative Initiatives, Peace Adda underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering global solidarity through youth-led programs.
A Holistic and Inclusive Approach
SERAC-Bangladesh’s Peace Adda employs a multi-faceted strategy to engage youth effectively:
1. Open Dialogue Sessions: Safe, informal settings that encourage youth to discuss societal issues and exchange ideas.
2. Workshops and Leadership Training: Focused on empowering youth with skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and advocacy.
3. Cultural Exchange Events: Activities that bridge divides through shared traditions, arts, and storytelling.
4. Digital Peace Adda: Leveraging social media to extend the dialogue into online spaces, ensuring accessibility and wider participation.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite logistical hurdles in reaching rural youth and cultural resistance to open discussions, SERAC-Bangladesh has successfully navigated these challenges. By partnering with community leaders and educational institutions, Peace Adda has earned the trust and active participation of diverse communities.
Remarkable Achievements
Since its inception, Peace Adda has made a profound impact:
• Youth Engagement: Over 1,500 youth across six districts have participated, many of whom have established their own local peace clubs.
• Recognition: The initiative received the prestigious Intercultural Achievement Award from the Austrian Government in 2024, cementing its status as a global model for youth-led peacebuilding.
• Empowerment Through Leadership: Peace Adda participants have taken on leadership roles, fostering non-violence and social justice within their communities.
Global Recognition and Milestones
The international acclaim for Peace Adda underscores the success of SERAC-Bangladesh in creating impactful youth-led initiatives. In addition to the accolades for the program itself, its key contributors have been recognized globally:
• SM Shaikat received the Intercultural Achievement Award, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to peacebuilding.
• In 2024, Mizanur Rahman Akanda , Communication and Outreach Officer of SERAC-Bangladesh, was honored as an ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassador during the Youth for Youth International Forum held in Shusha-Baku, Azerbaijan. This prestigious recognition highlights the growing global influence of Bangladeshi youth in peacebuilding.
Conclusion: A Global Blueprint for Peace
Peace Adda is more than just an initiative it is a testament to the power of youth-led dialogue and action in fostering global harmony. By empowering young people through training, cultural exchange, and dialogue, SERAC-Bangladesh is setting an example for the world.
The journey of Peace Adda, as documented in the ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors Journal, serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring other nations to harness the potential of their youth. Through programs like Peace Adda, the dream of a harmonious, inclusive world moves closer to reality.
For more details, access the ICESCO report here- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jvp0fHrIFqCyFx1mJ68tqBksevXmdrMk/view?usp=sharing
