Islamabad: In a momentous event that underscored the pivotal role of women in peacebuilding and highlighted the collaborative efforts needed for fostering global partnerships, the Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) and the East-West Center (EWC) joined forces to organize the PeaceFLIX International Conference & Award Ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Over the course of two days at the Margala Hotel Islamabad, the conference brought together a diverse array of voices and perspectives to honor the impactful contributions of Pakistani women as decision-makers in peacebuilding, while also acknowledging the crucial support provided by men in this vital process.
Najia Ashar, President of GNMI, set the stage for the conference with her welcoming remarks, focusing on the theme “Peace on the Brink of Polycrisis.” She emphasized the transformative power of media in amplifying marginalized voices, fostering social change, and building bridges of understanding. Ashar reaffirmed GNMI’s commitment to combat radical narratives and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to address the root causes of conflict.
Suzanne Vares-Lum, President of the East-West Center (Hawaii US), delivered a compelling address on “Women, Peace, and Global Partnerships for Third-track Diplomacy,” highlighting the significant role women play in promoting peace and advocating for collaborative global partnerships in third-track diplomacy.
The conference also featured keynotes by prominent figures such as Murtaza Solangi, the interim Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, who emphasized the imperative need to eradicate extremism to ensure a peaceful and inclusive Pakistan. Ahsan Iqbal, the General Secretary of PMLN, delved into the complex dynamics of peace, emphasizing the importance of data analysis and stakeholder engagement in shaping comprehensive peace policies.
Two panel discussions enriched the discourse, covering topics such as media diplomacy and defeating extremism through local narratives. International experts from the East-West Center Hawaii and other countries facilitated interactive workshops, providing valuable insights for peacebuilders, students, and civil society members.
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The conference culminated in the PeaceFLIX Awards ceremony, where twelve outstanding peacebuilders from across Pakistan were honored for their commendable efforts in promoting peace nationwide. Representing diverse regions and provinces, these individuals epitomized the spirit of resilience and commitment to peacebuilding.
The PeaceFLIX International Conference & Award Ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of Pakistani peacebuilders but also served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration, paving the way for a brighter, more peaceful future in the region.