South Asia Peace Initiatives

The South Asia Peace Initiative (SAPI), established in Dhaka, Bangladesh on December 8th, 1985, is an initiative by the Unification Church and affiliated with the Universal Peace Federation. The initiative aims for peace and cooperation through leadership consultations and grassroots activities across South Asia.[1] It currently comprises eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Since 2005, 17 conferences have been held in Nepal, India, and Afghanistan.

Activities

In Nepal, the program focuses on reconciling political divisions, addressing conflicts, and cultivating the spirit of one family under God in this nation.[2] High-level consultations are especially important as the country drafts a new constitution and restructuring the state. Local activities such as service, education, healthcare programs for youth, and various community development projects are in progress in Nepal.

In Afghanistan, the Initiative brings together people from various sectors of society to discuss shared values and Ambassadors for Peace support programs from all levels of society.

In Bangladesh, initiatives promote interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding to invest in the education and healthcare of future generations.

The Initiative hosts leadership forums in India that advance interfaith cooperation, governance, and inclusive development. It also engages youth from diverse backgrounds to foster mutual understanding, strengthen leadership skills, and promote values that support a progressive and harmonious society.

In Pakistan, young participants from diverse backgrounds are brought together to foster mutual understanding and support local communities, guided by leadership that incorporates values from Pakistani and Indian cultural traditions.

In Sri Lanka, initiatives have focused on overcoming religious prejudice among youth while emphasizing the importance of altruism. These efforts often extend to community service, sportsmanship promotion, and character education. Leadership consultations within these programs also emphasize principles of good governance.[3]

History of South Asia Peace Initiatives

  • SAPI -1: (22 July 2005), Lumbini, Nepal Innovative Approaches to Peace through Responsible Leadership and Good Governance
  • SAPI-2: (12 November 2005), Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal South Asian Conflicts: The Non-Violent Option[4]
  • SAPI-3: (15 March 2006), Peace Embassy Building, Kathmandu, Nepal Regional Conflicts in South Asia: The Human Dimension
  • SAPI -4: (26 June 2006) Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu, Nepal Human Rights and Human Responsibilities: In Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations
  • SAPI – 5: (6 December 2006), Hotel Le Meridien, Gokarna, Kathmandu, Nepal In Support of the Peace Process: The Role of National and International Civil Society
  • SAPI – 6: (1 December 2007), Peace Embassy Building, Kathmandu, Nepal Supporting the Peace Process at the Civil Society Level: National and International Perspective
  • SAPI -7: (23 December 2008), Peace Embassy Building, Kathmandu, Nepal The Challenges of Governance for Sustainable Peace
  • SAPI – 8: (20 May 2009), Hotel de l’Annapurna, Kathmandu, Nepal Rebuilding Trust and Reconciliation in the ongoing Peace Process
  • SAPI – 9: (23 June 2009), Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal Innovative Approaches to Unity and Peace in Asia
  • SAPI – 10: (30 April 2011), Peace Embassy Building, Kathmandu, Nepal Promoting Human Security through Transformational Leadership: Common Challenge of South Asia[5]
  • SAPI – 11: (December 15, 2012), Safi Landmark Hotel, Kabul, Afghanistan Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Peace and Development
  • SAPI-12: (January 24, 2013) Civil Services Officers Institute, New Delhi, India India's Perspective on Nepal's Peace Process[6]
  • SAPI-13: (April 14, 2013), Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal Achieving Meaningful Democracy in South Asia: Challenges and Prospects[7]
  • SAPI-14 (August 7, 2013), Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal) Realizing South Asian Dream : Democracy, Peace and Development.[8]
  • SAPI-15 (November 8, 2014), Hotel De'l Annapurna, Kathmandu, Nepal) Sustainable Peace in South Asia : New Strategies for A Better Tomorrow.[9]
  • SAPI -16 (February 20, 2015), The Malla Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal) The Increasing Challenges from Extremism to Democracy: Issues and Responses.[10]
  • SAPI -17 (October 4, 2015), (The Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi, India ) 'Recent Developments in Nepal and India-Nepal Relations'.[11]

References

  1. ^ "South Asia Peace Initiative". UPF International. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  2. ^ "South Asia Peace Initiative". UPF International. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  3. ^ "South Asia Peace Initiative". Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved July 7, 2014.
  4. ^ "Kathmandu Forum Recommends Non-Violent Options in South Asian Conflicts - Universal Peace Federation". Upf.org. 2005-11-12. Retrieved 2015-05-17.
  5. ^ "Building Consensus in the Nepal Peace Process - Universal Peace Federation". Upf.org. 2011-04-28. Retrieved 2015-05-17.
  6. ^ "India's Perspective on the Nepal Peace Process - Universal Peace Federation". Upf.org. 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2015-05-17.
  7. ^ "Rethinking Democracy in Nepal - Universal Peace Federation". Upf.org. 2013-04-14. Retrieved 2015-05-17.
  8. ^ "South Asia Peace Initiative". Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved July 7, 2014.
  9. ^ "Sustainable peace key to progress in South Asia: Leaders". Myrepublica.com. 2014-11-11. Retrieved 2015-05-17.
  10. ^ Smriti Poudel (2015-02-20). "Unique unity in diversity is the national strength: PM Koirala". Glocalkhabar.com. Retrieved 2015-05-17.
  11. ^ "India urged to recognize Nepalese constitution | India News - Times of India". The Times of India.
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