singapore

From June 23rd to June 30th 2002, forty young people from India and Pakistan representing a
   wide social spectrum gathered in Singapore to dialogue and build understanding about the
   Kashmir dispute.

The conference program encouraged Pakistani and Indian participants to:

- deconstruct biases and myths presented in historical textbooks and media;
- adopt appropriate leadership and communication skills for promoting peace;
- practice respectful and thoughtful conflict management skills;
- construct an accountable and organized youth peace network; and
- initiate activities that promote peace within the region upon return.

Initiative for Peace - Focus on Kashmir (2002) inspired the creation of a youth network
   organized into five working groups guided by the following mission statement:

         We are a youth movement united in our efforts to build mutual
                     trust and understanding for sustainable peace.

These five working groups (enlisting the support of both Indian and Pakistani participants)
   were prescribed within the framework of this network to explore and act upon:

          *Education Working Group (to address biases in textbooks);
          *Media Working Group (to provide truthful and unbiased accounts of events);
          *Public Policy Working Group (to campaign for laws that enhance communication
            and trust between nations);
          *Social Action Working Group (to reach the masses with the peace message
            through street theatre, NGO collaboration, and marches): and the
          *Logistics Working Group (to fund-raise for peace inititatives, organize new
            volunteer peace recruits, and serve as the communication hub for all working groups).

These working groups have not remained idle upon their return to their home countries and
   have begun full implementation of specific peace initiatives explored at IFP - Focus on Kashmir.

    Initiative for Peace is a platform by and for young peacemakers to network across borders and jointly work
      to bring constructive ideas for peace to their regions in conflict. This efort is organized by a group of students
     and teachers of the United World College of South East Asia.

Initiative for Peace - Focus on Kashmir
Singapore - June 23 - 30, 2002

Lead Trainer & Facilitator
Michael Shank, Artistic Director of Barefoot Theatre

**Promo Packet on IFP - Focus on Kashmir (Includes photos!)
Adobe Acrobat Reader needed to download file. Click here for FREE dowload!

**Peace Work Proposal (For those of you who want to get involved!)

**Press Coverage on IFP - Focus on Kashmir (click below)
CNN Associated Press Business Times, Singapore India Together