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Building Peace Together: Peace Boat hosts GPPAC network in Tokyo
Peace Boat is proud to be hosting a very special gathering this January in Tokyo.
The Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) International Steering Group will be meeting in Japan between January 22-26, 2024, at a time critical for the international community to cooperate in building peace and security.
GPPAC is a global network led by civil society organisations (CSOs) actively working to prevent violent conflict and build more peaceful societies. The network consists of 15 regional networks based at local peacebuilding organisations throughout the world, and has its Global Secretariat in The Hague.
More about GPPAC here: gppac.net
Close to 50 peacebuilders from throughout Japan and 24 countries around the world will be convening in Tokyo for five days of valuable learning opportunities, networking, and collaborative discussions. A policy roundtable will be held at the Diet Members Office Building on the morning of January 25, followed by a Networking Reception on the same evening - please enquire for details.
Where the leaders of peacebuilding come together
GPPAC’s International Steering Grop (ISG) is a powerhouse of local peacebuilders, each representing one of our 15 Regional Secretariats and Working Groups. Peace Boat serves as the Regional Secretariat for GPPAC in Northeast Asia. Local peacebuilders will come together to discuss and determine the collective peacebuilding priorities of the GPPAC network. It's a safe space where every voice matters, where diverse perspectives come together to learn from and with each other on how to tackle best the complex issues that shape our peacebuilding work.
The network approach
The ISG meeting is a testament to the fact that the GPPAC network is genuinely member-led. The ISG is a dynamic space to spark inspiration and start co-creating concrete peacebuilding action. Our 15 Regional Secretariats and working groups, which are deeply rooted in local communities, are the vital link connecting unique local perspectives and insights with the broader network. They bring everything from their regions – the challenges and innovative solutions – to the forefront at the ISG, ensuring that every voice and nuance is woven into the fabric of our collective discussions. With this in mind, the ISG is a vibrant space for reconnecting, celebrating diversity, learning, collaboration, and planning our network's collective peacebuilding action.
Reflect, Adapt, Lead: The three pillars of our in-person ISG meeting
- Reflect on 20+ years of impact: Taking a moment to reflect on peacebuilding achievements, collecting insights and lessons learned, especially in pursuit of goals outlined in our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. This reflection is timely, coinciding with a comeback of networks at the global level!
- Adapt to our challenges and needs: Acknowledging the ISG is about addressing the real challenges local peacebuilders face and finding solutions. We go through a vibrant loop of learning and exchange, collaboration and co-creation. This process weaves our network together and creates a sense of belonging.
- Lead concrete peacebuilding action: The ISG is a safe and creative space for creating concrete and collective peacebuilding action. After all, few have a greater vested interest in peace than those whose lives are directly impacted by violence and conflict.
Stay tuned for insights emerging and join the conversation using #GPPAC2024Tokyo.