MPV, Indian-Pakistani peacebuilders inspire
As we approach the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, my thoughts and gratitude turn to the peacemakers with whom I’ve had the privilege of collaborating.

While the list is too long for one blog (or a dozen blogs), let me pick out a few peacebuilders whom I admire:

I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Making Peace Visible—MPV.  MPV is a bridge-building organization that facilitates important conversations globally about how the media cover peace and conflict. MPV’s mission is to help expand global coverage of peace and reconciliation efforts in the media, to inspire a wider range of approaches to conflict reporting, and to improve the overall public narrativ about peace. Towards that end, MPV produces an entertaining, enlightening podcast, also called Making Peace Visible, and a journal, Nuance. They are planning an ambitious symposium in Washington in 2025 that will bring together journalists and peacebuilders to discuss how they can make peace more visible. MPV is led by Luxembourg Peace Prize laureate Jamil Simon, one of the most dedicated peacebuilders I know. He is joined by an equally committed staff of associates and volunteers that include Faith McClure, Andrea Muraskin, Dr. Annie Rappeport, Adam Weiss, and Peter Argoos. Their commitment to the cause of peace and their perseverance inspires me.

I am also inspired by the 80 or so courageous peacebuilders who have participated in the East-West Center’s two cohorts of a cross border reporting project. These participants are journalists from India and Pakistan who have come together to meet (on Zoom first, and then in person in Nepal) and to jointly report stories of mutual interest. The last cohort, which met in January in Kathmandu, reported climate stories. It takes courage for these journalists to work with “the enemy” since such collaboration opens them up to suspicion of collusion, spying, or disloyalty. Yet, these tenacious journalists persist. They have produced stories that highlight the commonalities between the two countries, rather than the traditional narratives that demonize and dehumanize the other side. (See below, links to some of these stories). Their perseverance also inspires me.

As I begin a new chapter in my career next month (details soon!), I will strive to meet the high standard set by these exemplary peacebuilders.

East West Center Cross Border Reporting Project—Stories produced include:
Transgender climate activists
Regenerative Farming 
Flood Relief 
Snakebites 

Bonus--Previous Peace Day posts:
a. University students: What peace means to me
b. Peacebuilding in Yemen
c. Kansas City peacebuilders
d. Nelson Mandela Peace Summit at the United Nations in New York