Rev. Canon Charles Gibbs (URI Executive Director), Ms. Barbara Hartford (URI Programs Director) and Ms. Sally Mahe (URI Director for Organizational Development) shared their URI experiences and their views on the importance of promoting peace and unity among people of diverse cultures and beliefs. Dr. Herm Weaver and Elizabeth Hoffman of the Organizational Learning Team also spoke of their hopes and aspirations for building a culture of peace through the success of the training program.

Representatives of each country team were also invited to share with the public stories of their work and their views on the benefits of the peacebuilding training workshop in their local contexts.

After the sharing, questions (mostly concerning religious conflict) were asked by some members of the audience. These were responded to with grace and aplomb by the concerned members of the panel. The closing synthesis was given by Dr. Abdulhusin Kashim.

(continued... please click on "older posts" for the rest of the write-up & photos)

After the closing synthesis and prayers, everyone enjoyed lively conversations while sharing cocktail dinner.

Being present in a colorful and significant gathering of people from diverse faiths, varied backgrounds and sectors, different countries and cultures was truly an inspiring witness to “the change we want to see in the world today.”

A report by Ms. Michelle Sia, Peacemakers’ Circle volunteer (March 2007)