Strategic Initiatives
THE COEXISTENCE AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING INITIATIVE
 In partnership with The Abraham Fund, the Forum launched the Coexistence and Community Building Initiative in 1996 to convene high-level groups of policy analysts, practitioners, educators and theorists to deliberate upon how to enhance international interest in coexistence and community building and to make specific recommendations to governments and educational institutions.
During the Belfast Conference in May 1999, the initiative launched A Plan of Action for the 21st Century, a platform providing the basis for an international coexistence movement, and the official spin-off and creation of The Coexistence Initiative, an independent organization based in New York. It is now part of Brandeis University and is called Coexistence International.
The Coexistence and Community-Building Initiative had as its mission to catalyse a global awareness of, and commitment to, creating a world safe for difference; and a goal to formulate and implement a strategic plan, which would bring coexistence into the mainstream consciousness of people around the world.
How can coexistence become a compelling and enduring vision for humanity in the 21st century? How can we build a world where there is tolerance for minorities and greater understanding between peoples? What are the medium and long-term steps that need to be taken to create a world safe for difference? These were the questions posed in a series of meetings, roundtables and consultations that were held by State of the World Forum during the first two years.
At its inception, the Initiative sought to:
- mainstream awareness of coexistence as a practical minimum standard for human relations;
- facilitate the exchange of information and best practice in the coexistence sector;
- enhance communication and cooperation between and among those within the field as well as those outside of it; and
- enshrine principles of coexistence in policy, curricula, and institutions.
The Coexistence and Community-Building Initiative also served as a clearinghouse, convener, and interlocutor for those engaged in coexistence-related work and for those who wished to learn more about this emerging topic. It also acted as a strategic partner, working collaboratively with individuals and organizations to strengthen coexistence efforts worldwide. Finally, it served as a developer of resources for the field, piloting demonstration projects and encouraging replication as a means of maximizing the limited resources available to the peace-building community.
For additional information and updates on their current work, please visit the Coexistence International website. |
