YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) United for Peace is a forum to examine religious and cultural conflicts in Southeast Asia and develop strategies to address violence that polarizes communities. This event was attended by10 representatives each from Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Robinson Sinurat was one of 10 young leaders from Indonesia who was selected to participate in the YSEALI United for Peace on February 18-22, 2015 in Tagatay City, Philippines. The YSEALI United for Peace 2015 was conducted by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy- Manila in partnership with the Focolare Movement.
Participants were discussing and exploring how intercultural dialogue can serve as a tool for resolving disputes. This forum was equipping participants with skills to develop projects or campaigns to address conflict, while building their network of peace advocates in Southeast Asia. Participants were sharing best practices and looking for solutions to cultural and ethnic conflicts in their countries and region.
“I got a lot of knowledge and experiences from this forum. I learned about conflict analysis, the new paradigm of fraternity, and project management. Not only learned the theoretical but also the practical. We were visiting manifestations of fraternity and planting trees at a peace park in Tagatay city. One of the most important things is building network with others, said Robinson”.
Upon the completion of this forum, as the Director of Operations for CINTA (Community for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue) Indonesia, Robinson and his fellows from CINTA will implement a national project in Indonesia to promote peace and tolerance.
Robinson believes that one of the keys to achieve peace is respect. By respecting each other, we can live harmony. Existing diversity need not be contradicted, but must be viewed from a positive standpoint and serve as the nation’s wealth. Embracing diversity, celebrating differences, and building bridges!
