Daring Dialogue

Photo Credit: Egypt Online

This month a new peace-building initiative was launched to use virtual space to spread and keep peace on the ground. EgyptOnline, a six-month program that won this year’s UN Alliance of Civilizations Youth Solidarity Fund, is dedicated to fostering a culture of non-violence among Egyptian communities.

Throughout November a series of face-to-face sessions introduced participants to fundamentals of conflict resolution including identity, diversity, equality, and human rights. “As long as we are categorizing each other according to political, religious, or cultural affiliations, we will never have a peaceful, productive country,” said participant Magdoulin Mounir after the training.

With implementing partner Development Without Borders, the EO team is now preparing workshops and campaigns to accompany launch of the online platform’s trainings, discussion groups and blog in January. “I’ve learned that mutual understanding is the key to solving many conflicts that have arisen in our community,” said Shady Samir, 25. “I can’t wait to start using media to promote these concepts.”

For more info – EgyptOnline Facebook page