Child-focused organization and Mindanao peace process advocate, World Vision, hosts Peace Conference in Cotabato City

World Vision gathers religious leaders, youth groups, and peace advocates for a Peace Conference on December 2, 2023 in Cotabato City. The gathering pushes for the creation of safe spaces and secure homes for children and their families in the Mindanao region.

The conference coincides with the Mindanao Week of Peace with the theme, “Peace is coming home – through harmony and solidarity.”

“The Peace Conference is a learning opportunity, an avenue to build partnerships, and work together towards achieving sustainable peace in Mindanao. As we observe the Mindanao Week of Peace, we at World Vision are honored to stand alongside champions of peace. Our prayer is that through this Peace Conference we can empower families and communities to lead safe and secure homes for children to live and thrive,” shares Rommel Fuerte, World Vision Executive Director.

Abp. Emeritus Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J, is leading the Mindanao Week of Peace Statement that talks about the significance of “coming home” for the internally displaced Muslim families in Maraw.

“In this sense, a return to the basics of love and just relations challenges all of us to create a wider home for the entire island of Mindanao. Respect for human dignity and appreciation of various cultures and religious traditions can create a new tapestry of harmony, representing our solidarity and forging of lasting peace,” shares Ledesma.

World Vision is also launching a coffee table book titled, “Peace and Dialogue: BUC Journey.” A tribute to Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) journey of interreligious dialogue and the impact to the Mindanao peace process.

“We thank our partners for this humble opportunity to be able to contribute in sharing the rich history and milestones of the Bishops-Ulama Conference through this book,” Fuerte adds.

BUC works to initiate a dialogue to improve understanding between Muslims and Christians. World Vision is the only NGO member of the BUC since 2017.

To lead the conference are key personalities in the Mindanao peace process, including Hon. Ahod B. Ebrahim Chief Minister, BARMM, Archbishop Angelito Lampon, Archdiocese of Cotabato; Dr. Muhammad Nadzir Ebil, Executive Assistant III of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta Philippines and Bainon G. Karon, Chairperson of the Bangsamoro Women Commission.

The event is organized by World Vision’s “Promoting Efforts Addressing Conflict through Education” (PEACE) Mindanao Project which is co-funded by the European Union.

For more information, contact Shirley “Lei” Kimmayong, World Vision Communications Manager at 09499964619 or email at [email protected].

About World Vision:

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org.ph.