Second Generations For Peace Camp Attracts Sixteen More Countries

The global initiative Generations For Peace, which was founded by HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, has attracted sixteen Asian and African countries troubled by conflict that are sending delegates to the second camp being held November 25 to December 5.

Generations For Peace uses sport as a vehicle for peace building in divided communities. Generations For Peace: Camp 08 is taking place in the Al Hussein Youth City, Amman, the venue for its successful pilot camp last year where leaders of youth from seven countries learned the skills to run peace programs, and, according to a press release, "cascade their learning back home".

As a result of the initial camp, more than 45 peace projects using sport among youth in troubled areas will be implemented by the end of 2008, said the press release.

A further 70 delegates have now been confirmed for Generations For Peace: 08.

HRH Prince Feisal said, "this increase in the number of participating nations for Generations for Peace: Camp 08 shows the dramatic progress we have made since we launched in 2007. Since then, over 1100 adults and 10,000 young people in divided communities have been involved in projects run by our Camp 07 delegates, our ‘Peace Pioneers'. What we are doing clearly works and now we are ready to increase the breadth and depth of our Generations for Peace activities. This will ultimately benefit hundreds of thousands of young people in communities where the need is greatest".

When the delegates return to their respective communities to begin their own peace programs, they will be supported financially and guided by the Generations For Peace Team based in Amman.

The National Federations of Jordan and Jordan Paralympic Committees are contributing by providing coaches, facilities, and equipment. Several international federations are also supporting the camp by sending coaches. They include the International Softball Federation, International Association of Athletes Federations, International Volleyball Federation, and the Federation Internationale de Football Association.

Plans are now in place to hold a third 10-day camp in Abu Dhabi early next year, and prior to the upcoming camp Generations for Peace, Jordan's Higher Council for Youth and the Arab League opened a three-day Seminar for the Arab League Member countries November 2-4. More than 20 delegates from 23 countries went through an awareness program, which included lectures on the use of sport as a peace building and social cohesion tool, leadership and motivation.

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