Could you introduce your project and explain how it aligns with SDG 16?
My project encompasses a publication I had constructed for the Bahá'í International Community after attending the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This perspective piece explores the timely discourse on reconceptualizing power, a crucial theme for the Bahá'í International Community. It delves into the transformative potential of empowering narratives, contrasting them with traditional notions of power defined by authority and control. By advocating for a broader understanding of power—one rooted in peace, compassion, and proactive leadership—the piece challenges prevailing narratives centered on conflict and dominance. This argument draws strength from the impactful "Our Story is One" Campaign, commemorating the lives of 10 young Bahá'í women executed four decades ago, highlighting alternative expressions of power that inspire and unite. The central theme of this piece strongly aligns with SDG 16, as it explores how rethinking power relates to rethinking justice and the role of institutions, often perceived solely as instruments of retribution. When, in reality, institutions and concepts of justice serve not only punitive but also peacekeeping purposes.
What specific aspects of peace-building or justice promotion does your project focus on?
The piece explores how war, bloodshed, and domination, though recognized as forms of power, are not the sole paths to success for leaders, countries, or institutions. Instead, it emphasizes that power can also be wielded through storytelling and sharing knowledge, minimizing the necessity for conflict and geopolitical tensions. The article advocates for institutions to reevaluate their current concepts of power and justice, moving away from ideas centered on punishment, suffering, and control.
How did your project engage with local communities to promote peace and justice?
My piece was published by an international actor associated with the United Nations and also serves as a resource for local Baha'i communities in New York and worldwide. It has been promoted through the organization's website to numerous local Baha'i communities in New York, Yemen, and Malaysia, focusing on a central ideology within the Baha'i faith.
Can you share any examples of how your project contributed to resolving conflicts or reducing violence.
As a globally accessible publication, my piece remains among the many other academic and global resources, supporting the message to look towards novel methods to define power. Thus, denouncing the need for conflict to achieve social, political, or economic gain.
Did your project encounter any challenges related to promoting peace and justice, and if so, how were they addressed?
Due to the piece's central theme being slightly contentious within the UN sphere and the fact that power through violence is still authentic, there were many challenges throughout the development of the piece. I wanted to ensure that although I was denouncing traditional concepts of power encompassing warfare and bloodshed, I did not wish to denounce its impact or credibility, as people have still greatly suffered from that form of authority.
What role did partnerships play in the success of your project related to SDG 16?
The partnerships and connections I developed throughout CSW greatly aided me in developing my piece and building up the various experiences I required to promote authenticity within my writing.
How did your project advocate for the rule of law and access to justice within the communities you worked with?
My piece advocated not only for access to the rule of law and the promotion of justice but also for rethinking both of these institutions and concepts. This piece advocates for the existence of both of these crucial elements and their expansion in thought, ideology, and implementation.
Were there any innovative approaches or strategies used in your project to foster peace and justice?
No.
How did you measure the impact or effectiveness of your project in promoting strong institutions and peaceful societies?
N/A
Reflecting on your project, what are some key insights or lessons you've gained about promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, and how do you plan to apply them in the future?
After developing my reflection piece, I most certainly continued to follow down a swirling path of further insights. I learned that reconceptualizing power remains a contentious and even novel topic for many despite the horrid conditions and circumstances of corruption across the globe. I also realized that promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions should be conducted with holistic, inclusive, well-rounded methods and perspectives.
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