Young Muslims, indigenous peoples and Christians from all over the Philippines will pour into PeaceTech 2. for a live videoconference on giant screens to unite against discrimination.
PeaceTech 2 is expected to attract even greater numbers of youth as momentum builds for the global talk show being launched in the Philippines.
A partnership between UNICEF, AusAid, the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and the Assisi Development Foundation is running the series.
PeaceTech 2 will focus on overcoming prejudice towards Muslims, indigenous peoples and even Christian minorities.
The live dialogue between Kabacan, N.Cotobato and Quezon City will include a unique array of guests: A young Christian in Mindanao, forced to convert to Islam or face possible death; A young Muslim in Manila, fired from work for revealing his faith; and agroup of indigenous youth claiming severe discrimination at an international conference for indigenous peoples in their own country.
GMA 7’s Kara David will emcee PeaceTech 2 from Quezon City. Ms. Baicon Macaraya of Marawi City will emcee from N.Cotobato.
The audiences will represent many groups including: former MILF; AFP soldiers; PNP; children from conflict zones; Muslims, Indigenous Peoples, Christians; out-of-school youth; and students from many schools and universities. Provinces represented include: Zamboanga del Sur; Maguindanao; N.Cotobato; Lanao del Norte; Davao; Negros Occidental; Camarines Sur; Quezon; Cavite-Laguna; Nueva Ecija; Benguet; Mountain Province; and Isabela.
The 7-part PeaceTech series is leveraging videoconferencing technology to build solidarity and catalyze change through dialogues on a mass scale. Lessons from the talk shows are sustained through regular on-line chats and through community projects.
UNICEF wants to model the series for a global talk show that will connect youth from countries divided by conflict. Communications Officer, Dale Rutstein, says: “It is vital that we provide opportunities for young people to express their opinions on the issues that affect them. With PeaceTech 1 we could feel the power of telecommunication technology to bring together those who remain so far apart on many levels. By focusing this instrument on the young people of the Philippines we are helping to build a foundation of understanding.”
Senator Ramon Magsaysay says: “We badly need this talk show in a world where conflict is increasing. Be it in Lebanon and Israel or Iraq and the United States, the world needs an international medium where young people can unite. PeaceTech does that. It’s an honor that UNICEF, Canada and Australia want to start this in our country!”
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