End of the Year Issue
By Naïa Berliocchi for MEDMUN
October 31, 2023
As Sciences Po students and young individuals, living in a world riddled with conflicts, human rights crises, inequalities, and climate change disasters; the quest for peace can often feel like an unattainable ideal. Every day, we are bombarded with news of conflicts and suffering, increasing devastation for the world’s tumultuous state. In this context, World Peace Day, observed on Thursday, Sept. 21, emerges as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles communities face world wide. It serves as a beacon of hope, urging us to reflect on the significance of peace, recommit to global goals, and take collective action toward a more peaceful world.
Our studies at Sciences Po, and in particular our interest in the Middle East and Mediterranean region, have made us aware of the numerous areas where peace remains elusive. In a region marked by complex geopolitical dynamics and persistent conflicts, peace often feels like a distant dream.
The Collaboration: MEDMUN and the BDA
In recognition of the importance of World Peace Day, MEDMUN (Model United Nations) and the Bureau des Arts at Sciences Po Menton came together to create a unique collaboration. Their joint efforts emphasized the significance of this day and fostered a sense of unity and activism among the student body.
An Artistic Workshop for Peace
The centerpiece of their collaborative initiative was an artistic workshop held on campus, featuring multiple paintings that depicted various peace-related issues. Art has always been a powerful means of political expression,, and this event aimed to harness its potential to engage students in advocating for peace.
Four considerable topics were chosen as the focus of the paintings:
Women's Rights in Iran: A powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for gender equality in the region.
The Refugee Crisis: Highlighting the plight of refugees and the urgent need for solutions.
The LGBT Community in the MENA Region: Shedding light on the challenges faced by this marginalized group.
The Situation in Palestine: Reflecting on the enduring conflict and the hopes for a peaceful resolution.
Each painting served as a visual testament to the pressing issues that demand our attention and action. Through these artworks, students were encouraged to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the role they can play in promoting peace.
Bake Sale for a Cause
In addition to the artistic workshop, the event also featured a bake sale organized by MEDMUN in collaboration with Sciences Maroc. Delicious treats such as Msemen, brownies, cookies, and cakes were available for students on the campus forecourt. Fifty percent of the funds generated from the bake sale went towards supporting initiatives in Morocco, struck by the recent earthquake, underlining solidarity existent in the global community.
A Call for Collective Effort
This initiative underlines the importance of collective efforts in supporting peace-related causes. Through this collaboration, students and the broader community can contribute to the promotion of peace and understanding. It reinforces the idea that peace is not solely the responsibility of governments and diplomats; it is a goal that requires the active involvement of individuals and communities.
World Peace Day serves as a poignant reminder that the dream of universal peace is far from realized. Yet, events and activities such as: collaborative painting sessions and bake sales, provide a platform to educate, raise awareness, and inspire individuals to engage in the pursuit of peace. It is a day to reflect on the existing challenges and to renew our commitment to a world where peace is not just an ideal but a reality worth fighting for. In the face of overwhelming odds, students at Sciences Po have demonstrated their eagerness to embrace this responsibility and work together for a more peaceful future.