OPTU Report
2011 progress report to the Global Alliance for
Ministries and Departments of Peace
Country: New Zealand
Campaign: Ministry for Peace – New Zealand
GA Contact Person: Gita Brooke
Contact Email: optubrookiana@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.peacethroughunity.info
(co-founders Anthony & Gita Brooke)
www.peacethroughunity.info
Contact persons: Gita Brooke, OPTU co-founder (see details, top and bottom); Oliver Rizzi Carlson (oliver@mfp-dop.org, and Anne Creter (annecrets@aol.com)
Short history: OPTU introduced this initiative in New Zealand, first of all through a letter to the NZ Prime Minister Helen Clarke (7 October 2003). As an affiliate member of the United Nations Association of New Zealand OPTU asked and received its support for this initiative, and UNANZ subsequently organised a panel discussion in Wellington, May 2006, which was attended by several NGOs and representative from government offices. Dame Laurie Salas represented OPTU and read its introduction of the project. OPTU co-worker and UNANZ Branch President, Kate Smith, attended the Vancouver Summit.
A second meeting was organised, July 2007 by the New Zealand Peace Foundation (through Alyn Ware), in cooperation with UNANZ and OPTU. The NZ Peace Foundation agreed to become the national co-ordinator of the NZ initiative and was represented at the Japan Summit (Sophia La Toa). OPTU was also represented, by Eric Wong (OPTU’s Youth co-worker, Hong Kong).
OPTU sponsored a Wanganui Youth to attend the 2007 DPI/NGO conference, where she spoke at a midday meeting on Min/Dep of Peace (organised by Anne Creter).
Anne Creter attended the Costa Rica Summit.
In the following years OPTU has been working with other groups supporting the emergence of the culture of peace, anchored in the heart of humanity, and envisioning the establishing of evolving ministries/departments/parliamentary advisory commissions on right, fair and peaceful relationships between peoples and governments. Such instruments will, we believe, emerge within each nation in accordance with the vision of its people, with the assistance and encouragement by the Global Alliance. We see the UN Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace (A/RES/53/243) as an inspirational and empowering instrument for the realisation of new local/global governance.
As part of its ongoing campaign OPTU has produced several pamphlets (‘creating a culture of peace’; ‘ministry for a culture of peace’, and ‘UNITY of peoples and nations’) and a popular ‘bookmark’, that includes information on Min. of Peace, all of which have been distributed widely. OPTU’s quarterly publication Many to Many regularly includes information on Min.of Peace and related initiatives.
OPTU co-workers and UN DPI/NGO representatives, Iris Spellings and Anne Creter have been the coordinators of the Culture of Peace sub committee within UN CSVGC-NY (CONGO) and will be continuing their CoP services within a newly formed coalition of co-workers, who are committed to furthering the emergence of right human relationships, and with all other lives with whom we journey toward a common goal. (Please see Anne’s report as separate attachment)
Other thoughts and ‘lessons learnt’: In a rapidly changing and transforming world it seems vital to stand as clear and steady as possible with regard to the general forward direction, and also sensitive and intuitive to the timing of things. So many wondrous possibilities are opening up, to be taken in hand, nurtured and supported; and challenges are and will continuously be ensuring that each step forward is made with the greatest possible integrity and purity of intent. We – and all life on the planet – live in a time of unprecedented opportunities for becoming more fully ‘that which is who we are’ (I don’t know how to put it!). Perhaps we are discovering the inner meaning of unity –
OPTU is holding the vision of ministries of peace very close to heart and is blending this core thought into our work. One day such ministries will form an integral part of new governance – bringing healing to our beloved human family and planetary home.
All blessings on the journey ahead –
Address: 4 Allison St., Wanganui, New Zealand 4500
(Banner of Peace encircled by Manifesto 2000)
