Message from our Secretaries General

This year, we have decided to stay with the theme of conflict, but extending it to consider the relationship between conflict and poverty.  This issue is a significant challenge in many countries around the world today, as poverty and conflict often intertwine and perpetuate one another. Together, we aim to explore effective strategies to disrupt this cycle and identify new pathways toward a more just and peaceful future within our conference. 

The challenge of ending the cycle of poverty and conflict is both immense and urgent, and while it may not be solved in a single moment, it is a task worthy of our deepest commitment. This cycle, though daunting, is not beyond our reach to break. We must approach this endeavour with not only resources but with genuine care, a willingness to listen to those most affected, and an unwavering dedication to creating lasting change.

It is not enough simply to alleviate suffering in the short term; we must focus on empowering individuals and communities, enabling them to lead the way toward a future where opportunity and peace are the inheritance of all. By addressing the root causes of both poverty and conflict—through education, healthcare, and a fair chance for all—we can nurture an environment in which people no longer need to live in fear but may instead flourish and contribute to the well-being of society.

In this work, we find the true meaning of peace: not only the absence of violence, but the presence of justice, dignity, and opportunity. This is the work of generations, and it is a work that can transform lives and communities for the better. Let us, with humility and resolve, be the stewards of this future, and together, break the chain.

Lois P & Tawana C