The finalists comprise a diverse range of innovative peace projects by local governments. Out of many initiatives across the globe that had been submitted, these following innovative projects have been selected as top contenders for the award:
- Canoas, Brazil: in Canoas, local authorities have designated Peace Territories in which they combine initiatives in technology, social inclusion and community policing to address causes of violence.
- Cali, Colombia: the Think About Peace programme comprises workshops for children and parents while training community mediators and social workers to promote peace in the community.
- Palmira, Colombia: through the Palmira, tu Voz es Paz urban music competition local authorities raise young people’s awareness of the importance of living together peacefully.
- Shabunda, Democratic Republic of Congo: in this remote area, Permanent Peace Committees have been created to establish peace, restore government authority, reintegrate members of a local militia into the community and end the area’s isolation.
- Kauswagan, the Philippines: the From Arms to Farms programme is a comprehensive approach to demobilization and reintegration of former rebel fighters, engaging them in organic farming.
These shortlisted candidates are invited to present their case to the jury and public at the World Congress of the global organization of UCLG, which will take place in Bogotá, Colombia, from 12 to 15 October 2016. There, the winner will be awarded a modest prize package, aimed at strengthening its peace projects and facilitating learning and exchange with other local governments that are facing similar challenges. We would like to thank all participants for their participation and invite all to apply again in future editions of this prize.
In the upcoming weeks we will publish articles about these projects individually, providing more in-depth information in the run-up to the final presentations in Bogotá.
