UNFICYP sponsors the Cities4Peace in Cyprus
Context
The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was set up by the UN Security Council in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. In the absence of a political settlement to the Cyprus problem, UNFICYP has remained on the island to supervise ceasefire lines, maintain a buffer zone, and undertake humanitarian activities to improve social cohesion between the two communities.
Our Work
Empowering the Community Change Makers
With the goal of improving social cohesion and understanding between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities, UNFICYP sponsored the Cities4Peace Mindful Leadership program to empower community change-makers from both communities to enhance their mental wellbeing and build their leadership capacity to develop innovative ways to promote peace and social harmony on the island. The project was implemented in close collaboration with a local bi-communal women’s organization, Hands Across the Divide (HAD).
From March to June of 2022, the Cities4Peace team customized and delivered two peacebuilding workshops that were attended by twenty women leaders from both sides of the conflict. The participants were selected based on the diversity of their experience, professional background, and more importantly, their desire to be part of the solution by becoming a trusted bridge for the Cypriots on the island.
The training program consisted of IAHV’s evidence-based SKY breath and meditation practice to develop inner resilience and improve mental wellbeing. In addition, through interactive discussions and group processes, the program enabled participants to develop systems thinking and build trusted networks. Each participant was subsequently inspired to create and deliver a service project that would further promote peace and social harmony, and make a positive difference to at least 50 individuals using the wisdom that they gained during the training.
Research & Analytics
An anonymous post-training survey was given to the program participants to evaluate their experience. Below are some charts to show their feedback of the program:
