The WCIA and Llangollen International Eisteddfod are launching the 2019 Young Peacemakers Awards. Encourage your pupils to take part now!

Would you like your pupils to have the opportunity to express their vision and views about peace creatively and to be celebrated for their work at an international event in Wales?

The WCIA is working with Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to host a Young Peacemakers Awards Ceremony on Youth Day, 4 July where young people will showcase what they have done and receive a certificate and an award.

On 4 July children and young people will also have the opportunity to explore lots of exciting activities on the field and find out what peace means to them. Why not visit the Eisteddfod for the day?

So what should I do now?

Please encourage as many pupils as possible to enter for an award! Work can be submitted under the different categories from individual or groups of pupils aged between 5 and 25, in English or in Welsh. Please note that work doesn’t have to be new work and can include projects your school has been working on – e.g. as part of the process to become a WCIA Peace School.

However, time is tight! Please note that the deadline for entries is 30th May! Please submit entries using the application form downloadable from the Llangollen Eisteddfod website.

Size of Wales and WCIA are pleased to announce that they will be growing their celebrated MockCOP programme this year. Events will be held across Wales, culminating with a final event at the Senedd in Cardiff in November 2019.

The expansion of the programme has been made possible by the kind support of the ScottishPower Foundation.

What is MockCOP?
Size of Wales and WCIA have been running MockCOP since 2015. MockCOP is an event modelled on the UN’s Conference of the Parties (COP) where representatives from all countries meet to negotiate resolutions to tackle climate change. Groups of 3 students aged 14-18 years old from across Wales are each given a nation to represent. They research and prepare their position, then represent their allocated nation presenting their case, aiming to negotiate an agreement with the other nations. In 2018, the programme was voted Highly Commended in the Sustainability Academy Wales Awards.

How is the programme expanding?
Previously, there has only been one event each year, held in Cardiff. Now, thanks to the support of the ScottishPower Foundation, there will be several of regional MockCOP events across Wales, culminating in a final event in Cardiff in the Debating Chamber of National Assembly, Wales.

“We are delighted to be running a much bigger version of our MockCOP programme this year in partnership with WCIA and with the kind support of the ScottishPower Foundation. The programme provides young people with the opportunity to step into the shoes of other nations, think about climate change from multiple perspectives as well as develop their public speaking and debating skills.” Size of Wales Director, Elspeth Jones said.

As part of the programme Size of Wales will be looking to develop and support young climate change champions across Wales.

Ann McKechin, Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation said: “The next generation are leading the fight against climate change throughout our country. That is why the Foundation is pleased to support this exciting programme that brings young people together from all parts of Wales to debate on how to meet the challenges that will impact on their future while understanding different perspectives from around the globe.”

How can schools get involved?
The regional events will run in July and September 2019. Please click here to see the list of dates and events and to register your schools’ participation. More regional dates will be announced. The final will be held in Cardiff in November. We are aiming to work with 80 secondary schools and nearly 250 pupils will participate with the programme this year. All events are free to join.

WCIA’s CEO, Susie Ventris-Field said: “Mock COP is a fantastic opportunity that builds learners’ skills, knowledge and confidence so they can act on the crucial topic of climate change, and this funding means we can reach more young people across Wales. As well as aligning fantastically with the new curriculum in developing ethical informed citizens, it is also very timely as young people strike to persuade our leaders to address climate change.”

At a well-attended event hosted by WCIA and Welsh Governance Centre in the Temple of Peace on 27^th March, International Relations and Welsh Language Minister, Eluned Morgan was joined by a panel of experts to talk about possibilities for Wales on the international stage going forward. In her opening remarks, WCIA CEO Susie Ventris-Field, stated that “Even though we have a panel of experts, one thing is certain, no one knows what the outcome of the current political situation will be. However, the WCIA vision where everyone contributes to creating a fairer and more peaceful world fells more important than ever.”

Panelist included

Dr Christopher Huggins, Politics lecturer, University of Suffolk

Dr Rachel Minto, Wales Governance Centre, Cardiff University

Prof Kevin Morgan, Professor of Governance and Development, Cardiff University

Dr Elin Royles, Politics lecturer, Aberystwyth University

There were varying degrees of pessimism as the panelist outlined the challenges for Welsh Government and third sector will face in accessing networks and institutions that currently are accessed through the EU. Prof Morgan indicated some of the key networks and institutions in Europe that it will be vital that the UK should “pay to play” in the future, there by enabling ongoing international cooperation and access to opportunities for research, study and business.  Dr Minto highlighted the problems of lack of resources that will in future hinder the international participation of welsh civil society. According to Dr Royles, Wales will have to use more of its “soft” power through sport, culture and art to gain influence in the world.  This was echoed by the Minister, as she also highlighted some of the examples where Wales is doing ground breaking work, such as the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act which could be shared globally. The Minister said, Brexit negotiations have caused huge damage to the reputation of the UK internationally amongst our closest allies and neighbours and will take decades to repair. Sir Emyr Parry-Jones, (former UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations) responded to the panelists urging the Welsh Government should not rely on the UK government to speak on the international stage for Wales (or other devolved parts of the UK) because the communication relies on personal contacts with Westminster ministers rather than statutory instruments.

As an example of the concern of Welsh people for global issues, £180.75 was collected for the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for the victims of Cyclone Idai.