Welsh Internationalism ‘Peace Pathways’ – Heritage in Action


Welsh Internationalism ‘Peace Pathways’ – Heritage in Action

Wales has a long and proud history of grassroots-driven, internationalist action for social justice, peace and cooperation with fellow cultures and peoples worldwide. WCIA’s ‘Wales for Peace’ exhibition and ‘Timeline of Peacemakers’ – now permanently installed in Wales’ Temple of Peace & Health in Cardiff’s Civic Centre – explores Wales’ Peace heritage through 7 key themes, represented by the colours of the 1960s rainbow peace flag: each the inspiration to generations of Welsh internationalists in campaigning to build a better world.

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Over 35,000 Welsh men and women lost their lives in the First World War. Wales' Temple of Peace was built to commemorate the 'loss of a generation', and to house the WW1 Book of Remembrance, which under the guardianship of WCIA, toured Wales over the 2014-18 WW100 Centenary period.

Remembering War: WW100
belief and action
'Belief and Action' explores the diversity of views on conflict and peace over the last century, in particular the heritage of resistance to war. From Conscientious Objectors who refused to fight in WW1 and WW2, to more familiar recent movements such as opposition to nuclear proliferation and the Iraq War, how have people and communities across Wales acted on their beliefs - and how would you do so today?

Objecting to Conflict: Belief & Action
During WW1, Welsh communities offered sanctuary to more than 4,000 Belgian refugees fleeing the outbreak of conflict in Flanders Fields. In the 1930s Basque children from the Spanish civil war were welcomed, and successive waves of conflict victims up to the Syria crisis of today have not only been offered sanctuary, but have contributed to and shaped Welsh society. What can we learn from our peace heritage? Is Wales today a place of peace - and could we be the world's first 'Nation of Sanctuary'?

Sanctuary for Refugees
Women have been at the heart of Wales' Peace movements throughout history. WCIA's 'Women War & Peace' exhibition and community projects have explored the many ways in which women and equality movements have given voice to building a better world.

Women, War & Peace: Advocating Equality
Through the last century, individuals and communities throughout Wales have played a leading role in some of the defining international solidarity movements of our time. From building links with people and communities, to spearheading campaigns on human rights, peace, prosperity and justice, these human bridges continue to shape Wales' identity and role in the world today, contributing towards peaceful cooperation and interdependence.

International Solidarity
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In 1922, the first Message of Peace and Goodwill was broadcast by the children of Wales to the world. Over nearly a century, thousands of young people have been part of forming, sharing and responding to the message of peace. Initially facilitated by the Welsh League of Nations Union at the Temple of Peace, since 1946 the message has been an inspiration for the humanitarian and international work of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the Welsh Youth movement - with 1,500 branches and 50,000 members across the country.

Youth Action for Peace & Goodwill
From the construction of Wales' Temple of Peace, to the establishment of the League of Nations and the the post-WW2 United Nations, Welsh peace builders - supported by extensive grassroots campaigning movements - have shaped Wales' role in the world.

Wales' Temple of Peace: Coordinating Internationalist Efforts
Seven themes look at 'actions for peace' through the generations, and their relevance to issues world today, drawing on stories of 'inspiring internationalists' and how each sought to build a better world. Using the colours of the 1960s Peace Flag to guide the exhibition design and themes, has produced a very colourful display with a rich tapestry of volunteer generated stories.

Wales for Peace: the 'Whole Story'
This toolkit for volunteers, placements and community groups offers guidance, ideas and templates for uncovering and sharing stories from Wales' Peace Heritage via a range of media and platforms - from creative writing to short films.

Hidden Histories Toolkit