Quakers nominate Concordis International for Nobel Peace Prize

Quakers in Britain and the United States of America have nominated Concordis International for the Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination recognises two decades of community-led peacebuilding.

UK-based international NGO Concordis works in some of the world’s most fragile conflict zones. It aims to help people tackle the root causes of violence.

From Chad to South Sudan, it supports communities to rebuild, farm safely, and become resilient to famine, climate change, and war.

In their nomination, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) praised Concordis’ humility, respect, and consistent promotion of local partners.

The nominating letter said:

Concordis International’s commitment to peace is not new, brief, or transactional… Unlike the adversarial justice of the western world, they seek the healing justice for all parties, typical in a relational world view…

Their humility, respect, enthusiasm, and consistent promotion of their local partners over themselves is an international model for this millennium.

Peter Marsden, chief executive of Concordis, said:

We are truly grateful for the trust in us that AFSC and QPSW have shown.

More importantly, we’re grateful for their commitment to highlighting and applauding the unsung work of awesome local peacebuilders. These are the bold souls who work for peace where conflict is fought and felt.

Concordis works to ensure that everyone impacted by a conflict has a voice. This includes people neglected due to age, gender, ethnicity, people who take up arms, and those who do not, as well as governments and civil society.

Oliver Robertson, head of witness and worship for Quakers in Britain, added:

We are delighted to nominate Concordis International for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Their work reminds us that true, lasting peace comes from the courageous, patient work of local people who heal wounds, build understanding, and bridge divides.

AFSC general secretary Joyce Ajlouny said:

We are honored to nominate Concordis International for the Nobel Peace Prize.

A century of experience has shown us, time and again, that peace does not come at the barrel of a gun.

And while diplomacy between world leaders is important, it is the tireless efforts of everyday people working to resolve conflicts and address injustices that truly builds lasting peace.

As former Nobel winners (laureates), AFSC and QPSW can make a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize every year.

Their 1947 prize recognised 300 years of Quaker opposition to war. And in particular the work done by AFSC and what is now QPSW during and after the two world wars to feed starving children and help Europe rebuild itself.

Featured image via the Canary