Kuhn Initiative for post-conflict development studies.
Ansar Hassan, ABC 7 News Bay Area:
The path to peace takes many forms. At UC Berkeley, Twenty-five Consuls General representing nations with diplomatic presence in the Bay Area stood with white roses, committed to a new vision: agricultural development as a pathway to stability in countries emerging from war.
“This is a business model for peace, demine, replant, rebuild, and this can be replicated all over the world.” Heidi Kuhn, World Food Prize Laureate.
Kuhn is founder of Roots of Peace, which for decades has worked in war torn regions to turn minefields into farmland. On Friday, she helped to launch the Kuhn Initiative for post-conflict development studies.
“Because we are addressing the situation as humans, not as politicians, not in a religious capacity. I think a beauty of a simple rose reminds us of the seeds we have in common rather than those which separate us.” Heidi Kuhn, Roots of Peace, Founder.
Data suggests that more than 300 million people face acute hunger around the world. Focusing on food security in countries emerging from war is about how and where food is grown and distributed. Food sovereignty as part of national self-determination.
“In Ukraine,we have more than 30 percent countries right now has been contaminated with mines.” Dmitry Kushnerik.
Ukraine is often referred to as the breadbasket of Europe. Dmitry Kushnerik, Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco, says his country’s post-war food security situation will have impacts globally. He says global know-how will help them do it better.
“For example, cooperating with California, you know, how to have the best examples of agriculture here, to have the mini crane between Napa Valley and the Ukrainian futures because in those areas, a lot of wineries.” Dmitry Kushnerik, Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco.
The initiative also brings the expertise of UC Berkeley academics with those doing the work on the ground, which Professor Asad Ahmed says is another way this program seeks to reach new levels.
“The number of consul generals who are present, dignitaries, journalists, academics who came together because of this massive support that’s building up behind it, that’s different.” Professor Asad Ahmed.
At UC Berkeley, Ansar Hassan, ABC 7 News.
ROOTS OF PEACE
