The Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP) stands as a beacon of hope in an increasingly complex world. Its president’s journey toward leading this vital organization is deeply rooted in a lifelong commitment to promoting peace and tolerance. Raised with the values of peaceful coexistence in the UAE, Ahmed Al Jarwan embarked on an impressive academic journey, earning a master’s degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering from Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, followed by coursework in international affairs at Tufts University, and an MA in Political Science from The Hague University. His professional career has been equally distinguished, with roles in the UAE Armed Forces, including as a Colonel, as well as diplomatic and leadership positions such as President of the Arab Experts Union since 2018, President of the Executive Office of the Arab Federations’ Forum since 2021, and President of the Fundación for Islamic Culture and Religious Tolerance since 2022. These diverse experiences have honed his skills in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and advocacy, equipping him to lead global initiatives for tolerance and peace.
The Founding Mission of the GCTP
The Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP) was founded in response to the urgent global need for sustainable peace and security. As conflicts and disputes continue to rise globally, the organization was established with the vision that true and lasting peace cannot be achieved through violence or military force. Instead, the GCTP believes in the power of tolerance and the adoption of soft power policies, emphasizing dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. The initial mission of the GCTP was to create a global platform dedicated to promoting tolerance and peace, aligning its efforts with the vision of the international community and the United Nations. The GCTP operates on the principles of democracy, international law, and human rights, striving to advance these values through collaborative action and dialogue on a global scale.
A Comprehensive Overview of the GCTP’s Operations
The GCTP operates through two main bodies: the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) and the General Assembly for Tolerance and Peace (GATP). The IPTP serves as the legislative arm of the GCTP, comprising more than 100 Members of Parliament (MPs) from various national parliaments around the world. Meeting quarterly, the IPTP addresses global issues and develops actionable solutions aimed at advancing peace and tolerance. Its work is guided by several specialized committees focused on critical areas such as Cultivating Peace, Women and Youth, International Relations, International Law, Sustainable Development, and Preventing Violent Extremism.
The GATP, on the other hand, serves as a forum for individuals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions committed to the values of tolerance and peace. Held annually, the GATP examines and addresses challenges to the implementation of international standards recognized by the United Nations. Though it does not issue binding resolutions, the GATP plays a crucial role in studying and promoting strategies for enhancing tolerance and peace, covering diverse areas such as academia, women and youth, sustainable development, social and religious dialogue, and media and communication.
Together, the IPTP and GATP work in synergy to advance the GCTP’s mission of creating a more harmonious and inclusive world. The organization provides services such as policy development, educational programs, research initiatives, and public outreach activities. It also organizes international forums, workshops, and conferences to foster dialogue and collaboration among global stakeholders.
2023: A Year of Significant Achievements
The year 2023-2024 marked several notable achievements for the GCTP. One of the most significant milestones was the graduation of the first cohort of master’s students in Tolerance Studies and Global Peace from the University of UCAM. This inaugural class of 24 students received scholarships funded by the GCTP, reflecting the organization’s dedication to advancing education and cultivating the next generation of leaders in peace and tolerance.
In addition, the GCTP announced the upcoming publication of a new book, Fostering Refugee Resilience: Global Perspectives on Integration, Inclusion, and Prosperity, scheduled for release in August 2024. This book will offer valuable insights and strategies for supporting refugee communities, further reinforcing the GCTP’s commitment to humanitarian issues.
The organization has also made strides in publishing academic essays by emerging scholars, with contributions in both English and Spanish. Moreover, the GCTP is publishing a toolkit on ethics in artificial intelligence and the “Tolerance and Peace toolkit,” which aims to provide practical resources for promoting these values in diverse contexts.
Overcoming Challenges in Peacebuilding
One of the biggest challenges in the field of peacebuilding is addressing the deep-rooted and often complex causes of conflict and intolerance. Peacebuilding requires not just addressing immediate issues but also tackling underlying factors such as historical grievances, socio-economic disparities, and cultural divisions.
Another significant challenge is achieving genuine and sustainable consensus among diverse stakeholders. Building trust and fostering cooperation among governments, organizations, and communities with varying perspectives requires persistent effort and diplomatic skills. The rapidly changing global landscape—marked by emerging conflicts, shifting political dynamics, and evolving societal attitudes—presents ongoing challenges. The GCTP remains dedicated to employing a multi-faceted approach that includes inclusive dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and evidence-based strategies to overcome these challenges.
Ensuring Future readiness in a Competitive Environment
To ensure that the GCTP remains future-proof and maintains its competitive edge, the organization embraces innovation, builds strategic partnerships, and continually expands its network. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and leveraging data-driven strategies, the GCTP effectively addresses global challenges and adapts to changing circumstances.
The GCTP also prioritizes inclusivity, actively including diverse voices and perspectives in its initiatives. By remaining agile and responsive to emerging global challenges, the GCTP ensures that its strategies are aligned with evolving needs and opportunities.
Fostering Collaboration and Building Effective Teams
Fostering a culture of collaboration is a cornerstone of the GCTP’s approach. The organization creates a shared vision, encourages open communication, and promotes inclusivity and respect. By providing opportunities for joint initiatives, recognizing contributions, and supporting professional development, the GCTP builds strong and effective teams capable of advancing its mission.
When building its team, particularly with IPTP members and GATP members, the GCTP looks for individuals and organizations that are deeply committed to the principles of tolerance and peace. Expertise, a collaborative mindset, innovative thinking, and leadership are key attributes the GCTP seeks in its team members.
Innovating for the Future: GCTP’s Vision Ahead
Looking ahead, the GCTP is dedicated to advancing its mission through a series of strategic innovations and visionary goals. The organization plans to create and enhance platforms for global dialogue and collaboration, leverage advanced technologies, and strengthen its regional and local networks.
