Over the years, Winds of Peace has supported the presentation of the annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum in its several venues. This year will be no exception, with the event scheduled for March 1-3 in Minneapolis. The format has changed somewhat, at the recommendation of the Nobel Committee; this event is the only one of its kind that is authorized by the Committee and they truly desire to create greater attendance and exposure to its messages and uniqueness. Our hope is that the changes implemented will result in a Forum that is at least as energizing and informative as past versions, and maybe even better! The local organizers have sent this message for anyone who might have interest in attending:
This year the Nobel Peace Prize Forum is launching something entirely new. We invite you to join us for the Business Day on March 1st to explore how trade, business innovation, sustainability and international investment play a role in the price of peace. Featured keynotes on the Business Day include Saki Macozoma, a prominent figure in South African business and politics who has worked closely with Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk and Desmond Tutu, and Alf Bjorseth, the CEO of an international renewable energy company who has travelled to areas of unrest and diffused tension by providing these communities with reliable, affordable and renewable energy.
And this is just Business Day. The Forum is also comprised of additional days filled with inspiration, dialogue and connections dedicated to Arts and Music, Education and Global Studies.
The Nobel Peace Prize Forum is a unique civic learning experience. Each year, this dynamic, global event brings Nobel Peace Prize Laureates together with civic, academic and business leaders for presentations and workshops that feature individuals who have changed the world in large and small ways. The roots of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum are wide and deep: 2012 marks its 24 year. More importantly, these interactive forums change lives. A recent survey shows that almost half of the 2011 attendees believe their lives and their thinking were “substantially changed” as a result of their participation at the Forum.
Please visit our website to learn more: http://nobelpeaceprizeforum.
This event is a gathering that has the ability to nurture the gifts sought in this spot-on blessing:
May you be blessed with discomfort at easy answers,
half-truths and superficial relationships
so that you will live deep in your heart.
May you be blessed with anger at injustice, oppression,
and exploitation of people and the earth.
so that you will work for justice, equity and peace.
May you be blessed with tears to shed for those who suffer
so you will reach out your hand to comfort them
and change their pain to joy.
And may you be blessed with the foolishness to think
that you can make a difference in this world,
so that you will do the things which others say cannot be done.
The Forum just might provide a little of each….
