Last Friday, Highland Park was privileged to send a delegation of students with teacher Kari Rise to the Nobel Peace Prize Youth Forum at Augsburg College. The group was able to hear from several speakers, notably, Leiv Sydnes of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Director-General of the OPCW Ahmet Uzumcu, and former President Jimmy Carter.

President Carter highlighted the many issues that hinder gender equality. In the US, rape in universities and the US military perpetuates gender inequality. In other countries, women face genital mutilation, higher abortion rates for female babies, and a deeply-rooted cultural inferiority. Carter reminded students that although there has been much work for peace, many are unaware “we have more slavery on Earth now than the 19th century.” While his speech gave appreciation for our progress, he sent a message to our generation that there is more to be done.

The OPCW speakers, Leiv Sydnes and Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu remarked about chemical weapons and the OPCW’s leading role in the worldwide effort for the eradication of these dangerous weapons. Natalie Duncan from Highland Park Senior High was privileged with the opportunity to ask a question to the Director-General. Her question, “How will the OPCW work to engage the six non-member countries?” led to much explanation from Uzumcu.

The most remarkable part of the forum was that those in attendance were very diverse. People of all ages, races, and religious groups united on their common goal of peace. During the hour designated for discussion about peace, called the “World Café,” participants were able to share in a dialogue with a wide range of individuals and enjoy multiple perspectives. The forum was also brought to a real-life level when students were split into groups to work on service projects. Projects included visual art, spoken word, writing letters, dance, and bookmaking. Natalie Duncan enjoyed her service project in which “we talked about what’s in our hearts, what drives us to act, and the actions we take in our community.”

YouthThrive, the organization that partnered with the forum to host this event, is made up of high school students from across Minnesota. Kevin Nguyen and Grace James, students from Highland Park are members of the program.

 

Above: Juniors Katie Tennis, Isabella Isett, Natalie Duncan, Keiko Hilmo, and Audrey Dombro pose with Leiv Sydnes of the OPCW.