You are here: American University School of International Service SIS Research Initiatives Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace Research Pillars
Pillars of Our Work
The Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace is focused on four pillars. Our team will use publications, media commentary, public events, and social media to advance these pillars and a positive understanding of the Kurdish people.
Education
Through scholarship, the GKIP will provide educational content through informative resources, articles, and materials. We’ll highlight positive contributions and showcase the positive aspects of Kurdish culture and efforts for peace. GKIP will also build recognition of the cultural heritage and traditions of Kurdish people. Ultimately, we’ll grow understanding of the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Kurdish communities in the Middle East, such as oppression and genocide.
Empathy
A key pillar of GKIP is empathy. The struggles of the Kurdish people--a large, ethnic, Indigenous group who have never had a separate, independent state of their own--are struggles that will resonate globally with people committed to social justice and democratic movements. We want to encourage empathy through understanding of the challenges faced by Kurdish communities. And we want to foster the evolution of empathy into support for the Kurdish cause and for the preservation and promotion of Kurdish culture.
Community
We believe “community” can be a sense of belonging and unity among all interested in Kurdish culture and peace initiatives. To that end, GKIP promote dialogue and understanding by engaging in discussions and interactions that foster greater knowledge about Kurdish culture and peace issues. We hope you will attend some of our events, seminars, or workshops related to Kurdish culture and peace and become a part of our community.
Advocacy
Advocacy is a natural outgrowth of education, empathy, and a sense of community. GKIP will facilitate advocacy by sharing information about Kurdish culture and peace efforts through social media or word of mouth. We’ll encourage action regarding the challenges faced by Kurdish communities in various parts of the world. Our calls to action will allow our community to get involved.