Join in Solidarity with Young Fighters Changing into Young Peacebuilders

Yosuke Nagai, PhD, shared three presentations at the University of the Incarnate Word on October 20, as part of UIW’s 40th annual Peace Day. We are "breaking the chains of violence in the world together," expressed Nagai. He is the executive director of Accept International and the Founder of the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY). Since 2011, he has led the design and implementation of deradicalization, reintegration and rehabilitation programs for disengaged members of non-state armed groups in Somalia, Yemen, Kenya, Indonesia and Colombia. Nagai is currently a visiting fellow at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, an associate researcher at RCAST, University of Tokyo, and an Adjunct Lecturer at Kyoto University.  

The breakfast presentations included Nagai’s introduction to Accept International and The International Institute for Peacebuilding in Active Conflict (IIPAC) by founders Mehri Hilton, PhD, and J.C. Clapsaddle. Several prominent Rotarians who have supported Clapsaddle by taking supplies to Ukraine attended.  

Following a luncheon in Founders Hall, Lopita Nath, PhD, chair of the History Department and Asian Studies, introduced the program to the community and especially the UIW Global Refugees Class at the Col. Charles E. Cheever, Sr. Legacy Event Center. Nagai delivered a presentation that was particularly relevant for the students exploring both the systemic and human elements of global displacement. “Don’t think about what you can do now, let’s think about what we have to do together,” encouraged Nagai. 

Nagai was welcomed to San Antonio by Former Mayor Ron Nirenberg who spoke of San Antonio’s commitment to growing as a City of Compassion. He noted Nagai’s compassion and courage reaching out to disenfranchised youth in areas of violence.  

In early December, several members of the UIW community including students, faculty, alumni and two St. Anthony CHS students will be attending the World Summit of Nobel Laureates for Peace in Rome. Sister Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI, and Carlos Baldo, PhD, International Business assistant professor will lead 31 individuals as part of the Chapter for Compassion Delegation from various parts of the US and other countries. Nagai hopes to attend the summit as well. 

For more, see the UIW-TV news coverage of Nagai’s visit by Maurilio Cruz here https://www.youtube.com/live/XifThHukbnM?si=O6cMJx1-yt4J3wPX&t=2439 

Article contributions and photos courtesy of Andrew Hill, PhD, St. Philip’s College Professor of Philosophy 

Photos courtesy of student Maurilio Cruz.