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Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
The recently held IIPT World Symposium: Cultivating Sustainable and Peaceful Communities and Nations through Tourism, Culture and Sport honored the legacies of the world’s three great champions of Peace and Non-Violent Resistance: Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. The Symposium was held at Emperors Palace, Ekurhuleni, South Africa under the patronage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and also commemorated the 50th Anniversary of African Union, 20 years of South African Democracy, and 50th Anniversary of Civil Rights Legislation in the United States.
IIPT was most honored to have with us during the Symposium Ms. Naomi King, widow of Rev. A. D. King, the only brother of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and co-founder of the A. D. King Foundation that she established in honor of her husband who stood solidly with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights movement and supported his belief in equality and non-violence. The Foundation’s motto strikes at the very heart of the Symposium theme: "A threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" and “building a beloved community is a glorious task that must be done.”
Also with us during the Symposium was Ms, Nandi Mandela, Director of Mediclinic International; Co-Director at Linda Masinga & Associates; and granddaughter Nelson Mandela. Ms. King and Ms. Mandela each addressed the Symposium sharing their insights and perspectives on the theme of the Symposium. Ms. Anita Mendiratta, Master of Ceremony throughout the Symposium, subsequently facilitated interactive conversations with both Ms. King and Ms. Mandela giving delegates a further appreciation of the important contributions Ms. King and Ms. Mandela themselves have made as activists for peace and justice.
The presence and participation of Ms. Naomi King and Ms. Nandi Mandela provided for a most informative and inspiring plenary session and gave substance to the Symposium aim of honoring the legacies of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Following the presentations and conversations with Ms. Naomi King and Ms. Nandi Mandela, IIPT Founder and President, Dr. Louis D’Amore and IIPT Board Chairman Mr. Timothy Marshall presented the IIPT Plaque to each of them and to Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Armstrong Changsan representing the Gandhi family. The IIPT plaque incorporates the IIPT Credo of the Peaceful Traveler on the right half and the “Portrait of the Global Family” by world renown artist Padre Johnson on the left half of the plaque, representing IIPT’s theme of One Earth One Family.
Members of the Symposium Organizing Team with Ms. Nandi Mandela and Ms. Naomi King – left to right: Dr. Babs Onabanjo, Co-Founder, A. D. King Foundation; Mr. Timothy Marshall, Chairman, IIPT Board of Directors; Dr. Patrick Kalifungwa, IIPT Advisory Board member and Co-Moderator, Educators Forum; Dr. Louis D’Amore, IIPT Founder and President; Ms. Bernadette Nickol, IIPT Symposium Coordinator, South Africa and Kunjal Charadva, IIPT Program Coordinator.
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Symposium Opening Ceremony Features Keynote Addresses by Dr. Taleb Rifai and Mr. David Scowsill
The Reception also featured a talk by Pumla Ntsele, Deputy Director, Johannesburg Convention Bureau, our host for the evening.
“Tourism, culture and sport bring people together and foster tolerance and harmony on earth. We are made for each other, for goodness, for peace and for love. We treasure each other because we are sisters and brothers of one family, the human family, God’s family. Welcome to South Africa. God bless you!”
The Symposium also received a letter from the Vatican Secretary of State with a message from His Holiness Pope Francis addressed to IIPT President Dr. Louis D’Amore. The letter in part read, “His Holiness is pleased to note that the theme of the Symposium rightly draws attention to the immense potential of these sectors to foster mutual understanding, cultural enrichment and integral development within our human family…
“the networks of cooperation which your organizations work to build are a great resource for good, and are capable of offering unprecedented opportunities for the material, cultural and spiritual advancement of peoples….the Holy Father trusts that your work will always be guided by a high sense of responsibility for the advancement of the poor, the elimination of corruption, exploitation and injustice, and the protection of the natural environment.”
With these sentiments, and with appreciation of your efforts to contribute positively to the unity, solidarity, and peace of our global family, His Holiness invokes God’s abundant blessings upon you and all present at the Symposium.”
Keynote Addresses by Dr. Taleb Rifai and Mr. David Scowsill The Opening Ceremony then featured the Symposium keynote addresses by Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Mr. David Scowsill, President and CEO, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
Dr. Rifai commended South Africa for placing tourism among the six priority sectors to drive its economic growth;for understanding the value of tourism as a tool for creating a more inclusive society; and addressing the triple challenges of persistent poverty, nemployment and inequality.
He highlighted three ways in which tourism can effectively be a tool to build a more sustainable and peaceful future: Tourism builds respect and mutual understanding and in this sense travel is our passport to global citizenship. Secondly, Tourism uplifts communities and improves livelihoods and third - Tourism leads to reconciliation. Dr. Rifai concluded that more than just being tourists or travelers, we are all called today to be global citizens and Ambassadors of peace.
David went on to give specific examples demonstrating the IIPT ‘Higher Purpose of Tourism’ paradigm related to environmental protection; empowering and educating communities; training and skills development; and the many ways tourism can mobilise its infrastructure and global linkages to bring help when people most need it as it did In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, when many airlines used their cargo freighters to fly to Cebu in the Philippines to help with relief efforts.
David emphasized that the sector still has much work to do; that leaders in our industry need to stand up and be counted; to harness the might of Travel & Tourism to influence governments towards a more equitable and peaceful future; and in increasing the role of tourism as a driver of peace, security and understanding. Travel & Tourism broadens not just the mind, but fosters cultural understanding, mends fences and breaks down negative perceptions. In many countries, that is as real and as significant as the jobs which our businesses create and sustain.
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IIPT World Symposium Features Leading Practitioners from 34 Countries Leading practitioners from 34 countries shared their experiences, knowledge and insights with one another and enthusiastic and spirited delegates in a series of interactive and action oriented sessions at the IIPT World Symposium: Cultivating Sustainable and Peaceful Communities and Nations through Tourism, Culture and Sports.
Practitioners took part in Concurrent Sessions related to:
Practitioners participating in the Symposium included:
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Global journey for peace and world record to be launched at IIPT World Symposium
The Symposium honors the legacies of the world’s three champions of peace and non-violent resistance, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. with the aim of furthering their legacies by building bridges of tourism, friendship and peace in regions throughout the world. For more information on the IIPT World Symposium, please refer to our December Newsletter at http://www.iipt.org/newsletter/2015/january.html
The action oriented Symposium will feature the launch of Cassie’s global journey to all 195 of the world’s sovereign nations as she sets out to break a world record while traveling as an IIPT Ambassador for Peace and promoting “Peace through Tourism” in each of the nations, cities, towns and villages that she visits.
Cassie will begin her journey on 1 July, 2015 with the goal of
Cassie will be traveling as a “global citizen” as she promotes “Peace through Tourism” with the endorsement of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT). IIPT will also support Cassie’s global journey by arranging for her to be met by Ministers of Tourism where possible as well as mayors of cities, towns and villages she plans to visit in each country.
Cassie stated: “I’m going to be presenting them a declaration of peace, doing photo ops and meeting with children, youth and people of my generation, discussing ‘Peace’ and what it means to them.” She also aims to be a source of inspiration to everyone she meets. In particular, she is “Hoping to influence people of my generation to pursue their dreams and a rewarding, fulfilled life.” A further goal of the record setting global journey is to promote the IIPT/Skal Cities, Towns and Villages initiative with the hope that Cassie’s visits will also inspire Cities, Towns and Villages along the way to “agree to be actively committed to promoting values of tolerance, non-violence, gender equality, human rights, youth empowerment, environmental integrity, and sustainablehuman, social and economic development.”
Cassie has considerable travel experience having traveled to the Amazon, Turkey, Italy, Egypt and several other countries while doing internships in renewable hospitality at hotels across the world.
Courtesy photo Cassie De Pecol in the cockpit of a four-seater in the Ecuadorian Amazon with Achuar symbolic face paint on
Cassie also aims to build a community around her trip, inviting interested persons to join her through social media. She has a multitude of pages — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine, Pinterest and will be doing weekly Youtube videos to show highlights of where she’s been. A live tracking system will show her location on a map on her website and she’ll host Q & A's on her blog.
“I’m excited to get a culture, a community going of people who are interested in this sort of thing. I’m hoping people will get involved,” she said. Find Cassie De Pecol at http://cassiedepecol.com. Sponsorship Opportunities Organizations interested in sponsoring the Symposium are invited to contact: Louis D’Amore, Email: ljd@iipt.org. In South Africa, please contact Bernadette Nickol: bernadette@nickolandpartners.com
More Information and Registration More information on the Symposium is available at www.iipt.org. To register – please visit: www.iiptsymposium.com |
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IIPT World Symposium to feature “Golf for Peace” Day with special Invitation to International Delegates
All delegates, and international delegates in particular, are invited to team up with South African hosts for a truly authentic experience at Glendower Golf Club. ‘Let’s Play’ as “Ambassadors for Peace” - building bridges of friendship among people from different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities. Glendower Golf Club has a proud history dating back to 1935. It is an exquisitely designed, highly ranked parkland golf course in Johannesburg, South Africa. A challenging golf course set amidst gorgeous surroundings, Glendower Golf Club is said to be a test for the world’s best golfers. Glendower has hosted many of South Africa’s flagship tournaments and this month will host the prestigious104th South African Open Championship
The “IIPT Golf for Peace” Day is being organized by Franz Rolinck, Amanda St. George, Bunny Bhoola, Ajit Sikand, Bernadette Nickol, and Lance Ibouah.
Date The Golf for Peace Day will be held immediately following the Symposium, Friday, February 20.
When registering for the Symposium – please indicate your intention to participate in the “IIPT Golf for Peace” Day – website: http://www.iiptsymposium.com/
Why Golf? Golf is an international sport played by individuals and supported in a team spirit. All players are equal due to the unique handicap system. Sharing a long walk to freedom while discussing cultural experiences, transcending borders and language, celebrating differences and diversity.
It is based on authenticity, values, transparency, openness and honesty. Golf has become a high-end sport which contributes to a significant role in worldwide tourism. Yet,it is often seen as an individual, unsustainable sport - exclusive and elitist. The origins of golf on the ancient 16th Century golf links of Scotland tell a different story. It was played by the community on local common land, for leisure and showcasing the promotion of life and leadership skills - where all are equal. It is a powerful tool overcoming social barriers and to form lasting relationships.
Tourism offers an opportunity for many cultures to play together and to share their history - a long walk to freedom. It offers players an opportunity to share their backgrounds and traditions, to understand how diversity within a world of conflict may be resolved - talking together - walking together - playing together.
The format is to play 18 holes in groups of four players (2 South Africans and 2 visitors). Each hole will be guided by the legacy of our three inspirational leaders - Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr - contributing to international understanding and cooperation, resolution of conflict and mobilising the travel and tourism industry as the world’s first Global Peace Industry.
"Let’s Play" celebrates our diversity for tourism, friendship and peace throughout the world, Friday 20th February 2015.
Living Life - Loving Life - Living Golf
For further information please email letsplay@livinggolf.com or phone Franz Rolinck +27 (0) 798529345 Living Golf International Ltd - Reg. SC 410531 Email: franz@livinggolf.com Web: www.livinggolf.com Mobile: +44 (0) 7570 139657, +44 (0) 7587 161770
Sponsorship Opportunities Organizations interested in sponsoring the Symposium are invited to contact: Louis D’Amore, Email: ljd@iipt.org. In South Africa, please contact Bernadette Nickol: bernadette@nickolandpartners.com
More Information and Registration More information on the Symposium is available at www.iipt.org. To register – please visit: www.iiptsymposium.com Host Partners
Symposium Partners
Media Partners
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About IIPT The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is a not for profit organization dedicated to fostering travel and tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding, cooperation among nations, an improved quality of environment, cultural enhancement and the preservation of heritage, poverty reduction, reconciliation and healing wounds of conflicts; and through these initiatives, helping to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world. It is founded on a vision of the world’s largest industry, travel and tourism – becoming the world’s first global peace industry; and the belief that every traveler is potentially an “Ambassador for Peace.” For more information: |
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The IIPT World Symposium began with a Welcome Reception, hosted by the City of Johannesburg that was held at Randlords, the exclusive lounge floating high above the “City of Gold” with magical 360 degree views across the Johannesburg cityscape and beyond. Ms. Anita Mendiratta was Master of Ceremony and Hon. Derek Hanekom Minister of Tourism, South Africa, highlighted the evening with an inspiring talk that included stories from his own personal life during which he was imprisoned for three years at Robben Island for his activist role as a member of the African National Congress opposing apartheid and subsequently exiled to Zimbabwe. His wife, Dr. Trish Hanekom also served four years in prison for her anti-apartheid involvement. 
The Opening Ceremony followed the next morning with the charismatic and talented Anita Mendiratta again acting as Master of Ceremony and featuring a video-taped welcoming message from Symposium Patron Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu during which he recalled, “Twenty-five years ago South Africa’s ‘Berlin Wall’ fell. Nelson Mandela was released from prison, pro-democracy organisations were unbanned, and exiles and refugees began to return home. Our international friends, who contributed so handsomely to shaming and isolating the apartheid state – peacefully, through highlighting the evil of prejudice, and imposing economic, cultural and sporting boycotts – welcomed us with open arms back into the world we share…. 
Dr. Rifai reminded us that the Symposium finds a fitting home here in Mandela´s birthplace of South Africa, whose transformation towards peace and dialogue has been an inspiring chapter to all of us; and he recalled the words of Mahatma Gandhi, who said, “Travel is the language of peace.” He went on to say that the fundamental experience of tourism – of visiting new places and meeting new people – is a transformative force that breaks down cultural barriers and builds bridges between people - communities - and nations.
Mr. David Scowsill stated that Travel & Tourism now accounts for 9% of the world’s GDP; 1 in 11 of the world’s jobs; is an industry which is growing, 3% a year in Europe, 5% in Asia and 5% in Africa; and is an industry which provides opportunities in places where other economic activities are limited. Beyond economics, it is the unparalleled power of Travel & Tourism to bring people together, to open minds and share experiences which makes it a driver of peace connecting people and facilitating direct interaction between cultures.
IIPT Founder and President thanked both Dr. Taleb Rifai and Mr. David Scowsill for their informative and inspiring keynote addresses; Ms. Anita Mendiratta for her role as Master of Ceremony; Title Sponsor Coca-Cola; Host Partners: South Africa Tourism, the municipalities of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province, South African Airways and Emperors Palace; Symposium Partners: UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World travel and Tourism Council (WTTC); Skal International; Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA); International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP); Africa Travel Association (ATA) and Jamaica Resource Center (JBRC); and members of the Organizing Team – and officially declared the Symposium open.
Cassandra (Cassie) De Pecol will be a special guest at the IIPT World Symposium: Cultivating Sustainable and Peaceful Communities and Nations through Tourism, Culture and Sport being held at Emperors Palace, Ekurhuleni, South Africa, 16 to 19 February, 2015. 
visiting all 195 sovereign nations in less than three years, thereby setting a new Guinness World record and as well becoming the youngest person to do so – and also the first woman.
Cassie’s goal of promoting “Peace through Tourism” will continue after her trip with the release of a documentary that will be shown in theaters and on Netflix and paired with other materials to serve as a tool kit for high school and college classes, she said. Cassie also plans to visit schools and speak about her travels and “Peace through Tourism” while she also urges them to live their dreams.
Cassie’s trip has been seven months in the planning stages and while she has some investors and celebrity endorsements, she is now looking for corporate sponsors to help fund her trip.
IIPT and Living Golf will come together commemorating the legacies of Nelson 
