Future Worlds Center: A pioneer in peace initiatives: Difference between revisions

[[Future Worlds Center]], earlier known as [[Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute]], together with its technology partner [[CYBER KIDS]] has engaged in peace-related initiatives as early as 1994. Its founder, [[Yiannis Laouris]] was one of the participants of early peace projects such as [[The Westminster Group]], [[Bicommunal Conflict Resolution Group (Project Leaders I)]], [[Bicommunal Conflict Resolution Group (Project Leaders II)]], and [[Cyprus Conflict Resolution Trainers Group]]. Between 1994 and 1997, the center has provided generous logistical and technological support, and has also hosted countless meetings. [[Harry Anastasiou]], another historic member of many early peace initiatives and especially the [[Cyprus Conflict Resolution Trainers Group]]<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus_Conflict_Resolution_Trainers_Group The Cyprus Conflict Resolution Trainers Group in Wikipedia]</ref>, which is credited for the formation of the embryonic peace movement in Cyprus, has joined powers when Harry was invited to join [[CYBER KIDS]] as Head of the CYBER KIDS Curriculum Development Unit<ref>[http://www.cyber-kids.net/index.php?title=CYBER_KIDS_Curriculum_Development_Unit CYBER KIDS Curriculum Development Unit in CYBER KIDS Wiki]</ref>. A strong supporter of their initiatives was the Director of the [[ Cyprus Fulbright Commission]] [[Daniel Hadjittofis]], who became a close friend of the center and also served as member of its Board between 1994-2001.

Following the ban of cross visits and the disruption of the peace movement, two of [[Future Worlds Center]]'s projects played a significant role in breaking the impasse, [[Technology for Peace]] by using technology to facilitate communication and coordination, and [[Youth Promoting Peace]]. A [[Y2P: Tree Planting 2000|tree Planting event]], which took place in February 2000, was probably one of the first events ever organized in Pyla and therefore opened the door for more other events to follow. The  group, which was facilitated by [[Yiannis Laouris]], subsequently organized 23 mass events engaging thousands of young and adult people, enjoying significant visibility in the news. The impact and importance of these projects has been recognized also in an evaluation completed by Nathan Associates on May 25, 2004<ref>Blue, R., Molldrem, V., Webster, C., Gonzales, A., Yucel, M., & Leventis, Y. (2004). Cyprus Bi-Communal Development Program Evaluation. Report for United States Agency for International Development. [[File:NathanAssociatesReport.pdf|Download]]</ref>. Both projects have scored high, but more importantly the impact of the organization's projects compared to the funds received has scored a "9," ranking behind only by [[The Management Centre]] that received a "10," and far ahead of the [[Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics]] that received a "3" (see Table 6, pg. 37).

[[Future Worlds Center]] is a non-partisan organization, and as such it does not get involved in politically sensitive matters. Nevertheless, its pioneering activities in peace and reconciliation projects, along with its great success in envisioning, designing and securing funds to implement projects has been misunderstood by some. The organization and some of its people have been accused for "being paid by the US to buy souls" as multiple newspapers reported in a climate characterised by an author as as "περιρέουσα ατμόσφαιρα" (EN: The ambient atmosphere)<ref>Droushiotis, M. (2005). The construction of reality and the mass media in Cyprus. [[File:PerireousaEN.pdf]]</ref>. Even though the UNDP/UNOPS provided a detailed analysis of all projects and organizations funded with respect to promoting the Annan Plan and [[Future Worlds Center]] was not included, the chair of the Board responded with both a Statement<ref>Statement sent to Media and Parliament [[File:LaourisStatementAboutKoutsou071006.pdf]]</ref> and a letter to the Parliament's demand for submitting details and evidence of all funds received for the above purpose<ref>Response to Parliament's demand for a hearing [[File:ToParliament251006.pdf]] </ref>.

 

During the next 5 years, [[Future Worlds Center]] pioneered in more projects.