| Peace in the Middle East - through youth entrepreneurship |  Print |
Text by Sonia Lenter, Simona Grinberg and Mia Therese Demskov
AIESEC - CBS
Everyone has their own solution to how we should solve the conflicts around us. Nowhere is this clearer than in the Middle East with the long running conflict between the Arabs and the Israelis. Some countries suggest that others have to take charge and make the decisions but there are also those that suggest that we should leave them alone, and let them solve their own problems. Many have tried and many have failed to find a lasting solution for peace in this region. Is there really anyone that has the solution? If you believe a young student from Copenhagen University, Gregory Rockson, the answer is YES. Gregory, speaking as a guest at the British Chamber of Commerce event on Friday January the 20th. On the theme “Towards Peace in the Middle East - A New Year, A New Promises”. 
”People thought I was too idealistic” Gregory Rockson is living proof that age is not the essential factor when it comes to making a difference; it is all about getting an idea, hard work, enthusiasm and a belief that it is possible. Gregory is not just any student; he is a PPIA fellow (Public Policy and International Affairs), Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, Co-founder of a Storebror, Storsøster(an afterschool mentorship program for refugee kids in Denmark) and a former board member of the Callaway County United Way. He is also founder of Matrix, which is a ”think tank”. Last year, Gregory was selected by the World Economic Forum as a Global Shaper and has been invited to the 2012 Forum meeting in Davos.
Six Days of Peace
Gregory defines the main problem as one of trust deficit, he blames the lack of trust between two nations that seems to nourish the misunderstandings and differences in perspectives. The strategy he wants to follow whilst championing Peace-building is based on three key concepts: 1) Facilitation- by creating a platform where Israelis and Arabs can meet 2) Funding 3) Mentorship. The goal of the Six Days of Peace is to transform a time of war into a springboard for peace.The only thing that can solve this is a project that makes the different parts work together through confidence. As Gregory puts it: “If someone can trust a person as a business partner, then he can trust that person in so many other ways”. World Economic Forum in Davos So what is next for this young university student? He is going to the Annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. In Davos, Greg will be the “voice” of the Six Days of Peace. Here he will give the most important speech of his life in front of people such as: Bill Gates, Angela Merkel and Ban Ki-moon.
All within the British Chamber of Commerce wish this inspiring and enthusiastic Champion of Peace all possible good luck and our best wishes for success. |