Preparatory Meeting Held in Ishwardi, Bangladesh for the 4th World March for Peace and Nonviolence

• A preparatory meeting was held in Ishwardi, Bangladesh, to organize the '4th World March for Peace and Nonviolence 2026, In My City'.
• Local youth and social organizations gathered to plan city-based initiatives scheduled for September 21 to October 4, 2026.
• Participants emphasized the need for grassroots activism to counter rising global geopolitical tensions and the arms race.

Meeting Background and Objectives

• Organized by the Humanist Movement, Ishwardi Center, the meeting took place on July 30 at the Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute (BSRI).
• The goal was to develop concrete action plans for the global campaign, which spans from the International Day of Peace to the period following the International Day of Nonviolence.
• Speakers highlighted that achieving long-term peace requires active participation from citizens and the younger generation rather than relying solely on political leadership.

Key Participants and Planned Actions

• Chaired by Masum Parvez Kollol, the meeting featured contributions from Decler Mendez Hague (South Asia promotion lead) and representatives from Pressenza.
• Diverse local institutions participated, including Railway Nazimuddin High School, Ishwardi Govt. College, and organizations such as 'Manab' and 'Care for Humanity'.
• The group agreed to conduct a series of activities during the campaign period, including peace marches, awareness campaigns, art competitions, and youth-led forums.