With all news reports these days about conflicts and refugee crises around the world, have you wondered if there is something you can do?
Accept International has been working for more than 15 years in conflict-affected countries and regions, including Somalia and Yemen. Through supporting young people engaged in armed conflict to lay down their arms and rebuild their lives as agents of peace, we have been advancing efforts toward sustaining peace.
We have held online events to share details about our activities, but it has been difficult to tell concrete images about the armed conflict occurring around the world. Therefore, to give you a more detailed sense of the reality on the ground where we work, we have organized an event featuring short documentary films.
At this event, along with a brief explanation of the issues we are addressing and our approach, we will watch a short documentary film, “Why does the Japanese man engage them?”, directed and filmed by Yuta Saito, who worked alongside our organization’s executive director, Dr. Yosuke Nagai in Somalia for two and a half years.
Following the screening, we will also introduce our recent activities, including efforts to establish international norms for the protection and empowerment of youth engaged in armed conflict.
We hope you will join us in experiencing the reality of the situation through this film and taking the time to consider conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Sign up here
▲ Scenes from the conflict front lines featured in the documentary
▼Who should attend
✓Those who want to learn about global issues and reflect on peace
✓Those who want to hear from people directly engaged in armed conflict not covered by the media
✓Those who want to witness the dedication of those working in the field, even at the risk of their lives
▼Key takeaways
✓Gain an understanding of the realities of the conflict-affected countries.
✓ Find hope amidst the cruelty of armed conflict.
✓ Discover new approaches to conflict resolution.
✓ Gain media literacy by understanding the real- life situations in conflict zones.
Sign up here
▼About the Documentary
【Outline】
This documentary follows our organization’s executive director, Dr. Yosuke Nagai, as he works in the conflict zone in Somalia, capturing his on-the-ground activities, his approach to tackling difficult challenges, and the voices of the people he encounters. In particular, the film captures the reality of life on the front lines of conflict, collaboration with the military, rigorous safety protocols, and communication with people in prison. This documentary was produced by Yuta Saito. For this event, we will screen a short version film re-edited to 30 minutes.
【Creator Profile】
Yuta Saito
Filmmaker
With a track record of creative work for organizations such as the United Nations, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and The Nippon Foundation, one of Japan’s leading foundations in the fields of international cooperation, development, and peacebuilding, he specializes in the intersection of fundraising and creativity. He has produced short documentaries in the conflict-affected region of Somalia. He is a member of READYFOR; serves as a director of the NGO Accept International; and is the Head of Public Relations at Edmilson Funds Asia.
▼Speaker
Yuna Minami
Advocacy Officer
She is an Advocacy Officer at Accept International. Her commitment to conflict resolution was shaped through her close engagement with a friend from Afghanistan and her decision to dedicate herself to the work. After working in the private sector, she obtained a Master’s degree in a related field and joined the organization.She is currently engaged in collecting testimonies, including field-based interviews, from Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups (YANSAG) around the world, as well as conducting related research. She leads initiatives aimed at developing international norms and advancing advocacy efforts to promote the protection and empowerment of YANSAG.She holds an MA in Conflict, Emergencies and Peace (CEP) from the Faculty of Education at University College London.
▼What Attendees Say
30s Education Sector
I was shocked to learn that not everyone who joins an armed group does so of their own will, some have been brainwashed. Watching this film, I was struck by the fact that they were just ordinary people, like us. It really drove home the importance of hearing directly from organizations that are actively engaged in this work, rather than just seeing reports in the news.
40s Healthcare Sector
I believe that it is precisely because we listen to what they want to say with an open mind that we can build trust and help them move toward rebuilding their lives. From a professional perspective, this is excellent counseling. It allowed me to truly feel the connection between my daily work and the wider world.
50s Civil Servant
Seeing young people working in dangerous conflict zones, I honestly felt a sense of discontent. All I can do is support people like you. I look forward to your future achievements as you carry the responsibility of building a lasting peace for the next generation.
▼Timeline
1. Introductory Lecture: |
Before watching the documentary film, a staff member will provide a brief overview of the issues we address and our approach to our work. |
2. Documentary Screening: |
We will screen a short version of the documentary “Why does the Japanese man engage them?”. |
3. Introduction to How to Support Our Initiative： |
As one meaningful way to participate in our peacebuilding initiative, we invite you to support our work through donations. |
4. Survey and Q&A： |
We will answer questions from participants. |
▼Register Now
▷Date：Tue. June 2nd, 7:00 pm–8:30 pm CDT (UTC-5) / 8:00 pm–9:30 pm EDT (UTC-4)
*Check-in starts at 6:55 pm CDT / 7:55 pm EDT
▷Location: Zoom
* The event URL will be sent to participants upon registration.
*Please note that this is a live-only event and no recording will be available.
▷Participation Fee：Free
* If you need to cancel on the day of the event, we kindly ask that you notify us at contact@accept-int.org at least one hour before the event begins.
