Wales in Solidarity with the World: 100 years of Welsh Internationalism
Standing shoulder to shoulder to support and pursue peace with others around the world: Through the last century, individuals and communities throughout Wales have played a leading role in some of the defining international solidarity movements of our time. From building links with people and communities, to spearheading campaigns on human rights, peace, prosperity and justice, these human bridges continue to shape Wales' identity and role in the world today, contributing towards peaceful cooperation and interdependence. What lessons Could be drawn for Wales' role in a post-Brexit, globalised and interconnected world? How will future generations choose to shape the next 100 years?
We would love to hear from volunteers or contributors who can help us to tell this important part of Wales' peace building story: email walesforpeace@wcia.org.uk.
Campaigning & Protest Movements Volunteering, Education & Community Links Llangollen International Eisteddfod Devolution and the UN Development Goals
Campaigning and Protest Movements
Wales has a long tradition of pacifism, extending back to the activities supporting 'the Apostle of Peace' Henry Richard MP, who fought the slave trade and championed international arbitration to avoid outbreak of conflicts. These peace groups - an important part of Wales' cultural fabric and national identity - hold rich histories that WCIA are seeking to gather with the help of volunteers and students. Can you help tell the story for future generations and the wider world, of these campaigning movements that have contributed towards the search for international peace?
- The UK Peace Society, 1816-1930s (led by Secretaries from Wales throughout its history). Collection.
- Cymdeithas y Cymod / Fellowship of Reconciliation - 1914 to present
- Spanish Civil War, 1936-9: 'Wise & Foollish Dreamers' Project (HLF / WCIA Project 2012) + BBC Article
- Civil Rights: Paul Robeson, the Welsh Miners Unions and the Civil Rights Movement + BBC Broadcast
- Nuclear Weapons: CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) Cymru - 1958 to present. Explore 'Heddwch' magazine archive on People's Collection Wales.
- CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) Cymru - 1958 to present. See local groups in Wales supporting CND; View 'Heddwch' magazine digitisations and other resources on People's Collection; view CND history on Wikipedia; find out about National Library CND archives; view Bradford Peace Museum banners collection; view CND / Indymedia article on Armed Forces Day 2015, Colwyn Bay; view July 7th 2017 UN Nuclear Arms Treaty news.
- Wales Anti-Apartheid Movement - 1981 to 1994. Archives; Book.
- Jubilee 2000 Wales
- Cynefin y Werin Peace and Justice Network, 2001-9.
- Stop the War Wales (2002)
- Make Poverty History in Wales (2005)
Volunteering and Country Links
Wales has a remarkable story to tell of 'people to people' connections with communities across the world, building on connections borne out of diaspora heritage, missionary travels or friendship links that led to lifelong associations. These 'everyday ambassadors', including volunteers young and old, have built direct solidarity, skills and educational exchange programmes, facilitated small scale development cooperation in complement to aid and humanitarian agencies, and built community projects and initiatives that bring people together between Wales and the world.
- Wales Somaliland Links (1870 to present)
- Wales Congo Links (1885 onwards)
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Wales' European Town Twinning Movement, post WW2
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UNA International Service Work Camps (post-WW2) - view Robert Davies' Diary
- Cymru Ariannin (Argentina - 1939 to present) and Y Wladfa Patagonia 150, 150th Anniversary of the only Welsh language 'colony'.
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UNA Exchange (1973 to present)
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Dolen Cymru Wales Lesotho Link (1985 to present)
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Cymru Cuba (1982 to present)
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Wales Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign (1986 to present)
- Wales Haiti (2000)
- Croeso Calcutta Christian Aid / Urdd Wales India Exchange programme (2001-4)
Welsh Civil Society, UN Development Goals and 'Wales for Africa'
Following devolution and creation of the Welsh Assembly in 1997, there was a revitalised national interest in developing Wales' distinctive contribution towards international development - focusing from 1999 around the 8 UN Millennium Development Goals. - The UN Millennium Development Goals / MDGs (2000-2015)
- Cyfanfyd - Development Education Association for Wales (1991-2013)
- WCVA Welsh Civil Society Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Task Force (2001 - 2014)
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Wales for Africa Welsh Government and civil society programme (2004 to present)
- Wales Africa Community Links (2006-2015)
- Wales for Africa Health Links Network (2006 - present)
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Size of Wales (2010 to present)
- WAGE - Wales Alliance for Global Education (2015 onwards)
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals / SDGs (2015-2030):
Llangollen International Eisteddfod: 70 years of Peace Heritage, 1947 - 2017
Following the end of World War 2 in 1946, Welsh composer Gwynn Williams and British Council official Harold Tudor set about organising Wales' first international festival of music and culture, with a mission to 'heal the effects of war' and promote intercultural celebration. Today it has grown to become a truly global event, attracting 5,000 performers a year from 50 countries. More...
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