Submission Spindle
JJ in one tweet:
370 days, 10.000 km, 11 countries, 1.000.000 people. What better time to
step in the footsteps of Gandhi and come together for peace&justice. A
South-Global campaign to remind the world of the urgent need for dialogue and
accountability to achieve the SDGs, for all. #BeTheChange
Pitch (600 words)
“This is the time for ordinary people to remind citizens across the world
that we
need inclusive and equitable relationships. For people to walk, talk and
sing in
the reshaping of a world in which the diversity of people and nature can be
maintained.”
Jai Jagat, meaning 'victory for all', builds on years of grassroots and
nonviolence organising in India in an innovative attempt to take Gandhi's
message to the global stage that needs it more than ever. An international
Southern-led campaign combining large scale marching and mobilisation,
education and dialogue in ways that have never been done before.
[ From 2 October 2019 we march from New Delhi to Geneva to bring a message
of hope, dialogue and accountability to achieve the SDGs and leave no one
behind.]
Problem trying to solve:
Poverty, discrimination, conflict and climate change affect the lives of
many that are not heard as governments and global institutions continue to support
business as usual. Civil society is facing increased repression and
polarisation is growing, providing less ground for collaboration and finding
joint solutions. The SDGs provide a good framework to address a lot of the
issues that the world is facing in a holistic and inclusive manner IF there is
enough support from citizens, politicians and governments and IF the latter
ensure spaces for people and civil society to participate and bring solutions.
Meanwhile, people are looking for ways to engage and take action, move
beyond hatred and frustration or hopelessness. They are unaware of the amazing
things that have been achieved through mobilising people and nonviolence
action, the power of dialogue and the many examples of grassroots innovations
that can change the world.
Solution:
Jai Jagat aims to tackle above challenges through marching, nonviolence and
leadership training, Peace and Justice conferences in 15 countries, solidarity
actions in 20+ countries and a global dialogue forum in Geneva in order to:
- Increase voice and visibility of people in decisions that concern them.
Increase awareness of the issues they face and (grassroots) solutions that
already exist.
-Increase global solidarity and address fragmentation of civil society and
social movements working on different issues to foster action and dialogue
between them, as well as with decision-makers, particularly UN institutions.
- Increase awareness of the SDGs with the wider public, as well as pressure
on and inspiration for decision-makers to champion them and implement in
inclusive and just manner.
- Bring a message of hope and increase awareness and understanding of
nonviolence and how this is relevant today in the context of peace, justice and
the SDGs.
Jai Jagat is an initiative of Ekta Parishad, the Indian landless movement,
together with many Indian and international civil society organisations.
Building on work and consultations with Indian community organisations and
other partners, this action is grounded in the lives of people living
challenges of poverty, discrimination, conflict and climate change impacts
every day. It is a unique attempt to take this experience from the Global South
to the global stage by working with civil society in 15 countries the Long
March will go through between India and Switzerland, as well as many others
standing in solidarity and organising own local and national marches and events
- from Sweden to Senegal. Already 40+ partners signed up and will play
different roles along the way, from organising Peace&Justice conferences to
participating in nonviolence training to bringing supporters to the final event
in Geneva in oktober 2020. The canton of Geneva, ILO and other institutions
support as well.
Current update march:
The route is established, the core group of 50 marchers is recruited, the
website is up and the outreach is ongoing. We are currently working hard on
logistics of the Long March, which is covered for the initial 4 months
(India/Pakistan) but still needs much work for the rest of the route - including
civil society strengthening and movement building for active engagement in
those countries. Meanwhile the preparations for the arrival in Geneva and the
large people's and UN forums and gatherings taking place are in full force,
building on key thematic pillars of the March. Many actions will already take
place this summer in order to raise awareness and get people involved from
India to France to Senegal. The kick-off will be on the 2nd of October 2019,
the 150th birthday of Gandhi, after which the march will officially take of
from New Delhi.
We are finding many people are excited about the initiative and have
received support from high level individuals, institutions and civil society.
Why should JJ win:
Tackling global challenges requires a 'new' approach, and Jai Jagat is
bringing a time-tested bottom-up approach from India to the rest of the world.
An approach which is both inspirational and arrives with a practical toolset,
bringing added value to global debates and the much needed inclusive
implementation of the SDGs. Bringing together citizens and civil society
working on different issues under one banner will foster learning, dialogue,
cooperation and accountability for positive change.
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