At the Generation Change Fellowship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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April 4, 2019
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April 23, 2019

At the Generation Change Fellowship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

I’ve always wondered, “Is world peace possible?” Seeing and hearing about many incidences of violence and threats to peace around the world breaks my heart! Thousands of people lose their lives daily as a result of conflicts, uproars, wars and terrorist attacks. While it is heartbreaking recounting the avoidable loss of lives and properties, it is more saddening because the root causes of all these societal menaces are preventable.

So how do we make peace?

The answer is simple. We can stop all these hate tendencies if we choose to deliberately embrace and love one another despite our ‘differences’ because our differences are what make us unique as humans, they are what make us beautiful.

A daily conscious reminder that we will all leave this world someday should be enough reason for us to leave a bright legacy that will light the path for those coming behind us. After-all, who are we saving this planet for if we refuse to save and protect the people living on it?

I had read a lot about His Holiness the Dalai Lama (HHDL). Whenever I watched him speak and read his tweets, I usually dreamt of meeting him someday. That dream came true in 2018! I learnt what self-care and inner peace truly mean, and how I need to ‘save myself first’ because you cannot give what you don’t have, right?! I also learnt the art of joy and above all, I learnt so much about true leadership, resilience and sacrifice. HHDL is a global icon that I admire, most especially because he is a living legend and an inspiration to millions of people. I am grateful to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) for giving me the rare privilege of meeting him. It is an experience that I will never forget and will always make reference to because I had so many special moments with him (pictures don’t lie haha).

We all got to leave with a part of him in form of gifts and deep words of encouragement which we will always cherish!

Photo credit: United States Institute of Peace/ Rohini Das

The Generation Change Fellowship also gave me the opportunity to meet amazing and beautiful youth leaders from different parts of the world (war-torn zones to be precise). I got to learn about their hopes, dreams, aspirations and the work which they are all doing to ensure the world becomes better, safer and more sustainable. We tried new dishes and learnt different dance moves. We confided in one another, played games and had personal times to reflect and made the best of the moments we had. We were also given opportunities to speak and lend our voices for peace. We all came from different backgrounds, races, tribes and religions but what we had in common was that, we were all humans.

That is who we are first before belonging to any other group. Having this in mind is all we need to break stereotypes, treat one another better and stay united.

The thought leaders, trainers, staff and friends of USIP added so much flavor and color to our experience as they had something unique and tangible which they brought to the table. We visited historical places, learnt about Tibetans, watched debates and lots more! I was so encouraged and glad to see how the Tibetans felt safe and ‘at home’ despite living in another country. This is indeed proof that home isn’t necessarily a particular place, it is what and where you want it to be. It’s in your heart.


Photo credit: United States Institute of Peace/ Rohini Das (IG: @unboundether)

The world can only be better when we as individuals, strive to be better. The change we all seek is in each and every one of us. Our actions should do the talking. To save the world, we must search within ourselves to know what sets our souls on fire, what motivates us to speak up and what we all have in common. When we realize our true-selves and our purpose on earth, we will discover that we can and will change the world… just one step at a time!


Photo credit: United States Institute of Peace/ Rohini Das

Click here for more information about USIP

#USIP #GCF #HHDL #Dharamsala18 #Peace #MyPeople #LoveThemAll!

42 Comments

  1. Wadi Ben Hirki Ijapari says:

    Go girl! Keep up the good work!

  2. Wadi Ben Hirki Oluwatosin says:

    Beautiful! You go girl!

  3. […] Be sure to read the full and original post here on Wadi’s Website. […]

  4. Wadi Ben Hirki Gloria Akor says:

    “The change we seek is in each and every one of us.” Powerful words that are very true. Keep up the good work !

  5. Wadi Ben Hirki Boro says:

    ❤️ loved this! And the photossss 😍 “Our actions should do the talking…” no truer words! Thanks for sharing

  6. Wadi Ben Hirki Stella says:

    I got so emotional while reading this piece because you’ve described peace in one of the most beautiful way! I am more confident that the world can be better and it will be! One step at a time….. God bless you, I look forward to reading more of your stories.

  7. Wadi Ben Hirki Chidinma Aja says:

    This article made so much sense and I’m happy you explained the essence of peace in the world….. I also wish to meet His Holiness the Dalmai Lama

  8. Wadi Ben Hirki Ogeanna says:

    This is so amazing… More grace girl. God has blessed you🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  9. Wadi Ben Hirki Grace kwata zira says:

    God blessings will continue to shine on you baby. .😍😍😍😙😙

  10. Inspirational Wadi. I’m inspired

  11. Wadi Ben Hirki Esther Adebanjo says:

    This is amazing Wadi, keep up the good work

  12. Wadi Ben Hirki Moyo Aisida says:

    There’s definitely a need to break the stereotype. Thanks for this wonderful piece Wadi!

  13. Wadi Ben Hirki Keziah Mallam says:

    Such a beautiful piece, Wadi! The emphasis on becoming better versions of ourselves so that we can have a better version of our world in years to come is so important. Thank you sharing, sister!

  14. Wadi Ben Hirki Barnee says:

    ✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾🙅🏾‍♂️

  15. Wadi Ben Hirki Blessed Nuhu says:

    I love it! We must embrace our differences and learn to work together. Dreams do come true also! Stay blessed hehe

  16. Wadi Ben Hirki Kwame says:

    You’ve always been focused Wadi. Greater achievements ahead of you. God will direct your steps all the way!!!AMEN

  17. Wadi Ben Hirki Anna Suberu says:

    You’re an inspiration to us all 👏. Thanks for all that you do.

  18. Wadi Ben Hirki Benedicta Uweru says:

    World/Global Peace is possible. Thank you Wadi

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