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Extremely Together

Conflict in Ukraine: A Statement from Extremely Together

“Peace must be sought, above all, because it is the condition for every member of the human family to live a life of dignity and security.”
– Kofi Annan

We are Extremely Together, a global youth movement working to prevent violent extremism and promote peace. Founded in 2016 by the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations and founder of the Kofi Annan Foundation, the late Kofi Annan, Extremely Together continues and expands his legacy to choose peace above war, freedom above oppression, and courage above fear.

Amid the violent attacks against and invasion of Ukraine, we stand in solidarity with its people in condemning the state-sanctioned terrorism that is needlessly hurting millions of individuals amidst a global pandemic.

We send strength to all people of Ukraine, particularly to young people who suffer disproportionately in times of conflict. Already before the Russian attack, OCHA estimated that 2.9 million people would be in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, due to the conflict in Donetska and Luhanska oblasts, COVID-19 and its related movement restrictions.

“We send strength to all people of Ukraine, particularly to young people who suffer disproportionately in times of conflict.”

Today we call on global leaders and key actors to put an immediate end to violence by prioritizing urgent diplomatic measures to de-escalate the situation. What is happening in Ukraine is creating ripples of impact across the world, harming democracy and the rights of all – now is the chance to take a firm stand on peace.

H.E. Kofi Annan wasted no opportunity to remind the world that every one of us has the right to exist and that right cannot be taken away. This is the legacy he left us with, and this is the legacy we continue to live out through Extremely Together.

We call on youth from all nations to set aside their differences and stand firmly against violence. Check-in on your friends across the world, hold political leaders to account, share this message. Youth of the world, you MUST be relentless in opposing tyranny.

Although this war looks beyond our control, we can join forces:

How you can help

– Follow how the situation evolves by using reliable social media and refrain from sharing information that is not accurate. The following media and fact-checking sites can help: 

– Join protests in your city and sign petitions,

– If you know families in Ukraine, share this emergency toolkit with them,

– Support Ukrainian NGOs and media outlets, you can find a comprehensive list here,

– The Khalifa Ihler Institute has also put together a list of ways to help on the Activism Academy website.

We must remain resolved on the matter so that people in Ukraine and worldwide are safer, more secure, and can access opportunities to realize their potential.

As Kofi Annan would tell us, youth must continue to secure the future of peace.

We are counting on you.

Signed by:

Arizza Nocum
Extremely Together Young Leader
Philippines

Fatima Zaman
Extremely Together Young Leader
United Kingdom

Bjørn Ihler
Extremely Together Young Leader
Nordics

Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi
Extremely Together Young Leader
Pakistan

Mimoun Berrissoun
Extremely Together Young Leader
Germany

Ndugwa Hassan
Extremely Together Young Leader
Uganda