Global Youth: Demand UN to Allocate 0.5% of Military Spending for Cultural Preservation
Global Youth: Demand UN to Allocate 0.5% of Military Spending for Cultural Preservation
The Issue
- My Story:
Born to Pakistani and Filipino parents, and raised in Dubai, UAE, I have lived the contradictions the world calls ‘impossible’. At the age of 14, I watched my families bond over their cultures while our governments spread hate.
That day I realized: people don’t inherently hate; systems teach them to. Our generation, while some spread hate, most promote love and seek peace. We refuse to let historical conflicts dictate our future and call upon our leaders to support a new path. - Our Mission:
Currently, global military spending exceeds $1.9 trillion, according to SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). Even redirecting a small fraction of this— just 0.5% —to cultural preservation and exchange could fund numerous initiatives aimed at protecting endangered heritage and fostering understanding beyond borders.
Imagine what we could accomplish by reallocating these resources. First, we could protect endangered heritage sites in conflict zones from irreversible damage—preserving history and identity for future generations. These sacred sites, intrinsic to the culture and history of affected communities, face dire threats without immediate action. UNESCO notes that nearly half of the World Heritage sites in conflict regions are at risk.
Second, fostering youth-led cross-border collaborations would empower young people like myself, who straddle cultures and long for connection. By sponsoring exchanges and initiatives like these, we not only build empathy but also lay the groundwork for lasting peace.
Additionally, changing the narrative in our digital spaces is crucial. Social media platforms can be mandated to demote hate-filled content and prioritize sharing the richness of diverse cultures. These platforms reach millions and can play a vital role in depicting the beauty of our differences.
As third-culture youths, we see both the beautiful diversity and the rising hatred that surrounds us. We refuse to inherit wars we didn’t start. Instead of building bombs and borders, let's invest in bridges and peace. - Call to Action:
We urge the United Nations to take concrete action by redirecting a portion of global military spending to these essential programs. Support us in this mission to stop cultural genocide and promote harmony worldwide.
Please sign this petition and help us make this vision a reality.
"When they weaponize borders, we’ll build bridges."
2
The Issue
- My Story:
Born to Pakistani and Filipino parents, and raised in Dubai, UAE, I have lived the contradictions the world calls ‘impossible’. At the age of 14, I watched my families bond over their cultures while our governments spread hate.
That day I realized: people don’t inherently hate; systems teach them to. Our generation, while some spread hate, most promote love and seek peace. We refuse to let historical conflicts dictate our future and call upon our leaders to support a new path. - Our Mission:
Currently, global military spending exceeds $1.9 trillion, according to SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). Even redirecting a small fraction of this— just 0.5% —to cultural preservation and exchange could fund numerous initiatives aimed at protecting endangered heritage and fostering understanding beyond borders.
Imagine what we could accomplish by reallocating these resources. First, we could protect endangered heritage sites in conflict zones from irreversible damage—preserving history and identity for future generations. These sacred sites, intrinsic to the culture and history of affected communities, face dire threats without immediate action. UNESCO notes that nearly half of the World Heritage sites in conflict regions are at risk.
Second, fostering youth-led cross-border collaborations would empower young people like myself, who straddle cultures and long for connection. By sponsoring exchanges and initiatives like these, we not only build empathy but also lay the groundwork for lasting peace.
Additionally, changing the narrative in our digital spaces is crucial. Social media platforms can be mandated to demote hate-filled content and prioritize sharing the richness of diverse cultures. These platforms reach millions and can play a vital role in depicting the beauty of our differences.
As third-culture youths, we see both the beautiful diversity and the rising hatred that surrounds us. We refuse to inherit wars we didn’t start. Instead of building bombs and borders, let's invest in bridges and peace. - Call to Action:
We urge the United Nations to take concrete action by redirecting a portion of global military spending to these essential programs. Support us in this mission to stop cultural genocide and promote harmony worldwide.
Please sign this petition and help us make this vision a reality.
"When they weaponize borders, we’ll build bridges."
Support now
2
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Petition created on 5 August 2025