Top ten projects to look out for in 2021

The third edition of the annual Paris Peace Forum (PPF) brought together international speakers and audiences to discuss and shed light on global humanitarian issues. As part of the three-day event (November 11-13) and the PPF’s commitment to advance governance solutions, scale-up projects, and launch new initiatives, the Call for Projects launched in March 2020. Out of a record 850 applications from NGOs, local authorities, companies, and more, 100 projects were selected to be presented at the forum, with 46 of these focused on the immediate responses to the health, social, and economic crisis  (Paris Peace Forum, 2020b). The PPF’s Scale Up committee has selected the top ten projects, which it will support through assisting in visibility and venture aid, and lobbying (Paris Peace Forum, 2020a). The projects (Paris Peace Forum, 2020b):

1. AI For Climate Organization: Minds, MexicoTarget location: Mexico, United Arab Emirates, CanadaTheme: Environment Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address the climate issues of biodiversity loss, climate change and financing global sustainability, the AI for Climate sets out to protect natural reserves throughout the globe.
2. European Response to Electoral Cycle Support in Ethiopia Organization: European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), Belgium Target location: Ethiopia Theme: Peace and Security The European Response to Electoral Cycle Support in Ethiopia (EURECS and PEV Ethiopia) has been set up to facilitate an inclusive and democratic electoral process in the 2020-2025 Ethiopian elections. This will be done through effective electoral management and leadership in Ethiopia, with funding from the European Union and Germany.
3. Leaving No One Behind: Empowering Indigenous Women in The Post-Covid19 Tourism Recovery Organization: World Tourism Organization, SpainTarget location: Mexico, Peru, GuatemalaTheme: Inclusive Economy Focusing efforts initially in Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala, the project is designed to increase inclusion and participation of indigenous women within the socioeconomic environment, through implementing a comprehensive toolkit and mentorship. The aim is to empower and benefit women economically and socially.
4. People for Nature Organization: WWF Russia, RussiaTarget location: Eastern Europe and Central AsiaTheme: Environment Working throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the project offers support and training on scientific, practical, administrative, and legal matters to existing environmental NGOs within the regions. People for Nature also provides a networking platform, as well as training and grants programs. Since 2019, 17 environmental NGOs have already received 19 grants.
5. Justice for All Program and Emergency Covid Prison Relief Programme Organization: The Perfector of Sentiments Foundation (POS), GhanaTarget location: GhanaTheme: Peace and Security The Justice for All Program (JFAP) works through utilizing technology to decongest prisons in Ghana. Through technology and criminal justice procedures, JFAP uphold prisoner’s rights whilst maintaining Covid-19 protocols. It also provides training sessions and advocacy for a Non-Custodial Sentence Regime, championing community service over incarceration for petty crimes to prevent and reduce overcrowding in prisons.
6. Sustained Multi-Month Operation of Multi-Purpose Drones for Humanitarian and Development Outcomes Organization: Swoop Aero PTY Ltd., AustraliaTarget location: Sub-Saharan AfricaAiming to change the health supply chain, Swoop Aero’s initiative provides drone logistics operations to deliver sustainable, safe, and reliable provisions of healthcare supplies and services. The project is currently operating in Vanuatu, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chikwawa, and Malawi.
7. Safe trade as a way to peace in Africa Organization: TradeMark East Africa, KenyaTarget Location: Sub-Saharan AfricaTheme: Inclusive Economy This project aims to mainstream safe trade across Africa to create a positive post-Covid recovery. One of the main strategies in doing so is by creating more internal trading throughout the African continent through opening borders.
8. Pour L’inclusion des Talibés Au Mali Et Au Sénégal (For the inclusion of Talibés in Mali and Senegal) Organization: Secours Islamique France, France Target location: Mali, Senegal Theme: Culture and Education Operating within Mali and Senegal, this project works to strengthen the capacities of authorities and civil society to integrate talibé (Qur’anic) schools into the formal education system.
9. The Global Barometer of Cultural and Religious Pluralism Organization: Observatoire Pharo, France Target location: France, Lebanon, Mali Theme: Peace and Security A measurement methodology, which sets out to create an indicator that will show the respect for plurality and social cohesion in diverse societies. It can be mobilized as a tool in a variety of contexts: monitoring and evaluation, advocacy and action, and to understand and identify tensions to prevent conflicts.
10. The International Fact-Checking Coronavirus Facts Alliance Organization: The International Fact-Checking Network, United States Target location: International Theme: Peace and Security The #CoronaVirusFacts/#DatosCoronaVirus Alliance was founded in January 2020 as a collaborative effort by over 100 fact-checkers across the world in publishing, sharing, and translating facts about Covid-19. Its goal is to stop the spread of fake news about the disease and debunk false information.

The record-breaking number of projects submitted to this year’s forum shows the sheer strength in humanity’s efforts to combat issues in the face of a global crisis. The top ten will continue grow with the support of expert assistance, whilst all the selected projects have gained exposure, which will allow them to progress in a positive direction. For more information on the projects, please visit https://parispeaceforum.org/2020-selected-projects/.