Pray for Peace

As of 2016, one in every 100 humans is now either a refugee, internally displaced, or seeking asylum. We, as Global Citizens, stand proudly with, and as supporters of, refugee communities and vulnerable populations, regardless of their religion or origin.

On 6/19, we’re hosting our first Issue Time conversation on our Tumblr page that will deal with how the global community can support, improve the position of and stand in solidarity with refugees, and communicate how and why refugees are human beings, just like us, first and foremost.

MEET OUR PANELISTS:

Madge Thomas, Deputy-Director of Global Policy and Advocacy, Global Citizen

Madge is the Deputy Director, Global Policy and Advocacy for Global Citizen and, together with the GPA Director, managers Global Citizen’s campaigning priorities in four countries. She also leads on Global Citizen’s campaigns on Global Education, including education in emergencies, basic education and girls’ education. Madge is a qualified lawyer with over ten years of experience in human rights, international affairs and development, including within the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Piper Perabo; Actress, Activist, and IRC Voice; International Rescue Committee

Piper Perabo is a Golden Globe nominated actress. She can currently be seen opposite Antonio Banderas and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Lionsgate’s BLACK BUTTERFLY, a remake of French thriller PAPILLON NOIR by Herve Korian. She made her Broadway debut in Neil LaBute’s controversial play REASONS TO BE PRETTY, which was nominated for the Tony for Best Play. Outside of her work on screen and stage, Perabo became an IRC Voice to raise awareness of the refugee crisis in Europe and help those displaced by conflict, religious persecution and political oppression around the globe.

Elmo, Sesame Street Muppet

Elmo is a 3 ½-year-old furry red monster who lives on Sesame Street. Elmo loves making new friends and recently visited refugee children and families in Jordan.

Sherrie Westin, EVP for Global Impact and Philanthropy, Sesame Workshop

Sherrie Rollins Westin is EVP, Global Impact and Philanthropy for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street. Westin oversees the Workshop’s programs addressing the needs of children from India to South Africa to the U.S., providing early education through mass media and targeted initiatives. Under Westin’s leadership, Sesame Workshop and IRC are partnering to bring vital early learning and nurturing care to children and families affected by the ongoing civil war in Syria.

Yasmine Sherif, Director of Education Cannot Wait