Wars don’t end with the last gunshot or explosion. Broken economies, fractured societies, and the wounds in people’s hearts remain long after the fighting stops, making reconstruction an uphill battle. Stories of nations torn apart by conflict often go unheard, buried beneath the louder narratives of global politics.
The reality of conflict-affected nations is like small stones hidden in a vast world—visible but overlooked.
But Xanana Gusmão saw the potential in these overlooked stones. He believed they could come together to transform the world. In 2010, he created g7+, a platform to amplify the voices of conflict-affected nations and bring their stories to the global stage.
“We must tell our stories ourselves.”
This conviction was the foundation of g7+.
g7+ is more than a coalition of nations. It is a platform for countries with histories of conflict to share experiences, learn from one another, and build a brighter future together.
Through his leadership in East Timor’s independence and reconstruction, Gusmão realized that international aid alone could not create sustainable change.
Conflict-affected nations needed to take ownership of their rebuilding efforts.
g7+ serves as a bridge, empowering these nations to lead their reconstruction processes while connecting their efforts to global support networks.
Core Principles of g7+
1. Self-Reliant Solutions: Build the capacity to solve problems independently, without solely relying on external aid.
2. Solidarity and Cooperation: Share experiences and foster mutual learning and growth among member states.
3. Global Advocacy: Break through international indifference and amplify the realities of conflict-affected nations.
Today, g7+ comprises more than 20 member nations, including Afghanistan, Liberia, South Sudan, and East Timor, working together to create lasting peace and stability.
◎ Gaining Global Attention
g7+ has partnered with international organizations like the United Nations, the World Bank, and the IMF to amplify the voices of its member nations. Countries like East Timor and Liberia have become recognized models of successful post-conflict recovery through their involvement with g7+.
◎ A Roadmap for Post-Conflict Recovery
Member nations have shared their recovery experiences, enabling others to develop effective strategies. Sierra Leone, for instance, drew lessons from East Timor’s approach to rebuilding peace.
◎ Data-Driven Solutions
g7+ collects and analyzes economic, social, and political data from member countries, using this information to propose policies and connect nations to targeted international support.
◎ Sustainable Reconstruction Support
Through g7+, member nations have participated in capacity-building programs, strengthening governance, rule of law, and human rights protections as the foundation for lasting recovery.
but together we can build a stronger future.
”
This message from Xanana Gusmão is not just an inspiring statement; it is a testament to the hope embodied in g7+ and a guiding light for global cooperation.
g7+ delivers a clear message to the world:
Peace is not merely the absence of war but a process we create together.
The voices of conflict-affected nations are essential to global transformation.
Solidarity and collaboration are the keys to rebuilding and development.
A Message for the Future: Building Sustainable Peace
Through g7+, Xanana Gusmão has awakened the world to the needs of conflict-affected nations, empowering them to rebuild and collaborate for lasting change.
Now, it’s up to us to listen to their stories and join in their efforts for peace and reconstruction. The changes they create are not just theirs—they are a transformation for us all.
“
Peace is not something that is given
—it is something we must create by joining hands.
”
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