The “United Nations” is synonymous with oneness, fairness, and peace. Taking forward their legacy is a team of extraordinary individuals, who ensure the basis of the creation of this entity is met.
The U.N. Peacekeeping Forces and the vast teams at their disposal are why the U.N. can do such groundbreaking work. As the U.N. is the most immeasurable organization, it hires the best to deliver results as well.
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting one of them.
Rhea Mahanta — Peacemaker by heart
A political scientist specialising in International Security and Conflict Resolution, currently working as a Civil Affairs Officer at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan — Ms. Rhea Mahanta is the textbook definition of being a ‘human.’
Rhea is the Founder and President of “The Peacebuilding Project“, an entirely volunteer-led organization committed to conflict transformation, mediation, and peace-building. The impact that the U.N. Peacekeeping Forces have in conflict zones is immense, and Rhea is one of the unsung heroes making a real difference.
She has trained Peacekeeping Forces from over 33 countries on Conflict Resolution, Mediation and Negotiation before their deployment in field missions worldwide. Born in the conflict-prone region of Northeast India, Rhea’s first-hand experiences have been a driving force behind her vision to empower communities through peace and non-violence.
From working in organizations like Syria Faith initiative, Syrian Community Network, Udayan Care, Mission Smile to working in Deepjyoti School in Assam, Rhea is on a mission to serve the underprivileged and vulnerable populations of our society.
Dream big, start small
Over a special guest webinar, Rhea had conversations with FVI students, sharing her journey from a Political Science student at the University of Delhi to The Founder of The Peace Building Project at U.N.
Students were intrigued and motivated to realize the change that can be brought in the world with the exemplary courage and motivation Rhea shows, with her education put to the right use.
“What is it about the world that makes you want to learn more about it? It could be nature, human behavior or anything else. For me, I wanted to understand the concept of inequality. Not just of wealth, but rights and freedoms. I didn’t know who I wanted to work for, but I knew I didn’t want to work for a corporation, which in turn harmed our environment and polarized wealth.” – Mahanta
While many look forward to landing the perfect job, Rhea works too, but for others. With many like Rhea work relentlessly to steer humanity into world peace, the future seems to be in the right hands.
