Welsh peace society announces new chair

A 26-year-old has been elected as the new chair of anti-war and violence Welsh campaigners Cymdeithas y Cymod.

Cymdeithas y Cymod is part of the international IFOR (International Fellowship of Reconciliation) peace movement which has branches across the globe.

Rhun Wmffre Dafydd was elected chair, with Laura Karadog as vice-chair.

A successor to poet and academic Mererid Hopwood, Rhun Dafydd will be the youngest ever chairman of the society, and said that he wants to raise the profile of pacifism in Wales, especially among the young generation.

Originally from the Vale of Glamorgan, Rhun has been part of the society’s executive committee for many years, leading on the communications and publicity side.

He said that his awareness of pacifism grew in his dealings with the Urdd at an early age, and he believes that through education it is possible to create a society that believes in non-violent action. He now lives in Cardiff and works for a communications company.

‘New era’

“It is an extremely exciting time for Cymdeithas y Cymod with increasing awareness of pacifism amongst the citizens of Wales and beyond,” he said.

“I look forward to working with Laura and the rest of the executive to create a new vision and era for Cymdeithas y Cymod.

“Although it is a challenging time socially and politically at the moment, it is a golden opportunity for society to take action and make a difference in Wales. As a nation with a history of mission for peace, I want to see Cymdeithas y Cymod continue to lead on pacifism by being an organization that is open and relevant to everyone in Wales ”

Laura Karadog who lives in Pontyberem said that she was looking forward to her role as vice-chair.

“It is a privilege to join such a dedicated group to work for peace. In a world that can feel so much out of our control, the Association of Reconciliation offers individuals constructive, positive ways to make a difference, and I look forward to having the opportunity to contribute to that,” she said.