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For decades, MPACS student Afnan Aleem has situated himself in the center of some of the world’s most critical humanitarian crisis zones. As a Risk Management leader at Save the Children, he has spent most of the last decade supporting humanitarian assistance in war zones of Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Ukraine, Gaza, and Afghanistan – just to name a few. From being posted in Pakistan during the 2010 floods to negotiating humanitarian access with the Houthis in Yemen, he has gained deep knowledge and practical experience in the domain of peace and conflict. Yet even someone as experienced as him recognizes the value of the MPACS program, where he is currently completing his 2nd term as a graduate student – a choice he said is “only growing my knowledge and interest for the field.”

Afnan spent the last 20 years working in safety and crisis management, crediting his learning to the mentors and conflict dynamics around him. “I always felt that apart from what my experiences have taught me, there is a much deeper spectrum of knowledge and perspectives in my field that I should pursue,” he said. “The amazing body of knowledge and practitioner’s research along with the chance to network with other peacemakers have all been part of what I envisioned would help strengthen my learning.” This desire for further education led Afnan to the MPACS program, which encompasses every part of his goal.

Afnan’s travels across all 5 continents and to almost every major war zone have shaped his perspectives on conflict. “When I think about conflict, it’s always two sides with weapons and undeniable will who are fighting back and forth, with roots in religious or ethnic elements.” After twelve weeks of classes, Afnan reflected on his growing perspective since learning more about Indigenous-settler disputes in Canada, tying in concepts separate from war, but related to systemic racism and troubling power dynamics. “Visiting a residential school, hearing stories from survivors, and absorbing that environment was truly powerful,” said Afnan. “It is interesting to discuss differing types of conflict and add new tools to my skill set. I am glad that MPACS provides a broad-spectrum approach.”

Afnan has worked with humanitarian camps in the heat of 52-degree Celsius Iraqi summers. He was among the first group of humanitarian workers to reach Ukraine’s Donbas region and established aid corridors during the war of 2014. He has navigated the streets of a militia-ruled Libya. His eye-opening stories and experiences are a testament to his extensive experience with peacebuilding. “The nature of this field is that constant learning is required,” he said, reflecting on his years in the peacebuilding industry. “Every story and experience strengthens the sense and reason of what you are doing, but it should also question your understanding of why things happen and what we can do. I am excited to see how the MPACS program will impact my learning and understanding of a field that is remarkably close to my heart.”