The Foreign Service Journal, January 2006

This work entails a lot of long and often uncomfort- able travel in cramped airplane seats (no business class here!) and other modes of transportation, but all dis- comfort pales in the face of the plight of the people IMTD tries to help. Early on, John and his wonderful staff came to the conclusion that “women are the peace- builders in the world,” and yet they often live with less dignity than anybody else. To see the slightest glimmer of hope in their faces is incentive enough for us to con- tinue IMTD’s work. Examples of Success IMTD’s most recent success resulted from a pro- posal John made five years ago to the Indian and Pakistani governments to allow a “People’s Bus” to reunite Kashmiri people from both sides of the Line of Control, allowing them to visit each other. The first buses traveled from Srinagar to Muzzafarabad and back on April 7, 2005. Now, this humanitarian initia- tive continues to contribute to mutual help between the two countries after the devastating earthquake in the region last October. The People’s Bus is a perfect example of the work that IMTD does through its multi-track systems approach to peacebuilding. A small NGO, with little funding but with great ideas and out-of-the box thinking, IMTD is able to lay the groundwork, often also referred to as Track Two or citizens’ diplomacy, for Track One (government-to- government) resolution of a conflict. In some areas of ethnic or regional conflict, IMTD has been able to provide training in conflict resolution skills, F O C U S 34 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 6 Ambassador John W. McDonald, president and CEO of the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy, is a lawyer, diplomat, former international civil servant, development expert and peacebuilder. He spent 20 years of his career in Western Europe and the Middle East and worked for 16 years on United Nations economic and social affairs. Christel G. McDonald, a former European civil servant, is secretary of the IMTD Corporation and its historical researcher. The Embassy Plan Overseas Insurance Personal Auto & Contents Coverage Experience that helps you avoid the pitfalls of a highly complex business. Repeat business that results from providing what’s best for the customer not the agent nor the insurance company. Since 1969, Harry M. Jannette International has provided dependable coverage with U.S. carriers with a financial rating of A+ or higher to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel worldwide. Thus you gain the broadest U.S. terms and conditions and flexible value limits often not available from other insurance carriers. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: SEE OUR WEBSITE APPLICATIONS Harry M. Jannette International, L.L.C. 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 585 Dallas, Texas 75251-1334 Toll Free (800) 256-5141 (972) 783-4915 Fax (972) 783-0545 E-mail: hmjintl@jannetteintl.com www.jannetteintl.com • WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft, comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts. • U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an “Embassy Plan” policy. • FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact your post for compliance with local laws, Excess liability limits are available over local liability coverage. • PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods and transit, valuable articles, personal liability, life insurance . • EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Employee association insurance Including directors and officers. Your Reliable Choice