The University of Queensland is this year hosting the Annual Meeting of the Global Action for the Prevention of War Conference, to be held from February 8-11.
The Conference, organised by the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, the World Federation of United Nations Associations and the Global Action for Prevention of War, will feature addresses from high-profile speakers, including Major General Maurie McNarn, Australia's Director of Defence Intelligence.
Director of the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, Professor Kevin Clements, said he was pleased UQ was hosting the Conference's first visit to Australia.
"The Conference provides a networking opportunity for academics, policy makers and other interested parties working on peace and justice issues," Professor Clements said.
"We will be working on developing an integrated program of action for war prevention which can be utilised by individuals all over the world."
The Conference will feature presentations from 8am each day at Grace College on UQ's St Lucia Campus, and anyone interested is welcome to attend.
Several addresses which may be of interest are highlighted below:
The opening address, entitled "The Challenges Facing the UN in 2008", is scheduled for Friday, February 8, from 10am-11am, and will be presented by Pera Wells, Secretary General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations. Ms Wells, who has extensive international experience and was formerly an Australian diplomat, will speak on the contemporary challenges to the United Nations. She will also deliver a message from Hans Blix, former UN Chief Weapons Inspector.
Steve Killelea will present on the topic, "The Global Peace Index and Delivering Peace Dividends" on Friday, February 8 from 7pm-9.30pm. Mr Killelea, founder of Vision for Humanity, will discuss the relationships between peacebuilding efforts and the involvement of the business sector. This presentation will be of particular interest for those keen to learn more about the connections between the private sector, development and peacebuilding. A reception will follow the presentation at Grace College, in the dining hall.
Major General McNarn will give a presentation from 9am-10am on Sunday, February 10. The title of his address is "Positive and Negative Roles for the Military in Humanitarian Interventions: The Role of National, Regional and Global Organisations".
Professor Alex Bellamy from UQ's School of Political Science and International Studies will deliver a session entitled "The Role of the United Nations Emergency Peace Service (UNEPS) in the Responsibility to Protect" on Sunday, February 10, from 6.30pm-7.30pm. The presentation will be followed by a light reception.
Grace College is located on Walcott Street at UQ St Lucia.
Media inquiries: Professor Clements, (3365 1763, k.clements@uq.edu.au) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au)
