Date:0APPRAC 2024 Day 2: Asia Pacific Peace Research Conference
Location: TLH 1 Hall, Faculty of Technological Studies, University of Vavuniya (UOV)
APPRAC 2024 Day 2 brought together scholars, guests, and students at the University of Vavuniya. The day combined academic discussion, cultural celebration, and hands-on learning. Together, these activities advanced the conference’s mission of promoting peace and sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Opening Ceremony
Registration began at 8:00 AM. Guests then arrived at the Conference Main Hall. Participants honored tradition by lighting the lamp, which symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. A welcome dance followed and set the tone for the day.
The Convener of APPRAC 2024 delivered the welcome speech. He thanked all attendees and stressed the conference’s mission of promoting peace and sustainability.
Inaugural Address and Tribute
Maria Teresa Muñoz, Co-Secretary-General of the International Peace Research Association (IPRA), Argentina, graced the event. She delivered the inaugural address and underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving global peace.
Professor Matt Meyer then chaired a tribute to Professor Johan Galtung, widely regarded as the Father of Peace Studies. The tribute honored his seminal contributions to peace research.
Special Guest and Guest of Honor Speeches
Professor Roy Tamashiro from Webster University, USA, spoke as special guest. His talk, “Memorials & Museums for Peace: In Search of Peacebuilding for Tumultuous Times”, explored innovative approaches to peacebuilding today. Cultural performances followed.
Professor V Kanagasingam, Vice Chancellor of The Eastern University of Sri Lanka, and Professor Linda Groff, Director of Global Options & Evolutionary Futures Consulting, California State University, Los Angeles County, USA, gave the Guest of Honor speeches. Both stressed the role of academia in advancing peace and building cross-cultural understanding.
Keynote Speech and Panel Discussion
Professor Tatsushi Arai from Kent State University, USA, delivered the keynote speech. He spoke on “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence for Sustaining Peace and Democracy” and explained how technology can promote peace and democracy worldwide.
A panel discussion on “Artificial Intelligence for Sustaining Peace and Democracy” followed. Panelists from different disciplines explored ways to use technology for peacebuilding.
Workshops
After a tea break, esteemed scholars led workshops. Professor Tatsushi Arai taught “Intercommunal Reconciliation through Experiential Learning” to the Directors of the Social Reconciliation Centres, Sri Lanka. Dr. Wim Laven led “Forgiveness and Reconciliation in the 21st Century” and shared valuable insights into reconciliation processes.
Technical Sessions and Forest Pocket Park Visit
Parallel technical sessions covered diverse themes at various venues across the university. In addition, participants visited the Forest Pocket Park at the university. The visit connected them with nature and encouraged environmental stewardship.
Closing of Day 2
The day ended with a tea break. Participants used the time to network and recharge before the afternoon sessions.
Overall, Day 2 of APPRAC 2024 combined scholarly discussion, cultural celebration, and experiential learning. It furthered the conference’s mission of advancing peace and sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region.
