ICHR 2023 Harmony Reconciliation – Conference Objectives
The ICHR 2023 Harmony Reconciliation Conference is hosted by the Harmony Centre, University of Vavuniya, on 19th and 20th January 2023. Established under University Grants Commission Circular No. 10/2021, the Harmony Centre promotes understanding across religious and ethnic communities while advancing the Sri Lankan spirit of unity. Furthermore, ICHR 2023 aligns its goals with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, the conference provides international and regional scholars a platform to explore conflict resolution from multiple perspectives.
- Reflect on the theme of harmony and reconciliation from a historical, theological, economic, social, political, educational, environmental and other perspectives
- Meet and reflect critically on the theme of harmony, peace and reconciliation.
- Make policy recommendations to faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGO), international development organizations and national organizations.
- Publish papers with discussion and conclusion.
Moreover, ICHR 2023 focuses on the theme of “Harmony and Development through Knowledge and Innovation towards Nation Building”. In addition, the conference provides an opportunity to review past progress and chart further directions in fostering peace and harmony based on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Conference Programme and Sessions
Local and international research scholars, experts, artists, religious leaders, devotees and practitioners will attend the conference over two days. The organizers will invite dignitaries from other countries to attend the inaugural and closing sessions. Additionally, the conference delegates will attend a reception and cultural events hosted by the organizing committee.
The schedule of conference activities has two key components: Research Sessions and the Harmony Exhibition. Furthermore, the research sessions rely less on paper reading and lectures. Instead, the format actively engages participants to give deeper insights into each topic.
Following two types of research sessions will feature the conference:
Panel Sessions
These sessions happen concurrently at the conference venue and provide an opportunity for multiple presenters to speak on a common conference theme. Furthermore, panelists actively lead presentations followed by a questions and answers segment to encourage open discussion among participants.
Discussion Sessions
These are specially selected sessions that provide an in-depth look at a specific conference topic from one person’s research or practice. Each session follows an interview format in which a moderator interviews an expert to explore their work, knowledge and personal stories. Moreover, the moderator actively engages the audience in questions and comments throughout the session.
Together with high quality research, the conference hosts a harmony show featuring an exhibition of art, posters, cartoons and crafts. As a result, local and international artists and skilled persons present the outstanding beauty of peace, harmony and reconciliation through their exhibition works and visual stories. Attendees can walk around and interact with all exhibition works on display throughout the conference.
ICHR 2023 Conference Tracks
- Conflict Resolution and Peace Building
- Social Cohesion and Reconciliation for Development
- Communal Harmony and Social Development
- Unity of Diversity towards Nation Building
- Peace and Sustainable Development
- Towards Harmony with Nature
- Role of Art and Culture in Peace Building
- Role of Digital Media toward Peace Building
- Literature for Peace
- Partnership & sustainable development
Therefore, researchers and practitioners from diverse disciplines actively contribute to these tracks. Consequently, the conference enriches the overall knowledge exchange among participants from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, USA, UK, Nepal, Slovenia and Sweden.
Chief Guest
Senior Prof Sujeewa Amarasena, Chairman, CVCD (Vice Chancellor
University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka)
Guest of Honour
Dr Senthan Selvarajah, Co-Director, Centre for Media, Human Rights and Peacebuilding, London & CEO, The Gate Foundation, UK.
Prof. Svanibor Hubert Pettan, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Special Guest
Rajib Timalsina, Assistant Professor, Department of Conflict, Peace and Development Studies, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Keynote Speakers at ICHR 2023
The ICHR 2023 Harmony Reconciliation event features three distinguished keynote speakers. In addition, the program includes three invited panel discussions with thirteen panelists and four moderators from multiple countries.
Professor Mohammed Abu-Nimer, Director, Peacebuilding and Development Institute, American University, Washington, USA
Emeritus Professor Savitri W E Goonesekere, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo
Prof. T.Jeyasingam, Former Vice Chancellor, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
About the Harmony Centre – University of Vavuniya
The Harmony Centre at the University of Vavuniya actively works to build bridges across communities throughout Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the centre develops sustainable research from a global perspective, collaborating with international scholars and organizations. Therefore, the ICHR 2023 Harmony Reconciliation Conference is a testimony to the strong research culture prevailing at the University of Vavuniya.
For more information, visit the Harmony Centre at University of Vavuniya. Additionally, for academic regulations, visit the University Grants Commission Sri Lanka.