Click here to see a Photo Slideshow from the World Peace Forum
Click on the Start button to see the opening speech by J. Brian Atwood, Chair of the AFS International Board of Trustees
The Peace Forum was the main event of the New York City anniversary weekend. The forum was an opportunity to convene distinguished guests as keynote speakers and panelists to discuss themes related to promoting peace, international diplomacy and the growing importance of intercultural education as a tool to promote wider global understanding and peace.
Panel topics (a list of speakers follows below):
- Peace in the Next Century—The Role of the UN: A discussion focused on UN peacekeeping forces and efforts in mediation and diplomacy
- Is Tolerance Fundamental: An Inter-faith dialogue about working toward peace across all religions
- Volunteerism for Peace: A session about the many governments and organizations around the world that have created and promoted the idea of volunteering for peace.
- High Tech Peace: An inspiring inside look at the innovative ways in which entrepreneurial companies are using today’s technologies to elevate the human condition.
- Intercultural Education—Pathways to Peace: Panelists will discuss challenges, opportunities and approaches for enhancing the role of intercultural education in creating pathways to peace.
- Today’s Ambulance Drivers: A discussion with international organizations that are recognized for their contributions to aid/rescue assistance and human rights protection
Featured guests and speakers included:
- Tadatoshi Akiba, Mayor of Hiroshima and 2004 World Mayor finalist for Asia
- Imam Arafat, Consultant to YES Program, founder Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation
- Carol Bellamy, President and CEO, World Learning (former Executive Director of UNICEF)
- Richard K. Betts, Professor War and Peace Studies at Columbia University
- Ken Burns, documentary film maker and producer
- Nicolas de Torrente, Doctors without Borders
- Margee Ensign, University of the Pacific, School of International Studies
- Matthew Flaherty, Founder, Kiva.org
- Edwin Gragert, Executive Director, iEARN
- Nancy Hunt, President, We Are Family Foundation
- Dr. Jane Holl Lute, Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, UN
- Gerhard Pfanzelter, Austrian Ambassador to the UN
- Traugott Schoefthaler, Founding Director, Anna Lindh Foundation for Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation
Address:
Columbia University
Alfred Lerner Hall
2920 Broadway at 115th Street
New York, New York 10027
Subway: 116th Street Stop on the 1 train.
