HWPL Round Table Discussion in Peace Education, International Law and Human Rights: Fostering Multi-level Dialogue and Solutions for Peace

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of LIght (HWPL) Victoria, an international NGO affiliated with UNESCO, held the Round Table Discussion in the Dandenong Civic Centre, Dandenong on Saturday, 23 September 2023. The event was attended by prestigious figures from different levels of society engaging in the discussion.

The round table discussion serves as a platform to have an in-depth dialogue to share ideas and plan solutions for the future. Three important topics: Peace Education, the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) international law, and Human Rights, were discussed to promote a comprehensive understanding of each subject and develop practical strategies for a more peaceful and fair world.

Mr. Ian Howie, an Adjunct Professor in International Studies from RMIT, Mr. Bruce Atkinson, former member of parliament, Mr. Rual Thang, a Myanmar Researcher in political conflict, and Ms. Sarah Chong, a team leader of MiCare, were the speakers among the few audience members on the Human Rights table. The table discussed a few important examples of human rights issues that have to be tackled such as rights of women, and human rights violation due to religion and climate change.

Mr. John Gulzari, a refugee advocate and president for MACHID, Inc, Mr. Peter Mamer Aguto, CEO & founder of Multicultural Youth Support Services, and Marama Kufi, Director at Oromia Support Group Australia, were the speakers among the audiences on the Peace Education table. Everyone agreed that peace education is important and must be pushed to be implemented into schools. Partnerships with different stakeholders, creating peace clubs, and creating campaigns are suggested to push peace education for the students.

On the DPCW table, Professor John Langmore from Initiative for Peace Building at University of Melbourne, Ms. Dot Haynes, secretary for the Returned and Services League of Australia, and Associate Professor Costas Laoutides from International Relations at Deakin University were the speakers on the tablet. During the discussion, it is concluded that among all sectors of society, the common thread that the DPCW aims to address is the challenge of coexistence and self-determination, which is not accounted for in the current UN Charter. Therefore, the discussion concluded that implementing the DPCW in the UN would further promote peace to be achieved.

Ms. Rabecca Mphande, President of Afriaus Ileac and a school teacher who was part of the Peace Education Discussion table reflected on the importance of discussion and planning to progress Peace Education , “We should continue engaging to get more ideas. I’d like the suggestions to be carried out from the discussion. For example peace education clubs in lunch-time clubs. I’d like to see partnering with key stakeholders (local level, state level, department of education) to strategize how to achieve peace.”

Mr. Costas Laoutides, Associate Professor of International Relations from Deakin University reflected on the DPCW discussion, “DPCW is a very important document that needs to be embraced by communities around the world. And it should be the starting point for conversations that need to be taken and need to be pushed forward. So I think that this DPCW is a very robust starting point for peace, education.”