Mangaluru University to Host Global Conference on Peace and Inclusive Societies
St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru is set to organize a significant two-day international conference focused on fostering peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. The event, scheduled to commence on January 28, was announced by Rev Fr Melwyn D'Cunha, the pro vice-chancellor, during a press briefing held on Friday.
Conference Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals
Organized by the School of Arts and Humanities, this conference is strategically aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which emphasizes the creation of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. The gathering aims to bring together a diverse group of participants, including academics, researchers, policymakers, professionals, and students from both India and abroad.
Key discussion topics will encompass peace-building strategies, the development of inclusive institutions, human rights, governance frameworks, and the pivotal role of technology and artificial intelligence in enhancing social harmony.
Inaugural Session and Keynote Address
The inaugural session on January 28 will be graced by Darshan HV, the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, who will officially inaugurate the conference. The keynote address will be delivered by Shanthie M D'Souza, a distinguished expert in strategic studies.
D'Souza, who serves as the founder and president of the Mantraya Institute of Strategic Studies (MISS), a senior research fellow at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a visiting faculty member at the Naval War College in Goa, will focus her address on the central theme of 'Peaceful and Inclusive Societies'.
National and International Speakers
The conference will feature an impressive lineup of national and international speakers, including Krishna Raj from the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in Bengaluru, Rev Joachim Andrade from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil, Ute Ritz-Deutch from Binghamton University in the USA, and Alexandru Balas from SUNY Cortland in New York, USA.
Panel Discussions and Technical Sessions
A dedicated panel discussion is scheduled, with Raju K, the additional deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, speaking on 'Strengthening Institutions to Promote Peaceful Societies'. Other notable panellists include Fr Rosan Roy, assistant director of LIPI in Kochi, who will discuss 'Cultivating Peace Narratives in Higher Education: Approaches and Pathways'.
Prof Rajram Tolpady, former professor of political science at Mangalore University, will explore the topic 'Violence and Nonviolence?: For a Sustainable Society', while Ruksana Hassan, a child psychologist, will address 'Building Peaceful Communities'.
In addition to plenary talks, the conference programme includes technical sessions and paper presentations that will be conducted across multiple parallel halls, allowing for in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing.
Collaborations and Sponsorship
This international conference is being organized in collaboration with esteemed academic partners from around the world, including Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan, SUNY Cortland in the USA, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil. The event is proudly sponsored by Global Degrees, highlighting its global significance and reach.
