Centre for Peace Studies,Sri Lanka

13/10/2024

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03/08/2024

Concept Paper for the International Diplomatic Conference

Title: Regional Diplomacy in a Multipolar World: Pathways to Peace and Stability
Dates: October 26-27-28, 2024
Venue: BMICH - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Organized by: Centre for Peace Studies Sri Lanka

Introduction
In an era characterized by geopolitical complexities and shifting alliances, regional diplomacy plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability. The ongoing conflicts and strained relationships across various regions, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the intricate dynamics involving Iran, the United States, and other global powers, necessitate a nuanced approach to diplomacy. This conference aims to explore the current geopolitical landscape, examine the roles of regional powers, and identify diplomatic strategies that can foster a peaceful and stable world order.

Objectives

1. Analyze Current Geopolitical Tensions:
- Understand the roots and ramifications of ongoing conflicts.
- Assess the impact of alliances and rivalries on regional stability.

2. Promote Multilateral Dialogue:
- Facilitate discussions among diplomats, scholars, and policymakers.
- Encourage collaborative approaches to conflict resolution.

3. Explore Diplomatic Strategies:
- Identify effective diplomatic practices for conflict mediation and peacebuilding.
- Highlight the role of regional organizations in fostering stability.

4. Develop Policy Recommendations:
- Formulate actionable policy recommendations for governments and international organizations.
- Promote frameworks for sustainable peace and development.

Conference Themes

1. Geopolitical Dynamics and Regional Stability
- Analysis of the Russia-Ukraine war and its global implications.
- The Israel-Palestine conflict: historical context and future prospects.
- The role of Iran in regional politics and its relations with global powers.

2. Regional Powers and Their Diplomacies
- India's strategic positioning in South Asia and its relationships with China and Pakistan.
- The influence of China in regional and global politics.
- The evolving relationships between Arab nations and Israel.

3. Alliances and Rivalries
- The impact of the Iran-Russia-China alliance on global geopolitics.
- The United States' strategic interests and its relationships with regional powers.
- The role of smaller nations in navigating complex alliances.

4. Pathways to Peace and Stability
- Effective diplomatic strategies for conflict resolution.
- The role of regional organizations like SAARC, ASEAN, and the Arab League.
- Promoting dialogue and cooperation for sustainable development.

Format
Day 1:
Inaugural Session: Keynote addresses by eminent diplomats and scholars.

Panel Discussions:
Panel 1: Geopolitical Dynamics and Regional Stability
Panel 2: Regional Powers and Their Diplomacies

Workshops:
Workshop 1: Conflict Resolution Techniques
Workshop 2: Role of Regional Organizations in Peacebuilding

Day 2:
Panel Discussions:
Panel 3: Alliances and Rivalries
Panel 4: Pathways to Peace and Stability

Roundtable Discussions: Multilateral dialogue sessions on specific conflicts.
Policy Formulation Session: Development of actionable policy recommendations.
Closing Ceremony: Summarization of key takeaways and future steps.

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced Understanding: A deeper insight into the complexities of regional geopolitics.
• Strengthened Networks: Building connections among diplomats, policymakers, and scholars.
• Policy Recommendations: Concrete suggestions for fostering regional and global peace.
• Increased Collaboration: Encouraging cooperative efforts among nations and regional organizations.

Conclusion
The International Diplomatic Conference organized by the Centre for Peace Studies Sri Lanka aims to address the intricate web of geopolitical tensions and foster a dialogue-driven approach to peace and stability. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the conference will contribute to the development of innovative diplomatic strategies and the promotion of a more peaceful world order.

Contact Information:
Prof Dr Riyas Sulaima Lebbe
Centre for Peace Studies Sri Lanka
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +94 77 607 6741
WhatsApp: +94 774056741

30/07/2024

Registration Now on

29/07/2024

Classes starts in August 15, 2024

26/07/2024

25/07/2024

Study Medicine in Malaysia and Belarus 2024

11/07/2024

Immediate vacancies

02/07/2024

Turkey's diplomacy during periods of conflict in Gaza, such as the Gaza War, typically involves several key elements and objectives:

1. Political Support for Palestinians: Turkey has historically been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and statehood. During conflicts in Gaza, Turkey often condemns Israeli military actions and calls for international intervention to protect Palestinian civilians. Turkish leaders, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have criticized Israeli policies and actions in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian impact on Palestinians.
2. Humanitarian Aid and Assistance: Turkey frequently provides humanitarian aid and assistance to Palestinians affected by conflict in Gaza. This includes medical supplies, food aid, and reconstruction efforts to support Gaza's infrastructure damaged during military operations. Humanitarian missions from Turkey often coordinate with local authorities and international organizations to deliver aid directly to affected communities.
3. Diplomatic Initiatives and Mediation Efforts: Turkey seeks to play a diplomatic role in resolving conflicts in Gaza through mediation efforts and diplomatic initiatives. Turkish diplomats engage with regional and international counterparts to promote ceasefires, negotiations for peace, and resolutions at international forums like the United Nations.
4. Regional and International Diplomacy: Turkey engages in regional and international diplomacy to mobilize support for Palestinian causes and criticize Israeli military actions perceived as disproportionate or violating international law. This includes diplomatic engagements with Arab countries, European Union, United States, and other key stakeholders to advocate for Palestinian rights and address humanitarian crises in Gaza.
5. Public Diplomacy and Advocacy: Turkish leaders, including government officials and civil society representatives, engage in public diplomacy and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza. This includes media appearances, public statements, and organizing protests or solidarity events to express support for Palestinians and criticize Israeli policies.
Overall, Turkey's diplomacy during the Gaza War and similar conflicts underscores its commitment to Palestinian rights, humanitarian principles, and efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The country's approach combines political support, humanitarian aid, diplomatic initiatives, and public advocacy to influence international opinion and promote stability in the region.

Turkey's diplomacy during periods of conflict in Gaza, such as the Gaza War, typically involves several key elements and objectives.

1. Political Support for Palestinians: Turkey has historically been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and statehood. During conflicts in Gaza, Turkey often condemns Israeli military actions and calls for international intervention to protect Palestinian civilians. Turkish leaders, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have expressed concern about Israeli policies and actions in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian impact on Palestinians.

2. Humanitarian Aid and Assistance: Turkey frequently provides humanitarian aid and assistance to Palestinians affected by conflict in Gaza. This includes medical supplies, food aid, and reconstruction efforts to support Gaza's infrastructure damaged during military operations. Humanitarian missions from Turkey often coordinate with local authorities and international organisations to deliver aid directly to affected communities.

3. Diplomatic Initiatives and Mediation Efforts: Turkey seeks to play a diplomatic role in resolving conflicts in Gaza through mediation efforts and diplomatic initiatives. Turkish diplomats engage with regional and international counterparts to explore avenues for ceasefires, negotiations for peace, and resolutions at international forums like the United Nations.

3. Regional and International Diplomacy: Turkey engages in regional and international diplomacy with the aim of garnering support for Palestinian causes and expressing concern about Israeli military actions that are perceived as disproportionate or violating international law. This includes diplomatic engagements with Arab countries, the European Union, the United States, and other key stakeholders with the aim of advocating for Palestinian rights and addressing humanitarian crises in Gaza.

4. Public Diplomacy and Advocacy: Turkish leaders, including government officials and civil society representatives, engage in public diplomacy and advocacy campaigns with the aim of raising awareness about the situation in Gaza. This includes media appearances, public statements, and organizing protests or solidarity events to express support for Palestinians and to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza.

Overall, Turkey's diplomacy during the Gaza War and similar conflicts has demonstrated its commitment to Palestinian rights, humanitarian principles, and efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The country's approach combines political support, humanitarian aid, diplomatic initiatives, and public advocacy to influence international opinion and promote stability in the region.

02/07/2024

Congratulatory Message

On behalf of the Centre for Peace Studies Sri Lanka, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Salfia Umma on her esteemed appointment as the Head of the Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Commerce, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka.

We are immensely proud of your remarkable achievement and the dedication you have shown in your academic career. Your leadership and vision will undoubtedly bring new heights of success and innovation to the department.

May your tenure be filled with continued excellence and inspiration for both your colleagues and students. We wish you all the best in your new role and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of your contributions to the academic community.

With warm regards,

Dr S.L.Riyas
Centre for Peace Studies
Sri Lanka

25/06/2024

Study BEd/MEd @ CPS Sammanthurai. August Registration now on

20/06/2024

Summer School in Peace, Justice, and Security in South Asia in Sri Lanka

Welcome Note for the Centre for Peace Studies Sri Lanka's Summer School

Dear Participants,

Welcome to the Centre for Peace Studies Sri Lanka's Summer School in Peace, Justice, and Security in South Asia. We are thrilled to have you join us in the beautiful and culturally rich island of Sri Lanka for this transformative educational experience.

Our summer school is designed to provide you with in-depth insights into the critical issues of peace, justice, and security in the South Asian context. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, field visits, and interactive sessions, you will have the opportunity to learn from distinguished scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers who are at the forefront of these fields.

Sri Lanka, with its complex history and ongoing journey towards reconciliation and sustainable peace, serves as an ideal backdrop for this program. As you explore the island, you will witness firsthand the resilience and diversity of its people, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

We encourage you to engage actively, share your perspectives, and build lasting connections with fellow participants from around the world. Together, we will explore innovative approaches to fostering peace and justice, and contribute to the collective understanding of security in our region.

We hope you find this experience enriching and inspiring. Welcome to Sri Lanka, and to a summer of learning, growth, and collaboration.

Warm regards,

Prof Dr Riyas Sulaima Lebbe
Centre for Peace Studies Sri Lanka

13/06/2024

Sri Lanka Should Introduce Value Education in Each Grade to Foster a Peaceful Future Generation

In the pursuit of nurturing a harmonious and cohesive society, Sri Lanka stands at a pivotal juncture where the introduction of comprehensive value education across all grades could prove instrumental. This proactive step not only equips the younger generation with ethical principles but also cultivates empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity from an early age. Such an initiative is not merely aspirational but holds the potential to address historical societal challenges, particularly concerning ethnic relations and communal harmony.

Learning from the Past: Lessons of Ethnic Clashes

The scars of past ethnic clashes in Sri Lanka serve as poignant reminders of the consequences of societal divisions and the urgent need for inclusive education. The tumultuous periods, such as the communal violence in 1983 that sparked a prolonged civil conflict, underscored the destructive power of intolerance and misunderstanding. At its core, these conflicts often stemmed from a lack of mutual respect, ignorance of cultural differences, and the perpetuation of biases passed down through generations.

In contrast, envisioning a future where every child receives structured value education presents a transformative opportunity. By embedding values such as empathy, tolerance, non-violence, and respect for all communities within the curriculum, Sri Lanka can sow the seeds of peace early on. This educational approach goes beyond academic knowledge, fostering a mindset that values humanity above differences and seeks dialogue over discord.

Role of Comprehensive Value Education

Introducing value education in each grade ensures that students develop a strong moral compass alongside their academic pursuits. From primary school onwards, children can engage in age-appropriate discussions and activities that promote understanding of diverse cultures, religions, and traditions. By exploring historical narratives and contemporary issues through a lens of empathy and respect, students can appreciate the richness of Sri Lanka’s multicultural fabric and recognize the contributions of all communities.

Moreover, comprehensive value education equips young Sri Lankans with critical thinking skills to challenge stereotypes, combat discrimination, and advocate for social justice. By empowering students to uphold ethical principles in their daily lives, schools become nurturing environments where unity and acceptance thrive, paving the way for a future generation committed to peaceful coexistence.

Building a Peaceful Future

The benefits of integrating value education extend beyond individual classrooms to the broader societal landscape. A generation educated in the spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect is better equipped to navigate complex social dynamics, resolve conflicts peacefully, and contribute positively to national development. As Sri Lanka progresses towards a future marked by unity and prosperity, investing in the moral and ethical development of its youth becomes not only a moral imperative but also a strategic imperative for sustainable peace and progress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the introduction of value education in every grade in Sri Lanka represents a proactive step towards building a peaceful and harmonious society for future generations. By learning from the lessons of the past ethnic clashes and embracing a curriculum that promotes empathy, tolerance, and respect, Sri Lanka can cultivate a generation of young citizens who are equipped to uphold these values in their interactions and decisions. This holistic approach not only strengthens social cohesion but also lays the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive nation where diversity is celebrated and unity is cherished. Through education, Sri Lanka can indeed shape a brighter future where peace prevails and differences are embraced as sources of strength rather than division.