Jesse Jackson to promote peace here through a series of events
Bangkok Post - Thursday, October 02, 2003

Human Rights
Jesse Jackson to promote peace here through a series of events
10 Nobel laureates among guest speakers
US rights campaigner Jesse Jackson will kick off a series of talks, seminars workshops and artistic performances to promote a culture of peace to be held in Thailand between November and April next year

Thailand has been chosen to host this year's "Bridge - Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace", the tradition of peace summits which have been held in Europe since 1993.

Rev Jackson will give a keynote speech on "Can the United States become a Force for Peace - the US after the War of Iraq" on Nov 6 at Thammasat University's auditorium.

Other guest speakers include more than 10 Nobel prize laureates for peace, physics, chemistry, medicine and literature, leading figures in international politics, economy, science, culture and religion, and international artists and opera singers.

The topics range from "the role of science and technology in the quest for a world at peace" to "conflict resolution and humanitarian intervention in response to genocide" and "Muslim faith in non-Arab countries."

Uwe Morawetz, chairman of the Vienna-based International Peace Foundation, the main organizer, said Thailand was selected because Thai people 's self-confidence, open-mindedness and tolerance could provide a creative pathway towards peace.

Thailand was also well known for its King, who has worked tirelessly for peace and prosperity of all peoples, cultures and religions, he said.

Anand Panyarachun, chairman of the Thai advisory board for the events, said the conference would broaden Thai people 's vision on the global issues, generate new thoughts and create new cooperation with leading experts and academics.

He said the events were aimed at people from all walks of life, and that was why admission to all programmes would be free if charge.

Mr Anand said Thai translations might be provided for some talks to be held at educational institutes to attract wider audiences.

A series of talks will be held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Songkhla from November to April next year.

More information and events schedules can be found at www.peace-foundation.net

Preeyanant Phanayanggoor

Bangkok Post