CMU host for Nobel Laureates with lectures, workshops and seminars

Chiangmai Mail - Saturday, November 08, 2003

Thailand has been chosen as the host country for 'Bridges-Dialogues towards a Culture of Peace'. H.E. Anand Panyarachun, the former prime minister, is chairman of the Thai Advisory Board for this event. In his opening address in Bangkok he said, 'The multidisciplinary and pluralistic approach of the event's program reflects that peace involves ass parts of society. It involves awareness and social responsibility of politicians, the business community, scientists, artists and the media Since peace within ourselves, our families and our environment - starts in our minds and hearts it involves every one of us.'

Chairman of the board of directors of the International Peace Foundation, Uwe Morawetz elaborated on the decision to select Thailand as the host country. 'The Thai nation and its people with their self-confidence, open-mindedness and tolerance provide a creative pathway towards peace which could serve as an inspiring role model for the prevention, mediation and solution of conflicts. Under the wisdom and spiritual leadership of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as the shining example for inner and outer peace a democratic Thailand has the ability to promote peace and the potential to stabilize the region. It has a rich diversified network of national and international organizations including business, diplomatic corps, media and NGOs, which provide the ground for an enhanced intercultural dialogue.'

Chiang Mai will have the honor to welcome, amongst other dignitaries, Prof. Jerome Karle, a Nobel Laureate for Chemistry from Washington D.C., who will give a keynote speech on Friday, November 28, at Chiang Mai University. He will talk on 'The Role of Science and Technology in the Quest for a World at Peace.'

The second keynote speaker, Prof. Paul J. Crutzen, received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1995 for his work in the fields of stratospheric and troposphere chemistry and their role in the biochemical cycles and climate. He will be at CMU on Thursday, December 4, with his speech on 'Air pollution in Asia and its impact on regional and global climate.'