Clearing the road to health and peace
The Nation - Monday, November 17, 2003

Other than during conflicts, peace and health are such different topics that it seems impossible to point out a single link between the two. But a Nobel laureate has found a way to do exactly that and he is to reveal how during a lecture this Wednesday.

Prof. Joshua Lederberg, Nobel Laureate for Medicine and pioneer in genetics research and genetic engineering from the Rockefeller University in New York, will give a keynote speech on the topic "Health as an Imperative to Peace and Peace as an Imperative to Health".

The speech will take place at Chulalongkorn University's Main Auditorium starting at 2 pm. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously attend the event.

Lederberg's talk, sponsored by the International Peace Foundation (IPF), a non-profit organization promoting peace, Kasikornbank and Chulalongkorn University, together with leading organizations in Thailand, is the first of a series of lectures by Nobel Laureates under the framework "Bridges-Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace".

Two other events will be held before the end of the year. From November 25 to 28, Thailand plays host to Prof. Jerome Karle, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, who will deliver speeches on the role of science and technology in the quest for a world at peace at Chulalongkorn University, the Asian Institute of Technology, Khon Kaen University and Chiang Mai University.

On December 2, it's the turn of Nobel Laureate for Chemistry, Prof. Paul J. Crutzen. He will be speaking about air pollution in Asia and its impact on the regional and global climate. The lecture takes place at Chulalongkorn University and starts at 2 pm.

All the keynote speeches will be in English, with simultaneous translation into Thai.

"We are proud to sponsor the series. The fact that the IPF selected Thailand as the venue for such a remarkable programme confirms that Thailand and the open-mindedness and tolerance of its people are recognized internationally as the creative pathway towards peace," says Banthoon Lamsam, president of Kasikornbank.

"The whole country should be proud. Kasikornbank is glad to support the valuable activities of 24 Nobel Laureates over the next two years. We are confident that we will achieve our goal in creating public awareness and encouraging the public to work together towards peace.

Interested persons can reserve a headset for simultaneous translation at the bank. Call (02) 470 2650 - 5. For more information and reservations, contact Chulalongkorn University at (02) 218 33312 - 5 or visit the university's website at www.chula.ac.th