ECPD Conference, Belgrade
The European Center for Peace and Development of the University for Peace
Established by the United Nations held its 11th International Conference in
Belgrade, Serbia, on 24-25 October 2015 on the theme "Future of the World
Between Globalization and Regionalization". I have been collaborating with
the ECPD for a number of years in its work on reconciliation, religious
tolerance and human security in the Balkans (see previous years' travel).
The conference took place in the Belgrade City Hall, and began with a
welcoming address from Sir James Mancham, founding President of the Republic
of Seychelles, and a keynote from Prof. Dr. Erhard Busek, former
Vice-Chancellor of Austria.
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Opening Plenary with Sir James Mancham speaking; part of the
conference attendance
Over 30 papers were presented by distinguished academics, diplomats and
political leaders from across Europe, Asia and North America, and will
eventually be published by ECPD. I presented a paper on "The
Sustainable
Development Goals and their implications for the Western Balkans". The
concluding plenary was addressed by Prof. Dr. Federico Mayor Zaragoza,
former Director-General of UNESCO.
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Federico Mayor addressing the conference; part of the audience; the
head table
Among the conclusions of the conference were the need to reduce the gap
between rich and poor through a better distribution of world resources, to
establish a new global governance and institutions able to prevent the
disorders resulting in mass migrations that are threatening the European
Union, and to close the gap between the Balkans and the rest of Europe,
especially through the accession of all Balkan countries to the European
Union. The ECPD plans to intensify its institutional activities for the
promotion of peace, development and national reconciliation in the region.
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Book launch of Sir James Mancham's book on the Seychelles; Federico
Mayor (center) and Dr. Busek (right)
The conference was immediately followed by the Third ECPD Youth Forum on
"Culture of Peace: Youth as Peacebuilders" on 25-26 October 2015, with over
90 participants, including many youth from around the region, and more than
20 presentations. The keynote speaker was again Federico Mayor, former
Director-General of UNESCO and President of the Culture of Peace Foundation.
I moderated the second and third plenary sessions on "peacebuilding
knowledge, attitudes and skills", and "youth - actors of today, peace
leaders of tomorrow", where a number of youth presented their actions for
peace on the ground in the Balkans, with Syrian refugees in Jordan, and with
asylum-seekers, among others. I also contributed to the final discussions
and conclusions, with reference to my paper at the previous youth forum on "Hope
for Balkan Youth in the Contemporary World Reality" recently published
by EPCD.
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Youth Forum; Federico Mayor addressing the Youth Forum