A Non-violent Path to Conflict Resolution and Peace Making

Conflict resolution in international affairs is currently undergoing enormous pressures, due in part to the challenges of globalisation and its many cultural, religious and economic contexts. To address this crisis, which has sadly been described as a “Clash of Civilisations”, we propose a dialogue among civilisations: an inter-active international symposium to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of a global culture of prevention and non-violent conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation.

Today’s world of globalisation is marked by immense wealth and acute poverty. Moreover, total concentration on wealth creation and economic growth - without our knowing how or why - has led to an erosion of moral and spiritual values. It has also resulted in a destructive decline in the institutions that have traditionally promoted and protected these essential human values: the family, religious institutions and community structures. There is a growing a poverty of values such as love, compassion, justice, morality, solidarity, spirituality and faith, alongside an increase of materialism and consumerism in many parts of the world. And when social justice and human rights are routinely denied for the seemingly invisible amongst us, peace remains only a dream.

We believe there is an alternative, based on the moral and spiritual values shared by all the world religions. The mystic tradition in every faith affirms that all of life is sacred. The most powerful way for faith-based and spiritual communities to influence beliefs, norms and institutions is through a prophetic voice and public action. Highly visible faith and interfaith affirmation of the great spiritual truths of peace, justice and the sacredness of the Earth and human life can make a tremendous contribution to the non-violent path of conflict resolution and the creation of a world that is just, free and prosperous.

Action and service by spiritual and faith communities and groups can provide a vital source of inspiration and energy for the healing of the world.

Call for Papers

Papers, pre-organised panels, and roundtable submissions are invited from observers, commentators, academics, post-graduate students and NGOs to address issues related to globalisation and non-violent conflict resolution within the identified theme of the conference. Individuals may propose linked panels, panels or papers.

We specifically welcome papers from economists, businesspersons, philosophers, theologians, historians, political scientists with an interest in international relations, political theory or political economy, sociologists, psychologists, medical professionals, peace researchers, conflict resolution specialists, lawyers, environmentalists and geographers, as well as those engaged in inter-faith in action projects.

We encourage presentations from all disciplines and perspectives, focusing on, but not limited to: globalisation; religions & globalisation; non-violence & peace building; ethnic conflict resolution; the changing nature of warfare; peace & conflict in a post-9/11 world; women, childern, conflict & peace; religion, conflict & peace-building; the role of media in war-making & peacekeeping; the economics of war & peace; international law, cross-cultural & inter-faith dialogue; the role of education in peace-making; the path to becoming a peace-maker; forgiveness, reconciliation & conflict resolution; pandemic disease, aids, global warming, environmental degradation & violent conflict; the role of human rights & democracy in cultivating peace, dialogue, dispute resolution; social change & non-violence; sustainable development, ecological balance, community revitalization, reflective practice, intercultural relations, grassroots movements & organisational transformation; poverty reduction, peace, justice & conflict resolution; the creation of a culture of peace through tourism; faith & economic life; spiritual business, capital & peace making; selfishness, greed, materialism & violent conflict; moral economy, fairness, compassion, responsibility & conflict resolution; youth leadership, conflict resolution & peace-making.

You are invited to submit a one-page abstract of your paper, which should include a working title, the author’s discipline and field, address, institutional affiliation and email address.*

Please send your abstract by March 15, 2007 to Dr. Kamran Mofid (K.mofid@btopenworld.com) and Dr. Gokhan Bacik (gbacik@fatih.edu.tr).

A dedicated conference website is under construction. It will include various details about the symposium, including academic panels, workshops and seminars, the names of the international and Turkish Board of Advisors and Organising Committee, as well as information about social/cultural/sightseeing tours and the cost of attending the conference. Please note that travel arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the attendee, and the Conference Organisers unfortunately are not able to offer financial support. However, the overall costs will be highly subsidised, enabling many to attend. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions that you might have.

With warmest regards and best wishes,
Kamran Mofid and Gokhan Bacik

* Note: the Conference Committee reserves the right to refuse permission to participate without explanation.

Conference Announcement
And Call for Papers

The 6th Annual International Conference on an Interfaith perspective on Globalisation for the Common Good

A Non-violent Path to Conflict Resolution and Peace Making
(Building a World that is Just, Free and Prosperous for all)

Istanbul: The City of Understanding and Reconciliation between East and West

5-9 July 2007 - Istanbul

With Post-Conference optional visits to:
(9-11 July, Konya (the resting place of Rumi)
&
11-14 July, Symrna, Aegean District and Bursa (the first Capital of Ottoman State)

Convenors:
Dr. Kamran Mofid, Founder-Convenor
Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative
www.commongood.info
&
Dr. Gokhan Bacik,
Department of International Relations
Fatih University, Istanbul
http://www.fatih.edu.tr/indexen.fhtml

With Support of
Cemal Usak, Secretary General
Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Istanbul
http://www.cul-dialogue.org/?url=/home