ASEAN-IPR Discussion Series: Conflict Resolution and Peace Building in Southeast Asia

ASEAN-IPR UPDATE

ASEAN INSTITUTE FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION DISCUSSION SERIES: CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PEACE BUILDING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

28 August 2020

ASEAN-IPR YouTube Channel

The ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR), in collaboration with the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS) convened a Webinar on 28 August 2020, taking on the theme “Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Southeast Asia.” This Webinar is the second part of the ASEAN-IPR Discussion Series that brought together more than one-hundred (100) participants coming from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN bodies/sectoral bodies/entities, ASEAN’s partners, media, civil society groups, as well as other stakeholders – whether through the Webinar platform, or through the Institute’s YouTube Channel.

The theme of the Webinar reflected upon the best practices of complimentary efforts between government and non-government actors in the context of conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Southeast Asia. The Webinar also discussed the key factors in strengthening the collaboration between the two sides.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Emma Leslie, the Executive Director of CPCS. Two Speakers shared their views on the topic: Ms. Teresita Quintos Deles, Chairperson of the International Centre for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov), and Dr. Min Zaw Oo, Executive Director of the Myanmar Institute for Peace and Security (MIPS).

The Speakers discussed the major roles that civil society organisations (CSOs) often play in peace processes which includes advocacy, ceasefire monitoring, and dialogue facilitation. The Speakers also shared their views on how government and non-government actors complement each other’s works, as well as factors that supports their collaboration – including building mutual trust and partnership.

Mr. Rezlan Ishar Jenie, Executive Director of ASEAN-IPR acted as discussant in the Webinar, emphasising the progress made in ASEAN with regards to civil society engagement and inclusivity. He further underscored that the ASEAN-IPR, as an institution established by the government, is given the flexibility to engage and collaborate with as many like-minded institutions within its work and in reaching its objectives. It is through this endeavour that the ASEAN-IPR could bridge the roles, coordination, and coherence, for further engagement between Track 1 and Track 2 actors in the Political-Security pillar of the ASEAN community-building process.

For full view of the Webinar, please visit ASEAN-IPR’s YouTube Channel, or refer to the following link: https://youtu.be/1YOzgXG1Sqo. The third part of the Discussion Series is scheduled for Friday, 11 September 2020, with the topic of radicalisation and violent extremism in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to subscribe to the ASEAN-IPR’s YouTube Channel, and follow our social media for latest information and/or updates on our activities.

*****