ASEAN-IPR Discussion Series 2021: Post-conflict Peacebuilding and Relief Efforts
ASEAN-IPR UPDATE
ASEAN INSTITUTE FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION DISCUSSION SERIES 2021:
POST-CONFLICT PEACEBUILDING AND RELIEF EFFORTS
Wednesday, 14 July 2021 ASEAN-IPR YouTube Channel
The ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) convened the first session of the ASEAN-IPR Discussion Series 2021 on Wednesday, 14 July 2021, taking on the theme "Post-Conflict Peacebuilding and Relief Efforts". The Webinar brought together more than one hundred (100) participants from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN bodies/sectoral bodies/entities (e.g. ASEAN Secretariat, AHA Centre, ASEAN Foundation, etc.), ASEAN partners, civil society groups, and other stakeholders--whether through the Webinar platform or through live-streaming on the ASEAN-IPR YouTube Channel. The ASEAN-IPR Discussion Series 2021 is supported by the Embassies of Finland and Ireland in Jakarta.
The main objective of the Webinar is to serve as a platform to discuss peace and related trends, engage with relevant stakeholders, as well as to enhance dialogue with like-minded institutions through the exchange of views on contemporary issues that may have an impact on peace in the region in the future. For the first part of the series, the Webinar aims to discuss further regarding strengthening the synergy between humanitarian assistance and relief with peacebuilding efforts, learning from experiences from within and outside the region.
In his opening remarks, Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Executive Director of the ASEAN-IPR, emphasised that peace is a continuous vigilant work, not to be taken for granted and an essential part of the ASEAN community building efforts.
The discussion was moderated by H.E. Kok Li Peng, Permanent Representative of Singapore to ASEAN and Representative of Singapore to the ASEAN-IPR Governing Council. Two speakers shared their experience and expertise on the topic: Ms. Adelina Kamal, Executive Director of AHA Centre, and Mr. Tomi Jarvinen, Deputy Executive Director of Finn Church Aid.
The Speakers exchanged views on the role that humanitarian assistance organisations could do, as well as what they are not equipped to do in the context of conflict. Peace building efforts in post-conflict situations require cross-sector collaboration between humanitarian assistance organisations and peacebuilding institutions. The Speakers emphasised the crucial role of local communities, authorities, women, and youth to have a common shared understanding on how to respond to disasters or conflicts. Moreover, they also underscored the importance of transparency and information sharing between the parties of conflict to build trust, and allow for collaboration and ensure security, especially in post-conflict situations. The discussion also learned of lessons from the experience of Kenya and Uganda, where the role of local authorities, women and youth in peacebuilding were indispensable.
The second session of the Discussion Series 2021 is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 11 August 2021, with the theme "Youth as an Agents of Peace--Utilising digital platforms for narratives of peace". Be sure to subscribe to the ASEAN-IPRs YouTube Channel, and follow our social media for latest information and/or updates on our activities.