Symposium a success
Hundreds of people gathered for the powerful Pathways to Peace symposium Jan. 12-14. Sponsored by the Wang Center for International Programs, the symposium explored issues critical to world peace, democracy and development. Thought-provoking and inspiring speakers encouraged the audience to find a way to work for a more just world.
Dignitaries from here and abroad spoke about issues ranging from the recent Asian tsunami, to HIV/AIDS in developing countries, to ethnic tensions, security challenges and human rights. Among them:
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Participants from four of those close to the prolonged war in Sudan,
who were all present at the signing of the historic peace agreement in
Nairobi just days earlier. Having the four, including some on opposite
sides of the bitter battle, on the same stage was remarkable.
- Polar
explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft thrilled people with stories of
their courageous adventures at the South and North Poles. Their trips
are more than physical quests. They work to promote peace and
education, especially a curriculum by PLU professor Ron Byrnes and Mike
Hillis, designed to use the upcoming Arctic expedition to help kids
learn about solving conflicts.
- Peter
and Grace Wang presented Peace Builder Awards to people who have worked
to promote a just world. Honored were Tom Eric Vraalsen, Norwegian
special envoy to the war-torn African nation of Sudan; polar explorers
Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft, who use their expeditions to promote
understanding; and the Namibia Association of Norway, which responds to
poverty and injustice by helping people in the African republic build
skills.
- Chuck
Nelson, who helped thousands of Norwegians come to PLU to study,
received Norways prestigious St. Olaf Medal for his significant work
in promoting relations between Norway and America. Knut Vollebęk,
ambassador of Norway to the United States, presented the medal on
behalf of Norways King Harald.
If you missed a session and would like to see it after the fact, go to www.plu.edu/~lutecast/2005sp/wang/ and view it online. Read more about the Norway Symposium on Scene Magazine Online.