Pathways to Peace: Norway's Approach to Democracy and Development
January 12 to 14, 2005
The Wang Center for International Programs presents the second in its biennial series of public symposia on issues critical to intercultural understanding and world peace.
Pathways to Peace: Norway’s Approach to Democracy and Development will take place January 12-14 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in downtown Tacoma and on the PLU campus.
Pathways to Peace will explore the Norwegian approach to achieving world peace through conflict resolution, economic development and relieving global poverty.
Symposium participants will join scholars, business and government leaders and policy experts in conversation and study including Norway’s highly effective behind-the-scenes peace brokering efforts undertaken in areas of the world such as the Middle East, Sri Lanka and Sudan. They will also consider the leadership roles Norway has played in the United Nations and NATO.
Keynote and plenary speakers include Knut Vollebaek, Ambassador of Norway to the United States; Tom Vraalsen, United Nations special envoy to Sudan and former Norwegian ambassador to the United States; George Russell, chairman of the Threshold Group and chairman emeritus of Russell Investment Company; and Selma Ashipala, the Deputy Ambassador of Namibia to the United States.
The Norway symposium is designed to further PLU’s efforts to educate for a just, healthy, sustainable and peaceful world.
In addition, many experts will present their views and lead discussions in concurrent sessions on topics including establishing the conditions for peace, ensuring the conditions for peace and ongoing work for peace.
This is the Wang Center’s second major symposium. China: Bridges for a New Century drew more than 700 participants from the Asian, business, academic and other communities.
“It confirmed PLU’s position as a leader in global education – recognized for innovative academic programs and exceptional participation in international study,” said Janet Rasmussen, director of The Wang Center.
In addition to a gala banquet and celebration of the centennial of Norway’s independence as a modern democracy, other events at the upcoming symposium include performances by Collegium Vocale from Hedmark University-College, PLU’s Choir of the West and a premiere organ composition by university organist emeritus David Dahl. Various exhibits representing Norwegian and Namibian arts and culture will be displayed.
Sponsors
The Wang Center and Pacific Lutheran University acknowledge with gratitude the generous financial support provided by these symposium sponsors:
- Royal Norwegian Consulate General, San Francisco
- Teagle Foundation
- Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
- Port of Tacoma
- Scandinavian Airlines