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University of Guam graduate students are organizing a Saturday conference that will take a closer look at pathways to peace in the Indo-Pacific. The UOG School of Business and Public Administration will host the Nov. 8 Indo-Pacific Peace Conference, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, CLASS, Lecture Hall. Organized by PA530 Master of Public Administration candidates under the guidance of Ronald Aguon, assistant professor of public administration at UOG, with the support of Roseann Jones, PhD, dean of SBPA, and Ron McNinch, PhD, assistant professor of public administration. The conference theme, Peacebuilding in the Indo-Pacific: Exploring pathways to achieving and sustaining peace and avoiding conflict, “reflects a commitment to honoring cultural narratives while confronting urgent geopolitical realities,” according to event organizers. They said the conference arrives at a pivotal moment for the region. “With Guam, the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan occupying strategic positions in the Indo-Pacific, the conference will examine rising tensions surrounding Taiwan’s sovereignty and the broader need for visionary leadership and regional cooperation,” they added. Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio will deliver the opening remarks. Keynote address The keynote will be delivered live online on behalf of General Edward M. Año, national security adviser and director-general of the National Security Council, NSC, of the Philippines, by Major General Cornelio H. Valencia Jr., assistant director general for planning and knowledge management service and newly appointed NSC spokesperson. Año’s address, “Peace and Partnership in the Indo-Pacific: A regional outlook and strategic leadership in navigating regional tensions,” will offer insights into the evolving security landscape and the importance of regional collaboration. Featured speakers Jonathan E. Malaya, PhD, special adviser to the NSC, Office of the President of the Philippines. Topic: The role of education, dialogue and intergenerational mentorship in cultivating peace as a lived practice.Chung Chieh, PhD, assistant professor, Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies in Taipei, Taiwan. Topic: The economic, political, environmental and human impact of military conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Panel discussions Two panel sessions will explore current geopolitical tensions and pathways to sustainable peace. Panel 1: Education, policy and civic engagement in sustaining peaceful societies. Former Guam Del. Robert Underwood, UOG president emeritusSpeaker Frank F. Blas Jr., 38th Guam LegislatureAnsito Walter, PhD, associate professor of Public AdministrationNicole A. Calvo, development and program manager, Pacific Historic Parks Panel 2: Leadership, resilience and the real costs of conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Del. James MoylanRoseann Jones, PhD, dean, UOG School of Business and Public AdministrationAttorney Robert Gregory Perez CruzChirag Bhojwani, interim director, UOG Regional Center for Public PolicyRobert Celestial, president, Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors Open invitation The Indo-Pacific Peace Conference is open to the public and welcomes scholars, government leaders, students, survivors, educators, peacebuilders, policymakers, military representatives, private citizens and other stakeholders committed to fostering peace in the region.
