Beyond War Hosts UNESCO Chairs

Eugene, Oregon. On Saturday, May 9, 2009, ten local Beyond War team members hosted a luncheon for 14 worldwide UNESCO Chairs for Intercultural Communication, Interreligious Dialogue and Peace. They were here as part of a UO conference: Ethics, Religion and the Environment. The purpose of the lunch was to learn from them what content would be appropriate as we explore the development of an international DVD/documentary project, similar to our “America-centric” introductory DVD on the website. In other words, how can BW’s principles, practices and strategies be phrased to be most effective in other cultures and countries – and what else should be included?

It was most productive. We met Chairs from Russia, Georgia, Lebanon, Israel, France, Austria, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, UK, and the Americas (Prof. Steve Shankman here in Eugene). Their suggestions enlightened and surprised us, and a solid basis for further dialogue and collaboration was established. There’s nothing like interpersonal connection!

Portland-based BW Education Director Leonora Perron was present. We are grateful to Doug White for photographing the event, and Ben Dieter who videographed it. If you would like to participate in this project in any way, please contact Martin @ martinjones@beyondwar.org

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