Professor to lead peace forum

A FORUM is being held on Monday, 20 June run by Let’s Talk Peace Ballarat and Compassionate Ballarat aiming to inform people about the UN’s Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Titled Australia’s Role in Peace Making: Insights from a Global Expert, the session will be led by Professor John Langmore at Federation University’s Brewery Tech Park Theatre.

He said the talk will cover two key issues.

“Australia is yet to sign this treaty so I’ll be talking about why it’s so important they do so,” he said.

“The goal is to build up attention to diplomacy and negotiation and mediation as ways of addressing conflict rather than thinking that any conflict will automatically lead to violence.

“My second theme will cover the need for a better balance between the elements of foreign policy.”

A Q&A will follow the discussion, with Fed Uni fellow Dr Lynne Reeder serving as MC.

Professor Langmore was enlisted by Let’s Talk Peace Ballarat co-convenor Madonna Quixley, who said his expertise in world issues made him the prime candidate to deliver the talk.

“John’s certainly qualified. He was the Director of the UN’s social policy and development division and he helped start the Initiative for Peacebuilding campaign which led to this,” she said.

“He’s doing much of the legwork in leading the way for this movement in Australia and has been instrumental in starting things up over at Melbourne Uni with his peace efforts.”

Professor Langmore will also use the platform to let attendees know about a new development at one of Melbourne’s institutions.

“Another key topic for the day is to let people know about the peacebuilding centre I’m establishing at the University of Melbourne,” he said.

“And it’s just important this information is available to everybody and I’m impressed in the existence of these groups in Ballarat giving me the opportunity to speak to people. This is a universal message.”

The forum will take place from 12pm and is open to everyone.