October-December 2002
As the year 2002 draws to a close, I should like to take the opportunity to reflect upon a busy year for the SEACSN.
Firstly, I should like once again to acknowledge our gratitude to the Swedish International Development and Co-operation Agency (Sida) through its Department of Research Co-operation (SEREC) for enabling the SEACSN to be established.
Secondly, we can be proud of our achievements:
Two Regional workshops – in Malaysia and Vietnam, have been held, permitting the exchange of ideas and allowing the opportunity to meet and hear from academicians in the field of peace and conflict resolution – who are based within Southeast Asia.
National Workshops have been held in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao P.D.R., Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Conflict Mapping Project for Southeast Asia has been drafted. Initial training workshops were held in February and August. The data collection for this project is due to commence in 2003.
“Bridge Builders”, a book project organised by SEACSN has been commenced.
The Network Directory for each member country is due for completion by early 2003. This will provide an invaluable resource in the future.
The “Research and Exchange Programme” for young academic researchers to spend a short term placement within another member country has become established with 10 researchers being awarded scholarships.
A range of publications has been produced including ‘Workshop Proceedings’, ‘Academic papers from the Workshops’, The Bulletin, National Newsletters, Peace and Conflict Research Report series.
Despite these achievements, we must not become complacent; 2003 must be a year in which we build upon and consolidate our achievements.
I leave you with a quote to reflect on:
“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that defenses of peace must be constructed” Constitution of UNESCO, 1948.
May I wish you all a very peaceful and happy 2003!
"ZAM"
Kamarulzaman Askandar