‘Be the change that you want to see in the world’ - Mohandas Gandhi

The creation of a world which embraces the principles of non-violence, respect for human rights, sustainable development and cultural diversity faces many challenges. Global trends threaten entire segments of societies with social, economic and cultural marginalization. Conflicts abound in many parts of the world. The Culture of Peace is a set of values, attitudes, modes of behaviour and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes. As we enter the final year of the UN Decade for a Culture of Peace, the 2nd Festival Forum explores the 'building bricks' that are necessary for, or are being created to construct, this elusive Peace. The Forum assesses the challenge from a historical perspective through contributions that help us look at the roads we have taken, the options and opportunities available.

Artists and architects, engineers and educators, urban planners and university researchers, politicians and peace makers, NGO activists and naturalists, environmentalists and ecologists, historians and head teachers, students and psychologists, this is a meeting of minds for all.

Leading the distinguished panel of contributors are Dr. Vandana Shiva from India and Dr Derek Gregory from Canada. Dr. Shiva is a leading voice in the global struggles for peace and justice, a leading environmental thinker and a ‘prominent radical scientist’. Dr Gregory is one of the ‘world’s most eminent geographers’ who has brilliantly analysed the twisted logics, the material practices and the colonialist cultures that have continued to shape armed conflicts into our own twenty-first century. His perspectives will also touch on the very core of Canadian values and commitment to peace and security. Adding to both Dr Shiva and Dr Gregory’s contributions, South Asian panelists will participate in opening up the discussion with the audience in identifying ways that South Asian people could be part of the solution for building a culture of peace. Further South Asian contributors will engage in debate with the audience to help bring strength and hope to people across the world that want peace, know it is achievable but also know that for peace to prevail, things have got to change. This event is for those that feel the need to be better informed to understand the issues and argue for changes that are needed.

Festival Forum partners include University of Mumbai, Bank of India, Asia Society India Centre, Canadian Consulate General, UNESCO and UN Alliance of Civilizations.