Event Archives

2008 Past Events

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7:30 to 9 a.m., KIPJ Room C
“Serving Your Country, Serving Your Global Community”
Speakers from the Naval Hospital Ship USNS Mercy will address their recent 4-month humanitarian and civic deployment, the Pacific Partnership 2008, to the Southeast Asia and Oceanic regions. The Pacific Partnership 2008 served as a multinational collection of military personnel and non-governmental organizations that provided medical, surgical and engineering services in the Pacific. One of the many events brought to you by International Education Week.

Thursday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre
Presented by the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies
"Raise Hope for Congo"
Raising the public profile of the Congo conflict and its impact, this panel presentation will focus on the atrocities against women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Panelists include John Prendergast, Jimmie Briggs, Lisa Shannon, and Emmanuelle Chriqui and Candice Knezevic. Book signing to follow for the NYT bestseller, “Not on Our Watch,” by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast. Details.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre
“The Faith Club.”
The three authors of The Faith Club will speak on their interfaith dialogue confronting issues of anti-Semitism, prejudice against Muslims and preconceptions of Christians. Pioneering, timely and deeply thoughtful, the Faith Club’s caring message will resonate with people of all faiths. Their personal discovery and understanding of the other through dialogue is a powerful example of the process of peacebuilding. Book signing and reception to follow.

Through Saturday, Nov. 8, Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Galleries
"China’s Olympian Human Rights Challenges"
"China’s Olympian Human Rights Challenges" Don’t miss this bold collection of recent photos from Human Rights Watch presented by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice. The exhibit illuminated some of the human rights issues spotlighted by the Olympic Games in Beijing and includes a photographic tour of human rights issues around the globe, including genocide, domestic slavery, migrant labor, exploitation by extractive industries, civilian casualties of armed conflict, and more. Open free to the public Wednesday and Thursday 12 – 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For related lectures, see Nov. 6. below.

Thursday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre
"China’s Great Leap: Business and Human Rights”
The Beijing Olympics brought attention to the impact corporate sponsors and other multinational businesses can have on human rights. Arvind Ganesan, Business and Human Rights Program Director at Human Rights Watch and contributor to the book China’s Great Leap: The Beijing Games and Olympian Human Rights Challenges, examined the role that companies can play in the promotion or violation of human rights through their online activities and ground operations. Please arrive early to view "China’s Olympian Human Rights Challenges," a Human Rights Watch photography exhibit. Book signing and reception to follow lecture.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008, 12:30 – 2 p.m., Room C
IPJ Daylight Series
“The Challenge of Nonviolence: Forming Alliances to Address Violent Conflict in Colombia”
Marta Ines Romero, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Country Manager for Colombia, addressed the challenge of and the need for nonviolence; effective ways of dealing with conflict; how CRS collaborates with others to address conflict and build relationships; and forming alliances (especially ecumenical alliances) to address violent conflict. This event is free and open to the public, and is part of the CRS Peace for Colombia Speaking Tour. No RSVP is needed, and attendees should feel free to bring a lunch; light refreshments will be provided.

Oct. 21, 7 - 9 p.m., IPJ Peace & Justice Theatre
 Woman PeaceMakers Panel
“Advocating Justice, Building Peace."
From the slums of Bangladesh to the streets of South Africa, from Andean villages in Peru to the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, four women from very different parts of the world addressed the challenges they face in their quest for peace. The recognized peacemakers and justice advocates are Shinjita Alam from Bangladesh, Sylvie Mbanga Maunga from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zandile Nhlengetwa from South Africa and Olenka Ochoa from Peru. Reception to follow.

Oct. 14, 12:30 - 2 p.m., IPJ Peace & Justice Theatre, Fighting against Rampant Sexual Violence against Women: A Conversation with Woman PeaceMaker Sylvie Mbanga Maunga from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sylvie Mbanga Maunga, lawyer, counselor, radio correspondent and tireless advocate for victims of sexual violence, has shared her story.

Tuesday, October 14, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre:  “A Cultural Evening with Afghanistan” Bonita Chamberlin, anthropologist, activist and author, together with Kabul native Nazi Etemadi has spoken. Voices of Women, in collaboration with the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, presents this event supporting AWEC (Afghan Women’s Educational Center) which supports literacy programs for women in Mazar-al-Sharif and two children’s centers for working schoolchildren in Kabul.   The AjA Project displayed photographs of Afghan refugees. John January and The Brothers Nazrat played music from Afghanistan from 6 to 7pm.  The event was free.

Oct. 9, 12:30 - 2 p.m., IPJ Peace & Justice Theatre, Empowering Impoverished Women in Marginalized Communities: A Conversation with Woman PeaceMaker Shinjita Alam from Bangladesh. Shinjita Alam, activist, mediator, peace educator and creator of regional forums for interfaith dialogue, has shared her story.

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. Hahn University Center Room 103. “Promoting Youth Engagement in Global Affairs – Recognizing the Global Power of Youth” Moderator: Karla Alvarez, Program Officer, Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Through innovation and dedication, WorldLink’s program administrator and young leaders from High Tech High International joined forces in this panel to demonstrate the global power of youth. This workshop is part of the 19th Annual Social Issues Conference at USD, “Inspiring Social Change through Education,” presented by the Social Issues Committee.

 

Oct. 7, 12:30 - 2 p.m., IPJ Peace & Justice Theatre, Combating Violence and Discrimination through Advocacy: A Conversation with Woman PeaceMaker Olenka Ochoa from Peru. Olenka Ochoa, political organizer, human rights activist, founder of the first commission of women in her municipality and creator of programs for battered women and at-risk youth, will share her story.

Sept. 24 - 26, 2008 Women PeaceMakers Conference: "Crafting Human Security in an Insecure World." The fifth international forum held in conjunction with the Women PeaceMakers Program was an international working conference to probe and address global acquiescence to impunity, gender violence and exclusion that continue to obstruct peacebuilding and human security. Successful strategies for overcoming cycles of conflict and exploitation were illuminated and expanded.

Oct. 2, 12:30 - 2 p.m., IPJ Peace & Justice Theatre, Uniting Communities Torn Apart by Political Violence: A Conversation with Woman PeaceMaker Zandile Nhlengetwa from South Africa. Zandile Nhlengetwa, youth advocate, facilitator, counselor and creator of peacebuilding strategies for communities affected by high levels of violence, has shared her story.

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: Joan B. Kroc Distinguished Lecture Series: The Honorable Louise Arbour, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, discussed security, development and human rights as the opening keynote speaker for the 2008 Women PeaceMakers Conference and the first lecturer for the 2008-2009 Distinguished Lecture Series.

Monday, Sept. 22, 2:30 – 3:50 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre:
"The Future of Islamism," a presentation by Olivier Roy. Roy is research director at the French National Center for Scientific Research and has authored several books, including Globalized Islam and The Politics of Chaos in the Middle East.  This event was sponsored by USD's Department of Political Science and International Relations and co-sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice.

Friday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., IPJ Garden of the Sky: Special Event: International Day of Peace Celebration. Commemorating the United Nations International Day of Peace, this celebration was hosted by the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice. The San Diego community, together with USD students, faculty and staff, marked this day of nonviolence and reconciliation as a reminder to our collective permanent commitment to peace. Local and campus organizations working for peace and social justice had booths with information relating to their activities and opportunities for individuals to get involved. There was live entertainment, documentary films, a photography exhibit on human rights in China and a moment of silence at noon.

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: "Human Rights in Post Olympics China: Has Anything Changed?" Carroll Bogert, Associate Director of Human Rights Watch, examined how the Olympic Games impacted human rights in China. Did the Olympics force the Chinese government to expand rights or provide cover for ongoing abuses?

Jane Holl Lute, a member of the institute’s International Council, has been named Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support. More on Lute's appointment.

Wednesday, July 16, United Nations, New York: 2008 Biennial Meeting of States – "Civil Society and the Geneva Declaration Process" was delivered by Shobha Shrestha, SAP-Nepal, in coordination with the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), during the review progress on the U.N. Programme of Action on Small Arms. For more details, visit the IPJ Nepal Project Page.

Thursday, Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., IPJ Conference Room D: IPJ Interns' Final Presentations: "Achieving Sustainable Peace." IPJ Interns Erica Embree, Benjamin Lee, Azaam Samad, and James (Jamie) Giganti will deliver presentations on the situations in Guatemala, Uganda, Sri Lanka and Sudan, respectively. Read the IPJ Intern bios.

Thursday, June 26, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: IPJ Special Event: "Peace Works: IPJ Nepal Project and Partnerships." As the puzzle pieces of Nepal’s fragile transition to peace continue to shift, the IPJ returned to analyze and take advantage of current windows of opportunities to infuse justice and inclusive participation into local and national processes. Voices of participants and partners joined the IPJ Nepal Project team of Dee Aker, Interim Executive Director, and Laura Taylor, Senior Program Officer, to share the impact of peacebuilding initiatives in the Himalayan nation. Santosh Shah, youth activist, journalist, and founder of Today’s Youth Asia presented the IPJ with the Everest Summit Award. Details. Visit the IPJ Nepal Project page. Read the IPJ Nepal Team Blog.

Tuesday, June 17, 7 - 9 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: IPJ Special Event: "Women's Rights Are Human Rights." Voices of Women assembled a panel of speakers from Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America who addressed their countries' policies on human rights and justice for women. The presentations were interspersed with dramatic readings by San Diego actors. This event was co-sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice. However, Voices of Women accepted funds for their project in Afghanistan and organizations associated with the speakers. For a detailed list of speakers, visit the Voices of Women website.

Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: IPJ Film Series: "Pray the Devil Back to Hell." Special screening of a film about how the women of Liberia peacefully ended a bloody civil war. Co-sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice and the Foundation for Women.

Thursday, May 8, 3 - 5 p.m., Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Conference Room C&D: Teach-in on Tibet. Recent protests in Tibet and around the world have overshadowed the torch relay leading up to the Beijing Olympics. Spontaneous peaceful protests in many parts of Tibet are evidence of deep-rooted resentments against Chinese governance. What can be done to achieve a peaceful solution? This Teach-in on Tibet surveyed Tibetan history, religion, and politics as a background to understanding recent events. Speakers included Dorothy Berger, co-chair, International Tibet Support Network; Jhampa Kalsang, author, Tibetan Astro-Science; Kalsang Peling, San Diego Friends of Tibet; and Karma Lekshe Tsomo, associate Professor, Theology & Religious Studies, USD. Sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, USD.

Wednesday, May 7, 1 - 3 p.m., Conference Room E/F: The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Internship Program Cordially invites you to: "Achieving Sustainable Peace: Analyses of Countries in Conflict, Post-Conflict and Emerging from Conflict." IPJ Interns Andrew Chua, Andi Lovano, and Justine Darling delivered presentations on the situations in Guatemala, Colombia and Uganda, respectively.

Tuesday, May 6, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: IPJ Special Event: "Advancing the Use of Renewable Energy Worldwide." Ambassador Reno L. Harnish III, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, discussed advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies worldwide. He highlighted the mission and accomplishments of the March 2008 Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC), which focused on expanding efforts to enhance energy security, combat global climate change, and promote sustainable economic development through the use of renewable energy. For a biographical sketch of the speaker, go to http://www.state.gov/g/oes/rls/67408.htm. For more information go to http://www.wirec2008.gov/.

Monday, May 5, 12 – 1:45 p.m., IPJ Room B/C: IPJ Daylight Series: "A Surge for Peace?" Regrettably, this event was cancelled due to a change in Dr. Eyre’s travel schedule. We look forward to scheduling a talk by him at another time.

Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., IPJ Theatre: IPJ Film Series: "From A Silk Cocoon" The discovery of a small metal box leads to the uncovering of a family story, shrouded in silence for more than 60 years. Woven through their censored letters, diary entries, and haiku poetry is the true story of a young Japanese American couple whose shattered dreams and forsaken loyalties lead them to renounce their American citizenship while held in separate prison camps during World War II. They struggle to prove their innocence and fight deportation during a time of wartime hysteria and racial profiling. A discussion with filmmaker Satsuki Ina and reception were scheduled to follow the hour-long film screening. Co-sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, the Department of Psychology, the Psychology Club, and Social Issues Committee. For more information on the film, go to www.fromasilkcocoon.com. Details. Regrettably, this event was cancelled, but may be rescheduled for a future date. Check upcoming events for more information.

Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m., Jenny Craig Pavilion (USD): Joan B. Kroc Distinguished Lecture Series: "Reason for Hope." Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist, wildlife conservationist and U.N. Messenger of Peace spoke on how we can save threatened species, the planet and ultimately ourselves. Dr. Goodall is the recipient of the National Geographic Society's Hubbard Medal, Japan's prestigious Kyoto Prize, and the Gandhi/King Award for Nonviolence. Details. For video of the lecture, please visit the UCSD.tv website.

Sunday, April 13 - Tuesday, April 15, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN: The Future of Catholic Peacebuilding. Laura Taylor, IPJ Program Officer, attended the Catholic Peacebuilding Network’s capstone conference which showcased and contributed to efforts to develop a conceptually coherent, theologically accurate, spiritually enlivening and practically effective approach to Catholic peacebuilding that can begin to match the sophistication of Catholic thinking on the ethics of war and peace. Details. Article.

Monday, April 7, 5:30 p.m., IPJ Room D: Special Event – Political Science Department and IPJ present: "Indian Foreign Policy: Contemporary Facets." Ambassador B.S. Prakash, the Consul General of India in San Francisco, spoke. Amb. Prakash is a career diplomat who prior to his current assignment was the Head of the United Nations Division in the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India. He has served in Indian Embassies in Germany, Saudi Arabia and Austria. He was the Deputy Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka (1995-98) and was India’s Ambassador in Uganda (1998-2001). He has several publications in academic journals on issues relating to international terrorism, UN reforms and UN Security Council restructuring, peace keeping and international humanitarian law. For a full bio-profile, go to http://www.cgisf.org/contact/cg-cv.html. Co-sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice and the Department of Political Science.

Friday, Mar. 7, 7:30 - 9 a.m., The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice: Fourth Annual International Women’s Day Celebration Breakfast. Global Dispatches: Financing Gender Equity for Peace and Justice. The Fourth Annual International Women’s Day Celebration Breakfast, co-convened with Voices of Women, the Women’s Equity Council of the United Nations Association of San Diego and the University of San Diego Women’s Center reported on the 52nd annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations in New York. Details.

Tuesday, Mar. 4, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: Joan B. Kroc Distinguished Lecture Series: "War, Peace and Climate Change: A Billion Lives in the Balance." Jan Egeland, former Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator for the United Nations, discussed the humanitarian challenges of environmental catastrophes caused by both human conflict and natural disasters. Egeland, who currently serves as Special Advisor to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on conflict prevention and resolution and as Director of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, is the author of A Billion Lives: An Eyewitness Report from the Frontlines of Humanity. A reception and book signing followed the lecture. 

Wednesday, Feb. 27, IPJ Mourns Loss of 2006 Peace Writer. The IPJ is deeply saddened to learn that Susan Van Schoonhoven, peace writer for Rebecca Joshua Okwaci, died in a car accident on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Sue recently served as the primary rapporteur for the 2007 Women PeaceMakers Summit and was co-author of the final publication, which was launched just two days before her death. Read Sue's biography. For Sue's written work for the IPJ, see Rebecca's narrative and the "Is Peace Possible?" Summit final report. Read reflections from IPJ staff, Women PeaceMakers and Peace Writers. Read Sue's eulogy, by Emiko Noma. Read Sue's obituary.

Tuesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: IPJ Film Series: "Beyond the Gates." Approximately 800,000 people were killed during the 1994 genocide that took place in a mere 100 days during April to July in Rwanda. This film is based on the true story of a secondary school in Kigali, the Ecole Technique Officielle, where over 2,500 people took refuge under the protection of UN troops. On the fifth day of violence, the U.N. troops left, taking with them only the European nationals. The film, shot on location in Rwanda, was directed by Michael Caton-Jones and stars John Hurt, Hugh Dancy and Clare-Hope Ashitey. A panel discussion featuring actors and crew from the film, including survivors of the genocide, followed the screening. This event was co-sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice and Colleges.com/U.Magazine. For more information on the film, go to www.beyondthegates-movie.com or contact nkennedy@colleges.com.

Monday, Feb. 25 - Friday, Feb. 29, IPJ Delegates present at the 52nd Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. Four IPJ delegates, a Master’s student in Peace and Justice Studies, the founders of Sun & Moon Vision Productions and several members of the San Diego community traveled to the United Nations to participate in the Commission on the Status of Women. The IPJ was joined by two Women PeaceMakers from 2006 in a panel presentation entitled “Women Ending Cycles of Violent Conflict: Strategies and Best Practices.” In conjunction with UNIFEM, the IPJ also screened the documentary “Leading the Way to Peace,” which tells the stories of the 2004 Women PeaceMakers. Over 300 people attended the two events. Details.

Monday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m., : Greg Mortenson Lecture at Point Loma Nazarene University - Brown Chapel. Three Cups of Tea author Greg Mortenson discussed his book and experience. A book signing followed the lecture. The event was located at 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, CA 92106. Map and directions.

Friday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Peace & Justice Theatre: IPJ Speaker Series: "Confronting Genocide in Sudan." John Prendergast, noted human rights activist and scholar-in-residence at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, will speak. He encouraged students to engage in issues of peacebuilding in key African countries, and offered options as to how to do so effectively. 

Monday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: IPJ Film Series: "The Peacekeepers." With unprecedented access to the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping, "The Peacekeepers" provides an intimate and dramatic portrait of the struggle to save a "failed state." The film follows the determined and often desperate maneuvers to avert another disaster like Rwanda, this time in the Democratic Republic of Congo. John Prendergast, noted human rights activist and scholar-in-residence at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, provided commentary and answered questions. Details.

Wednesday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: IPJ Speaker Series: "Iranian-Saudi Relations and Prospects for Gulf Peace." Banafsheh Keynoush, Ph.D., specializes in Middle East foreign relations, security issues and international law.  A native of the region, she examined the prospects for peace in the Gulf region. Details.

Monday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m., Peace & Justice Theatre: IPJ Speaker Series: "Combatants for Peace." Bassam Aramin and Elik Elhanan are Palestinian and Israeli representatives of "Combatants for Peace." This organization, a winner of the 2007 Common Ground award, was begun jointly by Palestinian and Israeli former soldiers and fighters who decided to work nonviolently for a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Co-sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, Rotary District 5340 Pathways to Peace Committee and USD’s Institute of College Initiatives. Reception to follow. Details.