School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation Background Context: The School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation

was conceived from the unique statement of the AMAN Assembly 2003. At this point in history, when divisions and despair, intolerance and hatred, greed and consumerism, abject poverty and accumulation of power and wealth are so dominant, the search for an alternative paradigm for peace that is rooted in the diverse religions and cultures of Asia is of the utmost importance. Non - violence, simple life styles, unity in diversity, mutual respect and sharing of resources and just governance ought to be released from the scriptures and constitution and be practiced in day-to-day life as there is need for sustained and systematic efforts for peace. There are many institutions and academies in Asia that teach warfare but there are very few institutions which offer courses on Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation. Launching this school is an expression of AMAN's long term commitment for peace around the world. Goal To create a new generation of peace workers, peace defenders, and peace negotiators towards catalyzing positive changes in the community towards prevention of conflict and promotion and sustenance of peace in the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural Asia and beyond. Objectives: To develop a resource and knowledge base for young social workers, young Muslim intellectuals, community leaders and philanthropic organizations and institutions. To offer courses on peace studies, research, methods of conflict transformation and negotiation skills. To promote exchange and cooperative working relationships towards positive change in Muslim communities and increase tolerance towards other religions. To improve community based peace education curriculum and offer training for trainers and provide support for such education. To offer Fellowships to young scholars in research work in order to develop both their understanding about socio-cultural and political changes that are taking place in Asia and the links between Islam, modernity, globalization, and gender. To co-host and co organize inter-faith peace missions, task forces, workshops, and seminars on peace studies and conflict resolution.

Program Three Week Course on Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation One Week Trainers Training for Community Based Peace Education Masters Program in Collaboration with Islamic State University, Jakarta, Indonesia Interfaith Commission on Minority Rights and Peace Processes

Three weeks Course on Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation Duration of the Course: 21 days Target group: Young Muslim leaders, scholars, teachers, researchers and NGO workers from other faith communities. Course Outline: General orientation Introduction to the school of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation Self introduction of the participants including their own work and major questions and expectations they have from the course. Collective planning of conducting the course, the time frame and sharing of responsibility.

Core issue: Part 1: Understanding Peace Studies Participants own perceptions in defining peace Inner peace and outer peace and interrelationship between the two Religious and cultural resources in achieving inner and outer peace Introduction to meditation and practice, Collective Efforts in establishing peace.

Part 2: Understanding conflict and its changing nature Causes of Conflict Tools of analysis of conflict Conflict prevention, conflict negotiation, conflict management and conflict resolution History and theories of non violent struggle Case studies on Peace efforts: Kashmir, Mindanao in the Philippines, Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, Northern Ireland, Aceh, Papua in Indonesia, Palestine, North Eastern Sri Lanka, Southern Thailand, Worldwide war against Terrorism etc.

Part 3: understanding various dimensions of peace and conflict Economic development / globalization and Peace Arms race and peoples security Gender and peace Ethnicity and peace Governance and peace Religion and violence and Religion and Peace, how different religion define war and peace Human rights and peace Environment and Peace

Part 4: Peace Education and Peace Promotion Concept and orientation of peace education Development peace education materials Conducting peace education Media and peace Peace movement, Peace advocacy and Peace promotion

Who can apply NGO workers, Peace and Human Rights activists, youth leaders, researchers, young scholars and professionals. How to apply Interested candidates may send their application along with an essay and two recommendation letters. Scholarships: A few scholarships are available to partially subsidize the cost of travel, food and accommodation. Course Schedule: February 12 March 5, 2013 Deadline for Application: January 10, 2013 For further information please contact: 1562/113 Soi 1/1Mooban Pibul Pracharaj Road Bang Sue, Bangkok 10800 Thailand Tel. (662) 913-0196 Fax. (662) 9130197 Email : peacestudies@arf-asia.org