Asia-Pacific Peace Research Association (APPRA) with the endorsement by the International Peace Research Association (IPRA) is delighted to announce their next conference shall be held in Kathmandu, Nepal on October 9-11, 2015. The theme for this conference is ‘Pathways towards Just Peace: Reinventing security, justice and democracy in Asia-Pacific’.

The Asia-Pacific has undergone critical economic and political changes over the past two decades. The end of the Cold War promised the lessening of regional antagonism, economic prosperity and democratic progress. Nevertheless, the region continues facing challenges caused by border disputes, outbreak of ethnic and sectarian armed conflicts, return to authoritarianism, gross human rights violation, inter-state competitions in armament, income disparity, food insecurity, gender inequality and insensitivity, natural disaster and transnational migration. These challenges have urged the people and governments in Asia-Pacific to seek sustainable solutions through cooperation and imagination of an alternative polity. This is a political project where communities and polities in Asia-Pacific endeavor to ‘reinvent’ themselves, so democracy can find its way even in the most disturbed environments.

Nepal itself had been shadowed under monarchy for ages and grappled by riots and communal disharmony for over a decade, until the people decided to move towards peace and development.

These are some of the possible sub-themes, which we would like to be represented in the conference:
Ethnic and Sectarian Conflicts in Asia-Pacific
Territorial Disputes
Justice and Reconciliation
Nonkilling
Nonviolence
Human Rights and Security
‘People’s Power’ and Governance
Development and Economic Fairness
Democracy and its Discontent
Gender Equality and Sensitivity
Peace, Conflict and Arts
Peace Education and Community Engagement
Climate change, Distribution of natural resources and Conflicts

Submission of Abstracts
We invite papers and presentations based on research, observations, experiences and ideas from individuals and groups who have implemented programs and conducted activities in their countries and communities to establish just peace and bring about pro-peace developments.

The abstract for the papers describing the programs/ project models should be submitted in the following Application form.

The synopsis (of not more than 300 words) may highlight:
Title of the presentation,
Programs/ Project model,
Nature of work done,
Time frame,
Location/ Community,
Methodology,
Impact/ Outcome

Dates:
Last date for submission of abstracts: 31 March 2015 – Extended till 30 April 2015
Announcement of selected abstracts: 30 May 2015
Last date for submission of full papers with presentations or posters: 30 July 2015
Confirmed registration: 25 August 2015

Registration Fees:
Before 25 August 2015 After 25 August 2015
Delegates from Non-OECD countries USD 100 USD 150
Delegates from OECD countries USD 200 USD 250
Students USD 100 USD 150

Registration fees include conference attendance, conference materials, lunch, morning and evening refreshments. Registration fees do not include travel, accommodation, or visa fees.

Accommodation: Accommodation can be availed in associated hotels (the details of which will be announced soon).

Travel and Visa: We urge the final selected speakers and the rest of the participants to proceed with the booking of their travel, stay, and visa proceedings at the earliest to avoid last minute hassles and price rise, October being a peak tourist season in Nepal.

Grants: We may offer travel and accommodation grant for some participants from the Global South depending on the available sponsorships. The registration form contains details of the procedure of participation (registration fee, accommodation, travel grant).

Application Form
The completed application form should be submitted to appra2015@gmail.com or drpradeepdhakal@gmail.com

For any clarification or details contact:
Dr. Pradeep Dhakal,
Co-Secretary General, APPRA
Director, Chetanalaya Institute for Humanity, Peace and Spirituality,
PO Box 11992,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Email: drpradeepdhakal@gmail.com
Tel: 00977-9851010968.

Looking forward to welcome you!

Supported by:
International Peace Research Association
Strategic Partners:
Chetanalaya, Institute for Humanity, Peace and Spirituality

- See more at: http://appra.net/appra-conference-2015/#sthash.IhCcc6oY.dpuf