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Centred on the theme “Sustaining Peace in Asia through Religious Cooperation,” the weeklong training began with an interfaith service.
The training drew together 30 young peace activists from across Asia, representing diverse faith traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Indigenous religions, and agnostics.
Dr Mathews George Chunakara, Christian Conference of Asia general secretary, opened the programme and outlined the objectives of the training. He stated at the outset that, to build and establish communities of peace in Asia, it is essential, critical, and imperative to train new generations of peace activists committed to the cause of peace with justice.
Chunakara noted that the programme provides a common platform for young Asians, regardless of religion or ethnicity, to be trained as prospective peace activists and to work together across diverse traditions, emphasising that peace cannot emerge from one religious perspective alone.
“Asia is home to a mosaic of cultures, contexts, and ethnicities. Religion here plays a vital role in fuelling hatred and division, while religious leaders claim peace,” he said. “What we see in Asia today is the politicisation of religion and the religionisation of politics.”
The thematic session on “Meaning of Peace and Conceptual Framework of Peacebuilding,” was led by Gandhian peace educator and activist Prof. Dr M. P. Mathai.
“Mere diplomacy cannot resolve geopolitical tensions,” said Mathai. “Peace is not as simple as the term appears to be.”
Peace is a complex concept with many dimensions and layers, Mathai added. “Therefore, to be a true ambassador of peace, you have to understand what peace really means,” Mathai said.
Participants will attend thematic sessions, workshops, and participate in exposure visits to a Sikh Gurudwara and the Buddhist Institute in Chiang Mai for dialogue with religious leaders.
