PENANG is providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, technological disruptions and growing divisions around the world, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said it is timely for Penang to host the inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue at Jen Hotel on Sept 5 and 6, as dialogue fosters greater understanding and practical cooperation among nations and communities.
Among the internationally respected leaders and distinguished thinkers who will take part in the dialogue are former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, Dr Henry Wang Huiyao, Prof Victor Gao, Prof Jeffrey Sachs, Prof Kishore Mahbubani, Dr Wang Sheng-Wei, Dr Jonna Lei, Prof Emerita Tan Sri Mazlan Othman, Prof Emeritus Jomo Kwame Sundaram and Dr Yeoh Lam Keong. Prof Jeffrey Sachs, who is unable to attend the dialogue physically, will participate virtually via Zoom.
“The Penang Peace Dialogue is built on a simple belief: peace begins when people are willing to listen to one another,” Chow said at a press conference today to announce the international forum.
He said peace is no longer solely a national agenda driven by diplomacy and foreign policy, but has also become a state agenda as global developments directly affect economies, security and communities.
“In an era where differences too often lead to confrontation instead of conversation, dialogue, understanding and cooperation are more important than ever,” he said.
Chow said the dialogue, themed “Bridging Civilisations in a Multipolar World”, reflects the changing global landscape where no single country or civilisation has all the answers to address today’s challenges.
“As the world becomes increasingly multipolar, progress depends on understanding different perspectives, building trust and working together,” he said.
The Penang Peace Dialogue will bring together leaders, scholars, policymakers, business leaders and young people to exchange ideas on regional peace and stability, sustainable development, economic transformation, science and technology, cultural diplomacy, education, and the role of younger generations.
Chow said Penang is an appropriate venue for such a platform, given its history as a meeting point of cultures, ideas and people for more than two centuries.
“Since its founding, Penang has served as a gateway between Asia and the world through trade and commerce. That connectivity remains one of our greatest strengths,” he said.
However, he noted that increased global connectivity also exposes communities to cross-border challenges such as refugee displacement, transnational smuggling and other forms of international crime, which require greater cooperation beyond national borders.
“As a UNESCO World Heritage city, Penang continues to demonstrate that economic progress, cultural diversity and social harmony can thrive together,” he said.
“This makes Penang well-placed to serve as a bridge between East and West, and North and South.”
Chow said he hopes the Penang Peace Dialogue will become an internationally recognised annual forum that brings together diverse voices, builds partnerships and encourages practical cooperation.
“Peace is built through dialogue. Every lasting partnership begins with a conversation.
“If Penang can provide the space for those conversations and help build greater understanding, then we will have made a meaningful contribution to a more peaceful world,” he said.
Also present at the press conference were Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC) founder and organising chairman Winfred Khoo, CWC Conference organising committee member Lee Khai, and Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi.
Winfred said the organisers expect about 200 delegates to attend the two-day dialogue. In addition, they will collaborate with Tech Dome Penang to organise a public and student session before the dialogue at the hotel to introduce the International Youth Space Camp initiative, which Tech Dome plans to launch in Penang.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat