CPS of NSU hosts distinguished speakers for peace studies webinar

North South University’s Center for Peace Studies (CPS) hosted a Webinar on 11 February 2025 featuring esteemed speakers from around the globe, emphasizing the importance of peace and international cooperation.

The event commenced with Introductory Remarks by Dr. M Jashim Uddin, Associate Professor and Director of CPS, who underscored the significance of fostering peace in today’s world, according to a press release. 

Dr. Uddin set the tone for the Webinar, highlighting the role of education in promoting understanding and collaboration among nations.

The webinar welcomed Dr. Toshiya Hoshino, Professor Emeritus at OSIPP, Osaka University, and former Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations, as a Special Invitee.

Dr. Hoshino shared invaluable insights on international diplomacy and the necessity of dialogue in conflict resolution, drawing from his extensive experience in global affairs.

Professor Hoshino expressed hope that the discussions held during the Webinar would lead to future collaborations between institutions, such as Osaka University and North South University, to expand research and education on peace and human security globally.

This reflects a shared commitment to advancing peace studies and fostering international cooperation, the release says. 

The Keynote Speech titled “Forgotten Crisis: How the Rohingya Crisis Viewed by Foreign News Media” was delivered by Dr. Virgil Hawkins, Professor at the Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP), Osaka University.

Dr. Hawkins noted that the escalation of the persecution of the Rohingya people by the Myanmar government, beginning in 2016, led to the creation of the world's largest refugee camp in Bangladesh.

The crisis was initially met with relatively large amounts of coverage (and sympathy) by the news media in the outside world. But as the conflict continued and the refugees remained unable to return to their homes for several years, this coverage began to wane.

While such a reaction to a long-running foreign humanitarian crisis is predictable, it is worth observing long-term trends, and points of interest for the news media amidst relative apathy.

Dr. Hawkins's presentation was based on an analysis of mainstream news media organizations in the US and Japan.

He emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in fostering understanding and cooperation among nations, particularly in addressing pressing issues such as the Rohingya crisis.

His insights aimed to encourage active participation in creating sustainable solutions for global peace, aligning with the mission of the Center for Peace Studies (CPS) at North South University.

The event concluded with Closing Remarks by Prof. Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University.

Dr. Chowdhury reinforced the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in achieving lasting peace, encouraging attendees to apply the knowledge gained during the Webinar in their respective fields.

The session was moderated by Raheed Ejaz, Diplomatic Correspondent, Prothom Alo, the release adds.