Recently, I was invited at the last minute to attend the “Peace as Global Language” conference. The conference theme struck me as something outside of my field, but I was curious enough to see how a language specialist might contribute to global peace.
One of the highlights of the event was the plenary presentation by Saul Takahashi, a human rights lawyer and professor, as well as a former UN High Commissioner to Gaza. His presentation on “Palestine, Human Rights, and the Apartheid Discourse: Background to the Crisis in Gaza” was not only timely but also exceptionally insightful. He presented a Palestinian perspective that is often not available in the mainstream media. I should also point out his exceptional ability to adapt to the unexpected scheduling challenge as he ditched his fully prepared PowerPoint presentation, talked around just four maps, and still managed to deliver a very effective presentation.
Another memorable session was a panel that started with an introduction to peace studies. The session shed light on the fundamental flaws of the current system of international organizations. In particular, I learned that three elements are needed for a judiciary system to work: separation of power, sovereignty of the Parliament, and equality under the law. The problem with the present International Court is that it has none of them.
One of the joys of attending conferences is the opportunity for unexpected connections, and this event was no exception. I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow alumnus of Carleton, and our shared experiences led to engaging discussions about past professors and classes.
Moreover, the conference provided an unexpected opportunity for me to contribute. When I learned about the challenges of accompanying the Kenyan presenters who were staying in Tokyo for 10 days, I volunteered to assist, ultimately becoming their tour guide and interpreter for some days. This experience not only allowed me to offer practical support but also enriched my understanding of different cultural perspectives. The Kenyans are writing a book about their experience in Japan, and I am also contributing a piece. So stay tuned!