On April 30th, 2015 PeaceQuest Kitchener-Waterloo hosted a panel discussion event entitled “Is War Ever Black and White? Recolourizing the Reality of War” at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church.
The panel discussion aimed to discuss some of the lesser publicized costs and complicated nature of wars that we may not hear from the popular media or public opinion. Panelists included Marlene Epp, professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and History at the University of Waterloo, John Siebert, Executive Director of Project Ploughshares, and Andrew Thompson, Director, Amnesty International Canada Board and the event was moderated by Yelena Gyulkhandanyan, a recent graduate from the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies program at Conrad Grebel University College.
The event was very successful, and attracted approximately 50 people from the community. The panelists all delivered thoughtful reflections on war, peace, and human rights, considering both present and past conflicts. After some probing questions from the moderator, the floor opened up to the audience to ask their own inquiries which led to a lively dialogue.
This event was made possible due to partnerships with other local groups such as Amnesty International Group 9, the Centre for Peace Advancement at Conrad Grebel University College, Educators for Justice, and the Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church peace and justice working group. Thanks to all who put work into making this event a success!
PeaceQuest KW was proud to organize this discussion, and is thankful to everyone who helped make it a success!
The engaged listeners look to Andrew Thompson as he responds to a question from the audience
Andrew Thompson, director, Amnesty International Canada Board, reflects on conflict and human rights
John Siebert, director of Project Ploughshares, discusses the current state of conflict around the world
Marlene Epp, professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and History at the University of Waterloo, reflects on peace, war, and Canada’s history
Moderator Yelena Gyulkhandanyan, recent Masters of Peace and Conflict Studies grad, asks a pointed question to the panelists