Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University Report

Report from Meaghan Farquharson,
District 5360 Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University,
Bangkok, Thailand, July 7, 2017
 
 
Dear District 5360 Rotarians:
 
During our first month together, we have been focusing on topics such as conflict mapping and analysis, cultural identity, international and humanitarian law, and interfaith dialogue. In our work as lawyers, doctors, university professors, police, leaders of NGO’s, and representatives of the United Nations, each of 23 Fellows from 20 different countries are committed to peace building. Such diversity of perspectives has created a rich learning environment, with plenty of opportunities to practice intercultural communication and expanding the lenses through which we experience the world.
 
One of the things I’ve most appreciated so far has been deepening my skills in facilitating interest-based multi-stakeholder negotiations to resolve conflict. We have just returned from the field in Krabi province where our group had the opportunity to meet with a number of parties regarding a proposed coal plant to discuss existing tensions. While those involved may hold opposing perspectives, it has been inspiring to meet so many engaged community members who are powerful examples of taking a stand for what you believe in. The challenge is finding the willingness to come together and hear each other’s perspectives, rather than getting stuck in polarized positions on either side of the issue. When this occurs, it is possible to explore shared interests and build on common ground to create solutions that take the needs and priorities of each party into account. 
 
Sincerely,
Meaghan
 
Meaghan published a longer blog post about her experience on the peace fellows website. Click here to access her post.
 
Meaghan Farquharson is a native Calgarian, and member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Her recent community projects include facilitating recovery circles for families affected by the Southern Alberta floods, and partnering with an African NGO – Peace and Conflict Resolution – to provide trauma counselling training for women who have been affected by poverty and sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She has a private practice as a therapist, and her background includes work in hospital psychiatric wards, prisons, addictions treatment centres, homeless shelters, palliative care facilities, and the Victim Services Unit of the RCMP. Meaghan loves adventure and has also spent many nights out under the stars leading wilderness expeditions. She hopes that being a peace fellow will deepen her advocacy skills, strengthen her capacity to contribute to healing intergenerational trauma in our global community, and provide an opportunity to collaborate with other inspired change makers who are committed to creating a brighter future.