Мэдээ

By Solongo Altantsooj, Khulan Chinzorig and Jargalmaa Damba

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace on September 21, senior lecturer Oyunsuren Damdinsuren and guest lecturer Nick Millward, a former U.S. Marine now turned researcher focusing on Mongolia’s role as a peacemaker in Northeast Asia, gave us an interesting talk on peace, conflict, and the importance of peacebuilding.

The talk consisted of two parts: Ms. Oyunsuren’s speech about peace and NGOs and Mr. Nick Millward’s presentation on peace studies and its meaning of it.

It started with a speech about the notion of peace and the International Day of Peace by Ms. Oyunsuren. It was a short yet impactful one, maybe because she showed the students a video with wise words from world-renowned leaders. You may wonder about the meaning and essence of peace yourself, reading so many quotes by public figures like Mother Teresa and Marvin Gaye. It was interesting to know that the International Day of Peace was first initiated by Costa Rica in 1981 at the UN General Assembly.

Ms. Oyunsuren introduced us to NGOs such as the Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI) and its Mongolian sister organization, the Mongolian Peacebuilding Institute (MONPI), which are working to transform the prevailing culture of animosity and militarism into one of peace and reconciliation. Their efforts emphasize education and the promotion of a fundamental paradigm shift in both Northeast Asia and Mongolia.

"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." - Mahatma Gandhi

Mr. Millward explained that peace is often narrowly defined as the absence of war, violence, or conflict. However, he emphasized that peace is not merely the responsibility of governments or international institutions. Instead, it is something that must be nurtured through the participation and responsibility of every individual. As he stated, “Peace comes from us.”

During his talk, Mr. Millward also introduced several organizations, including Rotary International, that actively contribute to building and sustaining peace worldwide. However, he highlighted that peacebuilding requires collaboration, empathy, and dedication from both institutions and individuals. His message served as a reminder that true peace extends beyond the absence of conflict; it thrives where understanding, cooperation, and human connection are actively cultivated.

This lecture inspired students to reflect on their own role in promoting peace, both in their communities and in the broader global context.