Last night Edmund Rice Centre, AAPS: The Australian Association for Pacific Studies and Australian Museum had the honour to co-host the 2024 AAPS Annual Memorial Epeli Hau’ofa lecture by Secretary-General of the Pacific Conference of Churches Reverend James Bhagwan. Reverend Bhagwan spoke powerfully about the concept of an ‘Ocean of Peace’ across the Pacific region that would counteract the various forms of colonialism and neo-colonialism that have historically existed and still exist today. In the context of climate change an ‘Ocean of Peace’ would mean a fossil fuel-free Pacific. It would also mean the realisation of all Indigenous peoples’ human rights and self-determination, as well as the honouring of Indigenous values, wisdoms and traditions.
Reverend Bhagwan's lecture covered he challenges facing the Pacific from climate change to increased securitisation and militarisation, as well as human rights abuse and ecological destruction directly tied to overly extractive economic and political systems.
Thank you Reverend James Bhagwan for sharing your wisdom and power with us. We will post a link to the recording of the lecture as soon as it is ready.
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