To commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Parahyangan Catholic University (Unpar), Parahyangan Centre for International Studies (PACIS) Unpar along with the International Relations Study Program (HI) Unpar hosted an International Conference on International Relations (ICON-IR) with the theme Human Security: Safeguarding and Empowering People.
The event held on Thursday (27/10) at the Mercure Hotel, Bandung, was supported by several international organizations such as: the International Organization of Migration (IOM), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as well as Asian Political and International Studies Association (APISA).
In his opening remarks, the Rector of Unpar, Mangadar Situmorang, Ph.D. stated that the hosting of ICON-IR will hopefully contribute actively to the study of International Relations as well as serving as a positive discussion space for the development of the human security issue. He hoped that in the future, the cooperation can be improved with universities that have become partners of HI Unpar such as TU Dortmund, Swansea University, and the like. In addition, cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Indonesia as a strategic partner has to be nurtured in order to provide mutual benefits for both parties.
Several speakers participated in the main session, namely: the Governor of Lembaga Ketahanan Nasional (National Defense Institute) Lieutenant General Agus Widjojo, Professor. V. Bob Sugeng Hadiwinata (Unpar), Professor Allan Collins (Swansea University), Brendan Howe (EWHA Woman’s University, the Director of Human Security Program APISA), ICRC Deputy Head of Delegation for Indonesia and Timor Leste, Luc Haas, and the National Project Officer of IOM Indonesia, Diah Zahara.
The issues discussed were concerned with the issue of human security in the world in general as well as its development throughout the ages; how Indonesia has responded to problems related to the issue; how the issues relates to upholding human rights, humanitarian aid, migration and mobility security as well as potential conflicts; and what the issues of human security at the global level consist of, specifically in Asian countries.
The event proceeded with parallel sessions divided into 4 rooms that allowed the opportunity of discussions in the 29 topics related to the issue of human security presented by paper writers who made the selection. The discussions were grouped into 3 categories, namely: Regional and Global Initiatives, National Initiatives, and Non-traditional Security Issues. These sessions provided open discussion space for HI practitioners as well as students, professionals, and bureaucrats. ICON-IR participants also came from several countries, such as: the Philippines, South Korea, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom and of course, Indonesia.
At the same time, another discussion also took place between HI Unpar, alumni and alumni users for the purpose of gaining insight and suggestions concerning the necessary competence to be developed through curriculum design and the teaching mechanism of the HI Study Program for it to produce competent graduates who can meet the demand of the occupation (professional) world.
The alumni and alumni users present on the occasion work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international organizations, NGO, MNC, and think tanks. They emphasized the need to develop communication skill especially in terms of delivering ideas, opinions as well as to convince numerous parties from varying background.
An Academic Professional Gathering was hosted in the evening. The speakers, HI Unpar alumni, and invited guests who are Unpar’s cooperative partners. The event was meant to improve relations as well as to appreciate and develop existing cooperation between HI Unpar and its partners. On this occasion, HI Unpar consists of the Bachelor’s Degree, and Masters’ degree study programs and two study centers, namely: PACIS and PACES.
On the same occasion, a cooperation was signed between HI Unpar and the Trade Union Rights Centre (TURC) in the form of a regular Studium Generale; internship and practical work experience acceptance; joint activities (Discussion, seminar, workshop, training session, research and community service); data exchanges, books, journals, reports, proceedings as well as physical and digital information exchange; peer review for research report writing; as well as access to the library.
There were also talks concerning the possibilities of cooperation between HI Unpar and existing partners such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IOM, ICRC, TU Dortmund, EWHA University, Swansea University, Save The Children and Fablab.
Source: Kompas-Griya ilmu (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)
