12 Oct 2004

Delegates from around the Pacific to descend on Christchurch for conflict resolution forum

8:40 pm on 12 October 2004

More than 200 delegates are expected at Canterbury University in New Zealand this weekend to debate how to resolve conflict in the region.

One of the organisers, political scientist Dr John Henderson, says the conference is called Securing a Peaceful Pacific and will focus on three areas.

He says these are preventing conflict, overcoming conflict and rehabilitation, and will consider whether there is a need for a regional body that can help secure peace and resolve conflicts.

Dr Henderson says they have people coming from throughout the Pacific and not just academics.

"We tried very hard to include those who have actually been working in the field of conflict resolution, be they aid workers, soldiers, foreign affairs officials or NGOs. So we are trying to get first hand views as well as more reflective material from academics in the area, both the areas of the Pacific and conflict resolution."