The concept of conflict prevention and peace-building is nothing new; however, it has come to public attention and debates particularly after the 9/11 attacks. Amid the increasing recognition of peace and conflict studies [PCS] as a critical discipline in the contemporary world, the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies [TUFS] started to offer a Master's Program for PCS in April 2004. It was the first attempt in Japanese universities to establish a post-graduate level program specialized in the area.
With the objective of broadening the scale and scope of PCS research and education internationally, TUFS has taken a new initiative for further development of worldwide academic collaboration. In that context, the PCS Global Campus Program [GCP] has been launched since 2006 funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology [MEXT] in Japan for the first three years. Placing its specific focus on PCS, the GCP aims at establishing international cooperative networks of PCS education and fostering experts on peace-building and conflict prevention.
At the outset, the GCP embarked on building an institutional alliance of universities across the globe. While acting in concert to develop the program, the alliance shall constitute the bedrock for the program expansion. Through the creation of inter-sectoral, cross-cutting arrangements, the GCP's networks will be further expanded, encompassing a variety of entities at different levels: international organizations, development agencies, NGOs, and research centers. Member universities to date are as follows.
- Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan,
- Pannasastra University, Phnom Penh, Cambodia,
- Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia,
- University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka,
- College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan, University of Mumbai, India,
- Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, India,
- The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan,
- Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Together with all member universities, the GCP declares our vision and mission.
Vision
To strive towards a culture of peace with justice in society by developing a cross–cultural understanding aimed at bridging the existing divides through dialogue and education.
Mission
- To bring together students and faculty of academic institutions around the globe through videoconferencing.
- To equip students with skills and competence of analyzing and applying theories of PCS in the context of international diversity
- To utilize Track-II diplomacy as a means to achieve conflict resolution.
- To provide a safe space and opportunity for students to express ideas and opinions on controversial and crucial issues facing the world.
- To create a culture of understanding and mutual respect by challenging negative stereotypes.
