Today marks the end of the 2011 Peace and Conflict Studies Conference: Mapping Local Landscapes: Community Approaches to Peace.
I still remember being contacted by our esteemed conference directors – Zannah Matson, Aaron Kates Rose and Peter Wills – almost 10 months ago. At that time, the message was clear: “We have a great idea.” What is most impressive, is that the ensuing days, weeks, and months of preparation, have paid off in the most spectacular of ways.
Overheard conversations, animated discussions and the sense of participant satisfaction made it clear that participants were impressed, intrigued and inspired by this weekend’s events; the lack of complaints owed surely to the tireless efforts of volunteers and the ever-capable trifecta of triumph (ZAP – I’m talking about you).
Most importantly, this year has lived up to – and arguably exceeded – the calibre, professionalism and preparation witnessed in conferences past, and a most deserved congratulations goes out to the directors, staff and the carriers of boundless energy that made this event such a phenomenal success.
So, it is my pleasure, on behalf of the 2010-2011 PACS Executive – and myself in particular – to thank everyone for the incredible work done over the past 10 months. Your success will remain a testament to our program and creed. Indeed, great ideas, passionately pursued, motivate change.
Today, once again, I am proud to be a member of this ‘radically interdisciplinary’ community.
Get some sleep!
Adam McCauley