Why do we need peacebuilding in the Pacific region and in Timor Leste, and what is the role of civil society? Join us as we present an evening with two of the region's peacebuilding leaders to discuss the threats to peace in our region, and what civil society organisations are doing. We will finish by discussing how Australian organisations can support their counterparts in the region.

After brief presentations from the speakers there will be ample time for discussion and questions from the audience. Light refreshments will be available.

Presenters:

Adi Vasulevu, Executive Director of Transcend Oceania

Based in Fiji, Adi has provided safe spaces for women from different ethnic communities to work together on issues affecting women around peace and harmony for more than 20 years. With Transcend Oceania she advances sustainable peace and development through justice and non-violent action. This is enabled through training and education, peace process facilitation and healing, justice and development initiatives and research that builds on local knowledge systems, skills and approaches of Oceania.

Luis da Costa Ximenes, Executive Direction of Belun, Timor Leste

As Director of Belun, Luis provides management support and oversight to a number of nationwide civil society strengthening and conflict prevention, community capacity development and research and policy development programs, notably ongoing monitoring of violent conflicts. Belun's monthly reports are invaluable to civil society and government alike. Luis has extensive facilitation and training experience, including in Open Space Technologies, which he has utilized in Timor Leste and Indonesia.

Host: James Cox, Executive Director, Peacifica

With thanks to NSW Teachers Federation for assistance with the venue.