Approaching Peace and Conflict Through a Global South Lens
We have great pleasure in inviting you to a special event on Thursday 23 July featuring a panel discussion exploring the theme of decolonising peace and conflict, with a particular focus on understanding the coloniality of peace and highlighting Indigenous and non-Western approaches to sustaining peace, security, and stability.
The event seeks to create an open and reflective space for dialogue that challenges conventional understandings of peacebuilding and encourages participants to consider alternative frameworks rooted in local knowledge systems, historical experiences, and community practices. Mainstream approaches to peace and conflict have often been shaped by Western institutions and perspectives, which can overlook Indigenous and local practices of community cohesion. This panel aims to broaden the conversation by bringing together experts and community voices to explore how peace can be understood beyond dominant frameworks in light of three main countries, including Afghanistan, Palestine, and South Sudan.
Santino Deng
Santino Deng is an experienced leader across community organisations, government, and academia, focused on strengthening education, social, and family support systems. He has worked across mental health and trauma, refugee and migrant resettlement, youth justice, and culturally responsive service delivery, and has held senior roles including Founder, Board Chair, Director, and public sector leader, with expertise in strategic leadership, program management, and stakeholder engagement.
Mursal Sadat
Mursal Sadat is a member of the Afghanistan Women’s National Soccer team who relocated to Australia during the 2021 evacuation. Raised in Kabul, she holds a diploma in graphic design and began public speaking for UNICEF at age 15. Since moving to Melbourne, she has completed leadership programs with the ASRC and CMY and continues to advocate for women’s and refugees’ rights in Australia and Afghanistan. Alongside her advocacy, she plays soccer for AWT Melbourne Victory and is studying Sports and Business at SEDA Melbourne Victory.
𝗬ousef Alreemawi
Yousef Alreemawi is a Palestinian-Australian musician, scholar, linguist, and storyteller. He is the founder and director of the Averroes Centre for Arab Culture and ASPIRE, an NGO that has supported the resettlement of over 250 Palestinian refugees in Australia since 2007. He also leads the Tarab Ensemble, presents the “Understanding Palestine” lecture series, and hosts the “Palestine Remembered” program on Radio 3CR. His work has been recognised with awards including the Australia Eureka Medal (2017) and Creative Australia Award (2025).
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Thursday 23 July 2026
At the event, the facilitator will guide the conversation, ensuring that the discussion remains engaging, accessible, and inclusive for the audience. Each speaker will provide insights from their respective areas of expertise, including peace and conflict studies, local knowledge systems, and community-led approaches to peacebuilding. The format will include:
Opening remarks from the facilitator
A moderated panel discussion exploring key themes
An audience Q&A session to encourage active participation and dialogue
A lively debrief in small groups among participants themselves over light snacks and drinks.
This is an in-person only event (no online attendance available).
Pilgrim Theological College
29 College Crescent
Parkville Victoria 3052