Past Program

Peace is key to ensuring Asia's sustained development and prosperity as the world's most populous region grows in global geopolitical and economic importance. But despite the region’s rich experience in mediating peace and reconciliation, the learning exchange between regional, local and community-driven initiatives has so far been low.

Launched in 2020, the Asia Peace Innovators Forum aims to shape long-term peace, stability, and regional cooperation in Asia by building a network of mid-career professionals working in different sectors and countries to exchange knowledge, community-driven approaches, and best practices. Due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this program has been moved primarily online, where every two weeks the selected Asia Peace Innovators will tackle a different element of peace-building.

This online program addressed media and storytelling.  Each of us has a story to tell, and, increasingly, we have more ways to share it.  In this discussion, participants considered traditional and social media storytelling in areas of conflict.  Storytelling validates people’s experiences and gives a voice to the voiceless.  There is not one single story but multiple truths and narratives.  It is essential individuals feel empowered and validated to share their perspectives.  Storytellers can face several challenges, however, particularly if their audience contains several different religious and ethnic groups in disagreement with one another.  Fellows asked: How can storytellers ensure their message reaches a diverse audience from different backgrounds?  How can traditional and social media intersect to reach more people and create a stronger connection between different communities?  How can storytellers educate and promote empathy among citizens in areas of conflict and guide them on best practices when it comes to social media?  How can storytellers ensure their stories capture the attention of their viewers and make the most significant impact? 

This program is open exclusively to accepted participants of the Asia Peace Innovators Forum.