Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo will be among the keynote speakers at the inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue (PPD), which will bring together world leaders, academics and policymakers to discuss global peace and cooperation in an increasingly multipolar world.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the dialogue, themed “Bridging Civilisations in a Multipolar World”, is intended to promote dialogue, understanding and cooperation at a time of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, technological disruption and growing divisions within and between societies.
He announced that peace was a state agenda now, and no longer only a national agenda driven by diplomacy and foreign policy, and where global developments directly affect the economy security and communities.
“It is therefore timely for Penang to provide a platform where dialogue can foster greater understanding and practical cooperation," he said during a press conference at Komtar on Aug 3.
Chow said Penang's history as a gateway between Asia and the world through trade and commerce made it a suitable venue for the dialogue.
“For more than two centuries, Penang has connected people, cultures, and ideas.
“Since its founding, Penang has served as a gateway between Asia and the world through trade and commerce. That connectivity remains one of our greatest strengths," he said.
He said the state hoped the PPD would become an internationally recognised annual forum.
"Our aspiration is for the Penang Peace Dialogue to become an internationally recognised annual forum that brings together diverse voices, builds partnerships, and encourages practical cooperation," he said.
Meanwhile, Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC) co-founder and PPD organising chairman Winfred Khoo said the dialogue will also feature several distinguished figures including former Indonesian president Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Khoo said activities will begin on Sept 3 with a student and public session held in conjunction with the CWC Conference 2026. Poster and art exhibitions will also open that day and continue until Sept 6.
He said a public programme featuring keynote speeches and a meet-the-media session will be held on Sept 5 from 1.30pm to 5.30pm, while the full-day dialogue on Sept 6 will be reserved for registered delegates. The exhibitions will remain open to the public.
“We hope the public and students will join us. We would like to welcome all of you to the event,” he said.
More information about the event can be found here.
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Carolyn Khor is an independent journalist who contributes to several print and online publications. Selected articles from her archive are published here for Newswav readers.
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