Penang will host its inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue (PPD) in September to establish an internationally recognised annual forum for dialogue, trust-building and collaboration on global issues.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang will host its inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue (PPD) in September to establish an internationally recognised annual forum for dialogue, trust-building and collaboration on global issues, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He added that the event, themed “Bridging Civilisations in a Multipolar World”, would provide a platform for understanding and cooperation at a time when the world is facing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, technological disruption and growing divisions within and between societies.
“Around the world, differences too often lead to confrontation instead of conversation,” he said during a press conference at Komtar on Monday.
Chow said peace was no longer solely a matter of diplomacy and foreign policy as global developments directly affect the economy, security and communities.
“Peace has also evolved. For decades, it was largely seen as a national agenda driven by diplomacy and foreign policy.
“Today, peace is also a state agenda. Global developments directly affect our economy, security, and communities.
“It is therefore timely for Penang to provide a platform in which dialogue could foster greater understanding and practical cooperation.”
He added that the state hoped the dialogue would become an internationally recognised annual forum.
“Our aspiration is for the PPD to become an internationally recognised annual forum that brings together diverse voices, builds partnerships and encourages practical cooperation.”
Meanwhile, Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC) co-founder and Penang Peace Dialogue organising chairman Winfred Khoo said former Indonesian president Joko Widodo would be among the keynote speakers at the dialogue.
“We (also) have international thought leaders such as Centre for China and Globalisation vice president Prof Victor Gao, National University of Singapore Asia Research Institute Distinguished Fellow Prof Kishore Mahbubani and former UN economic development assistant secretary-general Prof Jomo K. Sundaram,” he said, adding that economist Jeffrey Sachs, president of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network, would join the conference via Zoom.
Khoo said the opening session of the PPD would be held in conjunction with the CWC Conference 2026, beginning with a student and public session on Sept 3. He added that poster and art exhibitions would also open that day and continue until Sept 6.
He also said a media event featuring a panel discussion with PPD speakers, podcast interviews and a press conference would be held on Sept 5 at 4pm, followed by a gala dinner and pre-dinner reception at 6pm that evening.
He said the full-day dialogue on Sept 6 would run from 8am to 5.30pm and is reserved for registered delegates, adding that the exhibitions would 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.”
Khoo said Penang’s history as a trading port and multicultural society made it a fitting venue for the dialogue, adding that it seeks to build on that legacy by promoting peaceful coexistence and international cooperation.
The PPD grew out of discussions at the CWC Conference 2025 to bring together world leaders, academics, policymakers and members of the public to discuss new approaches to peace and cooperation in an increasingly multipolar world.
Among the issues to be explored are the impact of globalisation, the shift towards a multi-civilisational world order, the future of UN reform and the role Southeast Asia could play in promoting peace.
Organisers are also planning an Art for Peace competition involving students from Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, with winning entries to be presented during the dialogue.
Another initiative, the International Youth Space Academy, will engage students in discussions on the ethics of peaceful collaboration in space exploration and commercialisation in partnership with the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.
For more information, visit https://commonwealthofworldchinatowns.com/penang-peace-dialogue.
