Approaching Peace and Conflict Through a Global South Lens

Name: Approaching Peace and Conflict Through a Global South Lens
Start: 2026-07-23T18:00:00+10:00
End: 2026-07-23T18:00:00+10:00
Location: Pilgrim Theological College

About

Approaching Peace and Conflict Through a Global South Lens is 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.

𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦:

𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗚 is an experienced leader working across community organisations, government, and academic institutions. His work focuses on strengthening educational, social, and family support systems, particularly in the areas of mental health and trauma, refugee and migrant resettlement, youth justice, and culturally responsive service delivery. Across a range of leadership roles, including Founder, Board Chair, Director, and public sector leader, he has developed strong expertise in strategic leadership, project and program management, case management, stakeholder engagement, and organisational development. Santino is committed to collaboration, evidence-informed practice, and creating sustainable, positive outcomes for communities. He is passionate about sharing knowledge, learning from others, and building meaningful professional relationships. He welcomes opportunities to connect with individuals and organisations whose work aligns with his own and is always open to conversations about collaboration.

𝗠𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗧 is one of the Afghanistan Women’s National Soccer team players who came to Australia during the country’s evacuation in 2021. Raised in Kabul, Mursal received a diploma in graphic design from the city’s Institute of Fine Arts. At the age of 15, she recognised the importance of motivating others and began delivering speeches for UNICEF. After relocating in Melbourne, Mursal completed the Community Advocacy power program leadership program with ASRC. In addition, she participated in “A Seat at the Table” a six-month long leadership program with CMY in Victoria. Mursal’s focus is on women and refugees' rights in both Australia and her Afghanistan homeland. She committed to creating positive change for oppressed women living under Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, using her personal experience in speaking engagements to highlight their plight. Alongside her advocacy work, Mursal’s love of sport continues to inform her career path. She currently plays soccer for AWT Melbourne Victory and is studying Sports and Business at SEDA Melbourne Victory with an aim to one day enter the world of politics - using her sport and leadership skills to serve the community.

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 the founder of ASPIRE, an NGO that contributed to the settlement of more than 250 Palestinian refugees from Iraq and Syria in Australia since 2007. He is also the creator of the Palestine Remembered program on Radio 3CR, the founder/ leader of Tarab Ensemble — Australia's leading group devoted to the classical Arabic instrumental tradition — and the presenter of the Understanding Palestine Series of public lectures on the history of Palestine. In recognition of his work, Yousef won several Australian and international awards including Australia Eureka Medal (2017), the Palestinian of the Year (2021), the Ambassador of Peace (2025), and Creative Australia Award (2025).

The event is only in-person. The program starts at 6 pm and finishes at 8 pm. Light snacks and drinks will be served.