Approaching Peace and Conflict Through a Global South Lens

Name: Approaching Peace and Conflict Through a Global South Lens
Start: 2026-08-06T18:00:00+10:00
End: 2026-08-06T18:00:00+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.

𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗠𝗔𝗡 is the Anti-Palestinian Racism Project Lead at APAN. She is a seasoned geopolitical analyst and communications professional, with a history leveraging open-source intelligence and analysis techniques to interpret complex events and security developments in the SWANA region. Passionate about social justice and care, she is an active member and advocate in the Palestinian community.

𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥

𝗔𝗛𝗠𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗥 is a Fellowship Facilitator for Orygen - a mental health think tank in Australia - and has founded an initiative called Changemaker that aims to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan in the domain of education, gender equality, and mental health. He is an award-winning advocate, having participated in various roles as author, advisor, and speaker, for the government entities in Australia and various organizations such as Women Deliver, Grand Challenges Canada, and the Lancet Commission. He is a recipient of the Youth Leader Award given by Global Citizen to exceptional advocates who work to alleviate poverty and achieve the SDGs across the world.

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