BIISS Auditorium, 1/46 Old Elephant Road, Ramna, Dhaka-1000
The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a lecture under its flagship Eminent Person’s Lecture Series (EPLS) titled "Peace in the Contemporary World" on 17 December 2024 at the BIISS Auditorium.
H. E. Dr José Ramos-Horta, Honourable President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, delivered the Eminent Person’s Lecture. H. E. Mr Md Touhid Hossain, Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. Major General Iftekhar Anis, BSP, awc, afwc, psc, PEng, Director General of BIISS, delivered the welcome address, while Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, chaired and moderated the session.
In his lecture, President José Ramos-Horta reflected on the changing global security landscape and underscored the enduring importance of peace, dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation in addressing contemporary international challenges. Drawing on his lifelong experience in peacebuilding and democratic governance, he emphasised that sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive political processes, respect for international law, protection of human rights, and mutual trust among nations.
The Distinguished Speaker also highlighted the growing impact of geopolitical competition, climate change, economic disparities, humanitarian crises, and emerging non-traditional security threats on global peace and stability. He stressed the need for stronger international partnerships, effective multilateral institutions, and collective action to address these interconnected challenges. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of investing in youth, education, innovation, and regional cooperation to build resilient and peaceful societies.
The programme was attended by senior officials from different ministries, ambassadors, high commissioners, former diplomats, senior civil and military officials, members of the media, academics, researchers, faculty members and students from various universities, and representatives of international organisations. The interactive open discussion session provided participants with an opportunity to engage directly with the Distinguished Speaker by presenting valuable questions, opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations on issues related to peace, diplomacy, and the contemporary global order.
In his remarks, H. E. Mr Md Touhid Hossain, Guest of Honour, highlighted Bangladesh's steadfast commitment to international peace, multilateral diplomacy, and constructive global engagement. He reaffirmed the country's support for dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful resolution of conflicts as the foundation for regional and global stability.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the Chair, who emphasised that the lecture had provided valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international peace and security. The programme reaffirmed BIISS's commitment to promoting informed policy dialogue and intellectual exchange on issues of strategic importance through its flagship Eminent Person’s Lecture Series.
