Caribbean Center for Nonkilling, Peace, and Conflict Studies established in Haiti
A significant and inspiring step toward promoting a culture of nonkilling peace in Haiti concluded on Saturday, July 19, with the closing of a three-session Introductory Course on Nonkilling Global Political Science. The course was organized by the Département de science politique et des relations internationales of the Institut de Gestion, de Gouvernance et d’Études Politiques (IGGEP), in collaboration with the Center for Global Nonkilling (CGNK).
Led by Dr. Roland Joseph, an adjunct professor at IGGEP and a member of the CGNK, the course took place over three consecutive Saturdays—July 5, 12, and 19—providing students and participants from various regions of Haiti with a new perspective on political science rooted in nonkilling, nonviolence, and peace. The course was especially dedicated to political science students at IGGEP and emerging community leaders from across the country.
The closing session featured a diverse range of contributions from distinguished international and Haitian guests:
- Dr. Bill (Balwant) Bhaneja, a former Canadian diplomat and member of CGNK’s Governing Council, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the historical roots of political violence and the urgent need to establish nonkilling political science as a foundation for 21st-century governance.
- Dr. Katyayani Singh, Secretary General of CGNK India and a professor based in India, delivered an inspiring speech encouraging students and scholars to adopt nonkilling ideas and actions in their academic and civic pursuits.
- Professor Dr. Gracien Jean, Minister Delegate for Electoral and Constitutional Questions in the Haitian government, emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the nonkilling approach in Haitian public policy. In his remarks, he honored the pioneering work of Dr. Max Paul and Dr. Glenn D. Paige, who introduced nonkilling ideas to Haitian scholars years earlier.
- Dr. Deus Deronneth, President of IGGEP, highlighted the institute’s commitment to supporting innovation in political education, noting that nonkilling offers a transformative vision urgently needed in Haiti.
- Dr. Kim Thompson, Director and Secretary of Equity Bank Bahamas Ltd. and CEO of Equity Trust Bahamas Ltd., has become a new advocate for the nonkilling peace movement and a strong supporter of its promotion in Haiti and the Caribbean. In her remarks, she earnestly encouraged the initiative to introduce the nonkilling paradigm to students and community leaders.
Over 30 participants completed the course. Each received a Certificate of Completion, co-signed by IGGEP and CGNK, recognizing their involvement in advancing the study and practice of nonkilling political science.
As a key outcome of the course, the Caribbean Center for Nonkilling, Peace, and Conflict Studies (CCNPCS) was established. This new academic initiative, affiliated with IGGEP and supported by CGNK, aims to institutionalize research, education, and community outreach related to nonkilling, peacebuilding, and conflict transformation in Haiti and the Caribbean region.
The CCNPCS will act as a platform for collaboration among students, professors, researchers, and peace advocates, with the goal of fostering a culture of nonkilling throughout Haitian society. During a time when the country faces ongoing political instability and widespread violence by armed groups, this initiative offers hope and provides structure to a growing movement for peace through education and policy innovation.
