Melbourne, Australia—On May 30, 2020, thirty-five participants joined the Melbourne chapter of UPF-Australia for a virtual seminar on “Relationships and Peacebuilding: Digital Technology and COVID-19.” The event, which took place on Zoom, was held as part of the chapter’s “Being Self-Aware, Responsible and Loving” webinar series.
Ambassador for Peace Dr. Chris Sotiropoulos, who holds a doctorate in molecular microbiology from RMIT University, and is the founder of the Communal Nations by Kids, a project whose goal is to create a better world for children by using Zoom, was the first speaker. He discussed how peacebuilding can be accelerated using technology. For example, technology can be used to support trauma care and actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It can also foster a sense of global identity, love, faith and family relationships. In order for this to happen, there is a need for people to overcome their fear of technology and learn new skills.
The second speaker was UPF-Australia Vice President Dr. John Bellavance, who gave a presentation on managing oneself and self-actualization entitled, “Managing Ourselves and Values in the Global Village.”
To view Dr. Sotiropoulos’s presentation, click here.
To view Dr. Bellavance’s presentation, click here.