Improving Natural Resource Management in Post-Conflict Countries

Roles of Business for Human Security

Pre-registration is required. Visit here.

　

Natural resources can - and increasingly do - play a central role in the transition to peace in post-conflict societies. This role is ubiquitous in these fragile societies, and is not limited to conflicts related directly to or fueled by valuable natural resources such as timber or minerals. Unresolved issues surrounding land tenure administration can reignite tensions. An inability of the government to deliver key services (water, food, shelter, and other resource-dependent essentials for life) can destabilize weakened societies recovering from conflict. In addition to eliminating potential obstacles to peace, natural resource management can also provide opportunities for confidence-building measures as well as models for more effective and equitable governance. It is recognized that human security in post-conflict societies cannot be achieved through the actions of sovereign states and international organizations alone. Transnational cooperation by a variety of actors including civil society is essential. The role of the business sector has attracted increased scrutiny, while the actual and potential contributions of business in post-conflict societies have not been sufficiently addressed and discussed. The International Symposium “Improving Natural Resource Management in Post-Conflict Countries: Roles of Business for Human Security“ will thus be held on Wednesday 3 February 2010 (10:00 to 17:00) at the Koshiba Hall, Hongo Campus, University of Tokyo. The International Seminar aims to take stock of experiences to date and identify issues for further research and analysis, with due emphasis on the role of business sector. It also discusses potential next steps and specific measures to ensure a higher profile for natural resource management in ongoing and future peacebuilding efforts.

　Date: February 3rd, 2010 (Wed.) 10:00-17:00

Venue: Koshiba Hall, Hongo Campus, the University of Tokyo

　

 

Opening Remarks

Makoto Maruyama
Chair, Graduate Program on Human Security
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo

 

Introduction

Mikiyasu Nakayama
Professor, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo

 

Session 1

Keynote Address

"Business and Human Security"

Yasunobu Sato
Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Presentation

"Business of Diamond Mining and Human Insecurities in Sierra Leone"

Kazumi Kawamoto
The University of Tokyo

 

"Tracking Down Blood Diamonds:
How Industry, Governments and NGOs Made Kimberley Process a Success?"

Paivi Lujala
Norwegian University of Science and Technology

 

"Buying Peace or Spoiling the Future:
Management of High Value Natural Resources in Peacebuilding Processes"

Siri Aas Rustad
Peace Research Institute Oslo

 

Session 2

Keynote Address

"Post-Conflict Peacebuilding and Natural Resources:
Lessons for Business"

Carl Bruch
Senior Attorney and Co-Director of International Programs, Environmental Law Institute

Presentation

"Natural Resources and Peacebuilding:
The Role of the Private Sector"

Diana Klein
International Alert

 

"Saving People by Saving the Gorillas:
Booming Mountain Gorilla Ecotourism in Rwanda"

Miko Watanabe
The University of Tokyo

 

"Catalysts and Challenges:
The Role of Business in Post-Conflict Enabling Livelihood and Economic Recovery"

Sarah Wegmueller
Environmental Law Institute

 

Closing Remarks

Masahiko Kunishima
Professor, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo

　

Notice: Language and Application

The sessions will be held in English (simultaneous interpretation (Japanese-English) will not be available). Pre-registration for the Symposium is required.  Please visit this website for more information.

　

Organizer Graduate Program on Human Security(HSP), the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Co-Organizer Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Japan Environmental Law Institute

Sponsor Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas "United Nations PKO and Business: Conflict, Human Movement and Governance" Alliance for Global Sustainability(AGS), The University of Tokyo Asian Pacific Academy for Business in Society Global Compact Japan Network

ウェブサイトはこちらです。
http://human-security.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/symposium/sympo20100203eng.htm