Maya Soetoro-Ng | Rebranding Peace for the 21st Century | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng discusses the importance of peacebuilding, positive peace, and community engagement, and shares insights into her work with organizations like Peace Studio and Ceeds of Peace.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] LYN MEHE'ULA: Welcome to this Talks at Google virtual event. I'm Lyn Mehe'ula. And I'm on the diversity, equity, and inclusion staffing team here at Google, and co-lead of Pacifica people's collective. Before we get started, I want to remind the audience that we will be taking questions towards the end of this talk. So as you think ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💱 Peacebuilding involves activating individual potential and enlivening community energy to create positive systemic change.
• ✌️ Multicultural upbringings can shape perspectives on peacebuilding and provide valuable insights into fostering peace at local and global scales.
• ✌️ Organizations like Peace Studio and Ceeds of Peace offer resources and platforms for artists, journalists, and young leaders to promote peace, tell restorative narratives, and build resilient communities.
• ✌️ Climate resilience can be achieved by cultivating positive peace, empowering communities to develop grassroots solutions, and prioritizing climate justice.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between positive peace and negative peace?

Positive peace goes beyond the absence of violence or conflict. It involves individuals actively working together, utilizing their talents, networks, and resources to create a just and productive community. Negative peace refers to the absence of acute violence or conflict but does not necessarily embrace the presence of a loving and just community.

Q: How can individuals support the work of Peace Studio?

There are various ways to support Peace Studio, including financial contributions and volunteering. In-kind support, such as grant writing, mental health assistance, and social media strategy, is also valuable. By offering your skills and resources, you can help artists and journalists resource themselves and create positive change in their communities.

Q: How are the concepts of climate and peace interconnected, and what is the aim of the Institute for Climate and Peace?

The Institute for Climate and Peace aims to demonstrate the importance of cultivating positive peace for building climate resilience. Communities with high levels of positive peace experience lower natural catastrophe death rates. By fostering peace locally, we can achieve greater climate resilience and empower communities to provide innovative solutions to climate challenges.

Q: How can Google bring more Native Hawaiian and Pasifika representation into the tech industry?

Google can amplify the voices and stories of Native Hawaiian and Pasifika communities to foster greater representation in the tech industry. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by these communities, ensuring inclusivity in policy decisions, and partnering with local organizations, Google can help uplift and support underrepresented groups.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng emphasizes the significance of activating individual potential to create collective good and fostering positive systemic change.

• She highlights her multicultural upbringing in Indonesia and how it shaped her viewpoint on peacebuilding at both local and global scales.

• Through organizations like Peace Studio and Ceeds of Peace, Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng aims to equip artists, journalists, and young leaders with resources to promote peace, amplify voices, and build resilient communities.