It is a great honor and a privilege to be a part of the UA&P delegation to the eighth annual Harvard Project for Asian & International Relations (HPAIR) conference that will be held, for the first time, in Beijng, China. Indeed, as we participate in such a prestigious international student forum, we embark on an historic and revolutionary undertaking. It is historic because it marks a new high point in the efforts to promote international solidarity through discourse among the world's youth. It is revolutionary because it envisions the evolution of a world citizenry, such that people from different parts of the world can work in harmony and concord despite diversities in culture, religion, social convictions, or political and economic affiliations. This is the driving force behind the HPAIR conference, and, as a delegate, I am one of the many individuals� given the opportunity to fulfill such a legacy. I will be able to take part on the discourse concerning the issue of "Asian Security in the 21st century", a topic that I consider not only timely but relevant as well. For indeed, what could different countries do to reduce security tensions in the region and to induce the prospects for peace and reconciliation? This topic is a tall order, but as part of the HPAIR community, I would be given the opportunity to impart my thoughts on the matter. On the other hand, it is not merely enough to transmit knowledge, but also to advance it. What we know can still be subject to unremitting analysis and correction, and the HPAIR conference serves as the primary avenue for this endeavor. This is precisely that which constitutes our overarching expectation upon joining HPAIR - we become part of a collective effort to push back the frontiers of ignorance, and stimulate the search for truth!<< back |
