Peace Lab for Religious Leaders & Thinkers (PLRT) Summit 2024

Background

The Peace Lab for Religious Leaders & Thinkers (PLRT) is a youth empowerment programme jointly organised by INITIATE.MY, the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), and Malaysian Youth Diplomacy (MyDiplomacy). It is dedicated to mitigating radicalisation risks and nurturing social resilience in Malaysia’s multi-racial and religious society, building upon the accomplishments of the Peace Lab for Youth (PLY) in 2021.

PLRT adopts and supports the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda by adhering to the landmark resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council. They are Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535 that have recognised the pivotal role of youth as agents of peace and security.

The summit will showcase a keynote speech and public forum to discuss the role of youth in peace and security , featuring notable speakers with stellar background in youth advocacies. Participants will also exhibit their projects to the public through booth setups and engage in substantive dialogue with esteemed audiences. The end of the summit will be marked by a ceremonial presentation of certificates to participants, acknowledging their significant achievements.

Target Audience

60 Participants from Civil Society Organisations, Academia, Youth and Religious Leaders, and the Public.

Agenda

9.00 AM – 9.45 AM: Registration
9.45 AM – 10.30 AM: Housekeeping Notes, Keynote Speech & Opening Remarks
10.30 AM – 10.35 AM: Group Performance
10.35 AM – 11.25 AM: Booth Tour & Networking
11.25 AM – 11.30 AM: Group Performance
11.30 AM – 1.00 PM: Public Forum on “Youth as Peace Agents or Otherwise?”
1.00 PM – 1.45 PM: Closing Ceremony
1.45 PM – 3.00 PM: Wrap-Up & Lunch

Speakers

Kasthuri Patto
Steering Committee Member
The International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB)

Kasthuri Patto is currently the Deputy International Secretary for the International Affairs Department of her party, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the Vice Chair of the Women’s Wing of her party. She was also recently appointed as the Chairperson of the Housewives Social Protection Scheme under Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) to promote a social protection scheme for all housewives in Malaysia. She served for two terms as a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Batu Kawan, Penang and served as the President of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) a coalition of more than 1200 lawmakers from democratically elected Parliaments from 2021 to 2022. She also served as a member of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for International Affairs and is currently a Steering Group member of the  International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion and Belief (IPPFORB). Kasthuri is also an abolitionist against the death penalty and has been lobbying to see an end to child marriages in Malaysia. She has been a critical voice against forced labour, human trafficking, custodial deaths, enforced disappearances, citizenship matters and the use of draconian laws in the name of national security. She is a fierce and familiar voice on the promotion and protection of women’s and children’s rights and wishes to see a more inclusive and just Malaysia, and the world.

Jason Wee
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Architects of Diversity (AoD)

Jason Wee is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Architects of Diversity, a youth-led non-profit organisation that bridges communities and identity groups among youth in Malaysia for justice, peace and a sustainable future. Since 2018, AOD has worked towards the promotion of diversity and inclusion in Malaysia by empowering young leaders as champions of inclusivity, pioneering ideas and processes for social cohesion, and building an enabling environment for legislative change towards equity and inclusion. He is a graduate of Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, specialising in Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination.

Hari Shankar
Data Analyst
Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)

Hari Shankar is a data analyst at INITIATE.MY, supporting the organisation’s research initiatives on intergroup tensions and violent extremism, and is also an alumnus of Peace Lab for Youth (PLY). Prior to working with INITIATE.MY, he was an intercultural communications researcher and educator in Japan, coaching youths of various nationalities on overcoming cultural barriers to develop mutual understanding and cooperation. Hari is a strong advocate of decision-making using data and evidence, actively leveraging his professional background in data science by advising organisations in both the non-profit and corporate sectors on the effective utilisation of data and artificial intelligence. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in applied statistics at Universiti Malaya.

Calvin Ohsey
Member
Roman Catholic Church

Calvin Ohsey Anak Ah Sen is a multifaceted professional with a wealth of experience spanning various fields. Currently serving as a Special Officer to the Member of Parliament, P.192 Mas Gading, he provides invaluable support in political strategy, parliamentary affairs, research, media liaison, and constituency relations. With a background in translation, event management, consulting, and pastoral work within the Roman Catholic Diocese, Calvin brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to his role. His commitment to service, coupled with his adaptability and dedication, underscores his passion for making a meaningful impact in his community and beyond.

Elisa Shafiqah
Head Advisor
Malaysian Youth Diplomacy

Elisa Shafiqah Shahrilnizam is the Head Advisor of Malaysian Youth Diplomacy, a focal point youth movement in Malaysia aims to empower youth with diplomatic opportunities. She has extensive experience working with the Ministry of Defence Malaysia focusing on contemporary security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia working in several multilateral negotiations and being involved as the first Malaysian UN Youth Delegate. Under her chairmanship at MyDiplomacy, she has contributed to promoting youth-led diplomacy and has impacted more than 5000 youths resulting in her to be awarded with the ASEAN Youth Peace Figure. She reads BA (International and Strategic Studies) in Universiti Malaya focusing on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, Malaysia’s multilateral foreign policy and mechanism of UNSCR1325 and UNSCR2250 (Women and Youth, Peace Security). At the moment, Elisa holds the position of the Asian representative to the International Steering Group of United Network of Young Peacebuilders which works closely with the United Nations to advise the Secretary General on implementation of UNSCR2250.