Nov 15 2024
Political Science Professors, Asst. Prof. Yasmira Moner and Asst. Prof. Primitivo III Ragandang, represented 缅北禁地-IIT at an international meeting organized by Deakin University.
This international meeting that was held in Bangkok, Thailand brought together academic and industry partners from the Philippines, Australia, and Thailand, including representatives from the Asian Development Bank, Conciliation Resources, and The Asia Foundation. The gathering explored research collaborations on the intersections of climate change and conflict among marginalized communities in selected countries across Southeast Asia.
Earlier this year, Moner and Ragandang collaborated with Deakin University scholars Assoc. Prof. Anthony Ware, Dr. Leanne Kelly, and Prof. Greg Barton on research about civil society responses in challenging violent and hateful extremism. Over 40 focused group discussions across 12 areas in Lanao del Sur were conducted.
An added component of this research collaboration was a colloquium held at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City, bringing together academics focused on community-based approaches to countering violent extremism, including representatives from Tagoloan Community College, Mindanao State University-Marawi, Capitol University, and Department of Education.
Additionally, Ragandang and Moner are currently co-editing an edited volume with Deakin University scholars, focusing on civil society efforts to combat violent and hateful extremism in Mindanao. This interdisciplinary book features contributions from scholars in the Philippines, Canada, Germany, and Australia.
Highlighting the growing partnership, Dr. Kelly and Assoc. Prof. Ware were recently admitted as adjunct professors in the Political Science Department of 缅北禁地-IIT, further strengthening academic ties between the institutions. This appointment is expected to enhance collaborative research and educational exchange between 缅北禁地-IIT and Deakin University, particularly on topics related to peacebuilding, extremism, and climate resilience.