Community Forum “Celebrating Harmony, Promoting Peace” Successfully Held
社区论坛“庆和谐，促和平”成功举办
On 15 March 2025, a public forum titled “Celebration of Harmony, Promotion of Peace” was successfully held in Clayton Community Centre to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Hosted by the Asian Australian Volunteers (AAV) and Chinese Australians for Peace Association (CAPA), and supported by Monash City Council, the event brought together more than one hundred scholars, community leaders, and residents to reflect on wartime history and reaffirm a shared commitment to peace, understanding, and social cohesion.
Opening Address
CAPA President Jimmy Li opened the forum by highlighting the importance of historical reflection in today’s uncertain world. He stressed that peace is not just an aspiration, but a shared responsibility, and expressed deep gratitude to the guest speakers and Monash City Council for their support.
Remarks by Cr Elisha Lee
Cr Elisha Lee emphasized the importance of learning from history to build a more peaceful and inclusive society. She highlighted that the strength of the Monash community lies in its cultural diversity and in the commitment to mutual respect and understanding. Cr Lee affirmed the Monash Council’s support for initiatives that promote harmony and ensure Monash remains a welcoming place for all.
Guest Speakers and Key Messages
- Professor Yuki Tanaka, a renowned historian, gave a powerful account of wartime atrocities in the Asia-Pacific region—including the Nanjing Massacre, chemical warfare, and the brutal “comfort women” system—and also addressed war crimes by U.S. forces. He emphasized the need for shared memory, moral accountability, and human empathy in the pursuit of lasting peace.
- Mr. Taewoo Kim spoke about challenges to multicultural harmony in modern Australia, warning against the dangers of intolerance and racism. Drawing from literature and personal experience, he urged greater understanding and education to overcome prejudice and build inclusive communities.
- Ms. Christine Kim focused on the historical and ongoing issue of gender-based violence and human trafficking, highlighting its connection to the atrocities of the “comfort women” system. She emphasized that silence enables injustice and called for accountability and collective responsibility in creating a peaceful and safe world for all.
- Dr. Eric Fu, from the University of Melbourne, explored the strengths of multicultural Australia in building resilience and peace. He highlighted the importance of mutual respect, cooperation, and cultural integration in today’s global landscape.
The powerful speeches were followed by in-depth panel discussions and an engaging Q&A session with the audience. The forum was ably hosted by Rachel Liang and Mary Xu, who ensured smooth transitions between speeches, discussions, and audience participation. The event concluded with a series of peace-themed performances by artists from the Home of Huayu group, adding a heartfelt and cultural dimension to the day.
Reflecting on the Past, Acting for the Future
The forum invited participants to consider what we can learn from the tragedies of war to foster greater understanding among communities today. It encouraged open dialogue, historical remembrance, and individual responsibility—especially among younger generations—in advancing peace and reconciliation.
As we remember the suffering of the past, this forum served as a meaningful reminder that peace is built not only through diplomacy and policy but also through everyday acts of empathy, inclusion, and solidarity.
(Chinese Australians for Peace Association Inc.)
