January 2011

Asian Muslim Action Network Marks 20th Anniversary

In commemoration of its 20th anniversary, the Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) held a conference January 26-28, 2010, at Songkhla Nakarin University, Pattani, southern Thailand. Some 200 people participated, including many Asian religious leaders, and from Japan, Mr. Yoichi Noguchi, executive director of the Niwano Peace Foundation in Tokyo.

Dr. Mark Thamthai, director of the Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture at Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, president of the International Movement for a Just World, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, addressed the theme of "Multiculturalism and Global Peace." Mr. Noguchi spoke on "Peace in Asia and the Significance of Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan," representing the Asia Inter-religious Conference on Article 9 and Peace in Asia. Article 9 stipulates the renunciation of war.

In southern Thailand, protracted conflict and violence arising from tensions between Buddhists and Muslims have taken many lives since 2004.

During the closing ceremony, the participants praised the efforts of conference organizers from Songkhla Nakarin University and AMAN enabling many people of faith, including Buddhists and Muslims, to participate in the conference together.

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