In partnership with the International Writing Program at University of Iowa, Liljestrand Foundation launched the Margins of the Sea preview summit in May 2019, which introduced programs that value peace, greater global awareness and environmental stewardship from the perspective of the arts and culture. 

Panel presentation on climate change and social justice

Featuring Maxine Burkett, Davianna Pomaika`i McGregor and Maya Soetore-Ng

The panel focused on climate change crises and solutions, as well as visual examples of the impact of climate change on world migration. Highlights of the Institute for Climate and Peace’s work to advance peace, greater diversity of ideas and achievable actions will also be shared. One panelist noted: Worse than climate denial is climate despondency!

Maxine Burkett is a professor at the University of Hawaii School of Law and co-founder of the Institute for Climate and Peace with Maya Soetoro-Ng. She is a Global Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Dr. Davianna Pomaika’i McGregor is a Professor and founding member of the Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of Hawai’i, Manoa and Director of the department’s Center for Oral History. Her ongoing research endeavors focus on the persistence of traditional Hawaiian cultural customs, beliefs, and practices in rural Hawaiian communities on the main Hawaiian islands.

Maya Soetoro-Ng is a consultant to the Obama Foundation working to develop international programs in the Asia Pacific region and co-founder of the Institute for Climate and Peace. She was previously Director of the Matsunaga Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution at University of Hawaii and currently teaches courses on peace and leadership at the University. She is also co-founder of the non-profit, Ceeds of Peace.

Moderated by Dr. Chip Fletcher, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Earth Science in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii and Vice-Chair of the Honolulu Climate Change Commission.

*James Redford, serial storyteller, social change filmmaker, co-founder of KPJR Films and Chair of the Redford Center, was scheduled to participate in this panel. Unfortunately, due to last minute changes in his production schedule, he was unable to attend.

Mahalo to the Margins of the Sea Preview Summit partners: East-West Center at University of Hawai`i, Halekulani, Honolulu Museum of Art, Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution at University of Hawai`i, Paiko, Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design, and Bintang Beer.