The Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution
Office of Director and Program Manager
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
2424 Maile Way, Saunders 523
Honolulu, HI 96822
- E-mail: uhip@hawaii.edu
- Tel: (808) 956-6433
- Fax: (808) 956-9121
Reception and Public Policy Center
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
2424 Maile Way, Saunders 723
Honolulu, HI 96822
- E-mail: uhip@hawaii.edu
- Tel: (808) 956-4237
- Fax: (808) 956-0950
History of the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace
“Peace is not just a passive condition marked by the absence of war. It is an active state requiring much human knowledge and effort to obtain and perpetuate. Peacemaking and peacekeeping are skills important in our lives. Is your university doing all it can to promote education for peace?”
With these words, Dr. Rodrigo Carazo, President of the University of Peace in Costa Rica challenged his colleagues at the 1984 meeting of the International Association of University Presidents. University of Hawai`i President Simone responded by commencing discussions on campus, leading to the establishment of the U.H. Institute for Peace.
The Institute was subsequently named after former U.S. Senator Spark Matsunaga, a leader in the movement to promote peace. Although he served his country with distinction, along with Senator Daniel Inouye and others in the famous 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II, he firmly believed that our nation should teach the art of peace and chaired the Commission that led to the creation of the U.S. Institute for Peace. In 1986 he expressed his hope that: “Eventually every student enrolled in Hawai`i’s public university system will be exposed to peace studies.”
The Program on Conflict Resolution (PCR) was also established at the University in 1986, to make significant contributions to the early identification, research, prevention, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. PCR soon began to provide mediation, facilitation, and training services to the University and the broader community. In 1996, the PCR merged with the Matsunaga Institute and the combined entities form the Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.
The Matsunaga Institute has steadily expanded its curriculum and now offers three academic awards, an undergraduate Certificate in Peace (equivalent to a minor), a B.A. in Peace and Conflict Resolution (offered in cooperation with Interdisciplinary Studies), and a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution. Since 2003, the Matsunaga Institute has been based in the Social Sciences Public Policy Center, providing additional opportunities to link the study of peace and conflict resolution with issues of public policy and good governance.
Our Values and Principles
A center for innovation in peacemaking leadership and conflict resolution, the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution is dedicated to:
- Honoring the legacy of United States Senator Spark. M. Matsunaga and his dedication to public service and vision that "every student enrolled in Hawai'i's public university will be exposed to peace studies."
- Building on Hawai'i's cultural heritage and island values (including aloha, mutual aid and respect, sense of community, caring for the land, and a reliance on each other), to promote cross-cultural communication and peacemaking leadership.
Sparky
Warrior, Peacemaker,
Poet, Patriot
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