Summary
- The inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue opened with calls for peace to be treated as a culture, not merely the absence of war.
- Speakers highlighted Penang’s multicultural history and strategic location as strengths for promoting regional dialogue.
- Economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram warned rising military spending and geopolitical rivalry could worsen global inflation and economic stagnation.
- He called for a “NAM 2.0” focused on peace, development and stronger cooperation among Global South countries.
GEORGE TOWN, September 5 — The inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue opened with calls for stronger multilateral cooperation and a renewed Non-Aligned Movement amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng said Penang’s multicultural heritage, international outlook and strategic position made it a suitable venue for discussions on peace.
Economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram warned that increased military spending, sanctions, tariffs and disrupted supply chains could contribute to renewed global stagflation.
He argued that developing countries have little to gain from a new Cold War and should pursue a more independent path.
Jomo called for a “NAM 2.0” centred on peaceful development, economic cooperation and stronger representation of Global South interests in an increasingly multipolar world.
