Conversations about sustaining peace as a means of avoiding war may be uncomfortable, but they're had more often these days at across all levels of society. And rather than shy away from it, graduate students at the University of Guam are holding a forum to talk about it.

Conference chairperson Kalyne Roberto told KUAM News, "That is definitely what our class would like to bring forth this Saturday - to provide an opportunity, a space, for our government leaders, the people, the community, our educators, scholars, just those who you know understand the importance and the reality that we are living in today. And if we don't talk about it, then action will not happen. And we are hoping by part by putting this peace conference on. We are creating that space where conversations can happen. And hopefully our hope is to spark positive action."

A group of international speakers will set the table, with a diverse panel of local decisionmakers providing input from their perspectives. The objective is positive dialogue towards diplomacy, before situations escalate to a level no one wants.

Fellow UOG masters of public administration graduate student Tes Reyes-Burrier added, "Our theme for this conference is 'Peacebuilding into the Indo-Pacific: Exploring Pathways and to Achieving and Sustaining Peace & Avoiding Conflict.' There will always be conflict. But how do you resolve that? Conflict is through collaboration. There's power in relationships. There's power in collaboration. And the goal is to build peace and to keep peace."

So please join by watching on UOG's social channels or being there in person and lending your thoughts, concerns and ideas. Voices from all generations will be featured, with your own thoughts highly encouraged to be heard.

Because the target audience for this forum is the human race, and the end goal being what we all strive for. Roberto said, "We are trying to take peace out from an abstract idea and make it real and start to elevate that conversation, even with our children. Because it's happening now and we can't just turn a blind eye.

"We need to do something and hopefully these conversations will spark positive action and positive change."