Welcome to the Trudeau Centre’s Peace, Conflict, and Justice (PCJ) program at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. Since its establishment in 1985, this program offers undergraduate students the academic foundation necessary to understand the factors associated with and the impact of peace, conflict and justice.
As the new Director of PCJ, I am inspired by and continue to learn from previous directors who have shaped the program into what it is today. I commit to building on the strengths of the program and find new ways to enhance student experiences. My goal is to provide a solid academic foundation for students who want to understand the causes and consequences of peace, conflict, and justice.
The program will serve as an intellectual hub that offers students a first-class education provided by renowned Munk-affiliated faculty. Our core faculty are not only among the best scholars in their field, but they are also award-winning educators who are constantly implementing new ways to enhance student learning experiences.
As Director, my role is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on issues that are at the core of PCJ’s mission. PCJ will be a community where students can explore, challenge, and be inspired by leaders, scholars and activists who promote peace and justice. This is the place where students learn from discussions with distinguished Munk Fellows and external guest speakers, connect with PCJ alumni who are leaders in their fields, engage in hands-on research, conduct policy analysis, and gain valuable experience through participating in internships. It is a community defined by learners who are not afraid to take on difficult challenges. PCJ is also a place where students feel a sense of belonging, be inspired by classmates, and make lifelong friends.
As a scholar of education, I have been interested in how educational experiences shape individual worldviews and the role that universities play in building the foundation of a society. I am a firm believer in the power of education and in cultivating the learner’s agency so that they can become catalysts of social change. The PCJ program will provide various opportunities for students to engage in important conversations inside and outside of the classroom, gain understanding of how research informs policies in areas of peace, conflict, and justice, and think strategically and sensibly when coming up with solutions.
My door is always open. If you are currently enrolled in PCJ, feel free to reach out to me before or after one of your PCJ classes. For prospective students, please come to Munk and learn more about PCJ and how it might be a place to deepen interests and elevate your goals. I am excited to serve as your Director and to be a part of this inspiring PCJ community!
Rie Kijima
Director, Trudeau Centre for Peace, Conflict and Justice