A geography expert who has contributed to achieving sustainable peace in divided societies across the South Pacific and South East Asia will deliver a free public lecture at USC on Tuesday 25 September.

The presentation by geographer Ian Stehbens will be held jointly by the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland and USC’s Geography discipline at USC’s main campus at Sippy Downs from 7.15pm.

Mr Stehbens’s talk, titled “Transforming conflicts: a geographer making a difference in war zones”, will identify critical elements of culture, leadership and beliefs in peacebuilding.

Mr Stehbens will explain the shortcomings of conflict resolution, and how conflict transformation - the process of all parties redirecting their energies to achieving a shared dream and common hope - had become the best approach to achieving peace.

He also will provide an overview of educational material developed to train peacebuilders from diverse cultures and religions.

USC Associate Professor of Geography Jennifer Carter said the lecture would appeal to a wide range of people.

“This information will be important to those interested in international development, planning, politics and international relations, as well as business, social entrepreneurship, health and wellbeing.”

The lecture will be held in USC’s Lecture Theatre 2, Building K, from 7.15pm. Doors will open at 7pm.