Kahlil Gibran Research and Studies Project

The Kahlil Gibran Research and Studies Project "is established under the Center for International Development and Conflict Management at the University of Maryland (CIDCM), College Park. It is designed to explore Gibran's life and works, and, through them, address moral and social determinants of public justice and peace.

"Scholars working under the auspices of the Gibran Project study matters of cultural pluralism; human rights; and the role of the arts, poetry and literature in promoting international communication and cooperation. These studies emphasize the enduring human values which Gibran advocated in his writing and which are essential to the creation of a world vision based on the principle of "unity in diversity". The Kahlil Gibran Research and Studies Project is dedicated, therefore, to advancing studies about political and moral healing in a world beset by conflict and confused by a rapid change in the human condition."

• Professor Suheil Bushrui, Director

First International Conference on Kahlil Gibran

""The First International Conference on Kahlil Gibran: the Poet of the Culture of Peace" was held at the University of Maryland, College Park, from December 9-12, 1999. This international, multicultural gathering drew 150 participants with representatives coming from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Egypt, England, France, Guadeloupe, Ireland, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Peoples Republic of China, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States."

Official Conference Report

"Mr. Frank Method, UNESCO's representative in Washington, DC, hailed the goals of the conference and told the assembly that it was an honor for UNESCO to be formally affiliated with the initiative. Mr. Method explained that the Gibran conference would address some of the very themes that are of central concern to UNESCO, such as the equality of men and women; justice, freedom and democracy; faith and reason; ecology and the environment; and universal peace.

"Mrs. Leila Tannous, representing the International Advisory Board of the Kahlil Gibran Research and Studies Project, delivered an address entitled "A Global Culture of Peace and Unity: The Enduring Vision of Kahlil Gibran." Mrs. Tannous reflected upon the philosophy, work, and life of Gibran the artist, author, and thinker. In a moving peroration, Mrs. Tannous noted that in our own time—a time of change and uncertainty around the globe—it is essential for us to seek out and draw inspiration from past visionaries who can help illuminate our unknown and unknowable path to the future.

"The Poet Francis Warner not only shared the bounty of his own moving words with the assembly, he also read an inspiring letter addressed to the conference from the Poet Kathleen Raine, who attended the gathering in spirit if not in body. Mr. Fouad Hanna Daher, representing the Gibran National Committee of Lebanon, presented Professor Suheil Bushrui with a bust of Gibran in appreciation for his outstanding services to the field of Gibran studies.

"The Guest of Honor, Dr. Farid Abboud, Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States, declared that "for the duration of this conference the University of Maryland is declared the literary, cultural and spiritual capital of the world." Ambassador Abboud applauded the spirit of the conference, noting that "this event serves as an inspiration by reminding us of a single human from a remote village in Lebanon who was able to transcend all geographic and cultural barriers and to become a universal being, and a shining light to guide humanity towards peace and unity."

"Mr. Farid Salman, a Lebanese author and critic, was honored to receive the first Kahlil Gibran International Award for his exceptional services to the preservation of the legacy of Kahlil Gibran. The award was announced and presented by Professor Suheil Bushrui, Director of the Kahlil Gibran Research and Studies Project. After receiving the award, Mr. Salman delivered the conference's keynote address."

Contact

Web: http://www.gibranstudies.org