"Civil Society and Human Security: Raum Jai"
The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel
Bangkok, Thailand
July 9-12, 2006
ISTR Seventh International Conference

We invite you to participate in ISTR’s biennial conference 2006 to exchange ideas and research findings about Civil Society and the Third Sector. The conference is being hosted by the Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society at the National Institute of Development and Administration (NIDA) in Bangkok.

ISTR is the major international membership association and recognized leader promoting research and education in the fields of civil society, philanthropy, voluntarism and the non-profit sector. The Society is known for its commitment to excellence, its collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach, global outreach and values of diversity and inclusion.

The theme of the 2006 conference is “Civil Society and Human Security: Raum Jai*.”

The world is preoccupied with issues of security where civil society, the Third Sector, is implicated in this at every level, as protagonist, victim, advocate and potential solution. The seventh international conference in Bangkok therefore provides an opportunity to share and explore scholarship that addresses issues of local, national, regional and global (in)security. We wish to explore the many sides of (in)security, from the response to natural disasters to the defense of human rights, and the search for broader civil society engagement.

*Raum Jai, meaning putting our hearts together. Jai (heart) in Thai cultural values is very important. It connotes sincere, altruistic, committed and humanistic dimensions of human motivations and behaviors.

In addition, we are particularly interested in exploring the role of religion, social movements, governance and multi-sector partnerships. As well, topics including civic participation, community development and citizenship, and the application of research-based knowledge to policy and practice will be explored. As always, this ISTR conference is multi-disciplinary in its approach. It offers an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to discuss theoretical and empirical insights, to identify vital areas for new enquiry and to establish contacts with those having similar interests.

It is our hope that this conference theme will inspire stimulating debate and discussion, and create exciting collaborations. We look forward to this global gathering of colleagues for a dynamic academic, networking, and social experience.