New Gibran Chair Publication, "A New Narrative of Peace"

A New Narrative of Peace: The Vision and Programs of the Gibran Chair is the first publication produced under the auspices of the new Gibran Chair Director May Rihani. This book highlights strategic and pragmatic approaches which make Peace more attainable by detailing the Chair’s vision that Peace is based on three principles: Social Justice, Valuing Diversity, and Ensuring Inclusivity in processes and decision making. The book also emphasizes the importance of deepening the understanding between Eastern and Western cultures in general, and the Arab ethos and American values in particular. A New Narrative of Peace captures what Director Rihani said in her Inaugural Lecture as well as how the audience reacted to the lecture.

Gibran Chair Director May Rihani says in her book, “This elusive Peace that we all yearn for, despite all the obstacles that exist on the road towards it, is perhaps what is most needed in this century,” she continues to say, “there is a need to enhance opportunities for the younger generations to become visionaries and architects of a new narrative of Peace.”

President Loh states on the cover of the book, “May Rihani’s Inaugural Lecture is inspirational reading for all those working for Peace, both within the academy and across society. Her theme--that the oneness of humanity is the path to Peace-- shines like a light on a restless sea.”

In his introduction, Dean Gregory Ball writes, “The Gibran Chair is inspired by the life and writings of Kahlil Gibran, a true citizen of the world whose message of peace and love inspired whole generations.”

And finally, as quoted in A New Narrative of Peace, Gibran shares insight into Peace, action and the work that is before us: