From June 6 to June 9, the Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS) will host a conference titled “Legacy of Slavery and Indentured Labor (3) and their Impact on Present Societies.” For this conference, more than 100 foreign scientists travelled to Suriname. Participants have traveled from all around the world. In panels, scientists will talk about issues relating to indentured servitude and slavery. On June 6, 2023, the conference’s opening ceremony will be held in the IGSR building on the university campus with President Chandrikapersad Santokhi as the guest of honor.
Several national and international organizations helped to create the conference. This time, a unique panel on Chinese migration and indentured labor will be presented. Additionally, there is a lot of interest in current studies on women who have been subjected to indentured servitude or slavery. International developments and connections are discussed in special panels with regional leaders. The government is very happy with Anton de Kom University’s attempt to bring together academics from all over the world to examine various themes and topics relating to colonialism, slavery, and indentured labor, according to President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
The chief of state considers it noteworthy that Suriname is hosting such a large conference. “There is an international conference on slavery, indentured servitude, and its effects on modern communities. Suriname is a small country in the world, but our history has been part of world history. I appreciate the participation of scientists from all over the world, starting with Suriname and neighboring countries, America, Europe, Africa, India, China, Mauritius, South Africa and even from Australia and Fiji,” said the head of government. President Santokhi hopes that the scholars from different parts of the world will not only share their experiences and thoughts, but will form new relationships or nurture existing ones.
President Santokhi stressed the importance of producing qualitative research papers in his opening speech. “I am very pleased with the idea of research papers being selected to make publications. One of the aims of the conference is to discuss new approaches and theories, as well as to stimulate comparative research,” the head of state adds. He emphasizes that cooperation between institutes and scientists from different countries is essential to solve the problems of today’s world. “Most of the problems are transnational.” The head of state expresses the wish that the conference will result in more research into colonialism, slavery and indentured labor. “We from the government support the initiative of the AdeKUS and also the process after this important conference,” President Santokhi underlines.
