Global Peace Index founder to address Open Forum

One of Australia's most successful IT entrepreneurs will discuss the release of the latest report by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Positive Peace Report 2015 (opens in a new window) at a special Western Sydney University Open Forum.

Steve Killelea will discuss the findings from IEP's research at the Open Forum: What creates positive peace? at the Parramatta South campus on Wednesday October 28 at 6pm.

Positive Peace is a new approach to identify and measure long-term investments that create sustainable peace and resilience at the country level.

Key findings of the 2015 report include:

• Positive Peace has been improving steadily since 2005. Of the 162 countries ranked in the Index, 118, or 73 per cent, have improved.
• Australia placed 13^th of the Index, with Denmark ranked 1^st and Eritrea 155.
• The Positive Peace factor that deteriorated the most is low levels of corruption, with 99 countries recording a deterioration, compared to 62 that improved.
• Hungary, Greece, the United States and Iceland recorded the largest deteriorations in Positive Peace, all by more than five per cent.
• Poland, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates recorded the largest improvements. Each improved by at least seven per cent.
• Democracies consistently have the strongest level of Positive Peace, but represent the minority of countries. Similarly, high-income countries dominate the top 30 countries in the Positive Peace Index.

The Convenor of the Open Forum and Director of Equity and Diversity at Western Sydney University, Dr Sev Ozdowski, says Mr Killelea is an inspiration to all Australians.

"Mr Killelea made his mark in the business world by founding and listing his software company Integrated Research, but it's his work to help the world's marginalised communities that's truly remarkable," says Dr Ozdowski.

"By applying his corporate acumen to the world's hotspots and identifying investments that can improve the health and safety of people in danger, Mr Killelea has shown how business success can be translated into humanitarian work with impact."

"We are delighted to have Mr Killelea at Western Sydney University to share the recent findings of his research institute, as well as his vision for a brighter future."

Ends

26 Monday 2015

Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer