Focus on the transformative potential of dialogue in conflict-sensitive settings.

UNESCO



In an era where geopolitical power struggles disrupt traditional peacebuilding, where identity and misinformation fuel divisions, and where trust in institutions is eroding, UNESCO’s Intercultural Dialogue for Conflict Transformation briefs series presents an adaptable, culturally grounded, and people-centered approach to peacebuilding. With 89% of conflicts worldwide occurring in countries with limited capacity for intercultural dialogue, this series takes an essential first step in examining dialogue as a powerful practice for preventing conflict, fostering reconciliation, reimagining transitional justice, and strengthening social cohesion.

Developed in collaboration with leading peacebuilding organizations-the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocity, Interpeace, the Berghof Foundation, and Search for Common Ground-this four-part series combines firsthand experience, compelling case studies, and expert analysis to demonstrate the transformative potential of dialogue in conflict-sensitive settings.


From integrating survivor-centered and trauma-informed dialogue within transitional justice processes, to using creative mediums-such as film, theatre, and storytelling-for reconciliation and collective healing, to leveraging multi-stakeholder dialogue in designing early-warning systems, this series showcases the diverse, creative, and culturally resonant forms that dialogue can take. In doing so, it explains how engaging individuals from diverse groups in empathic and respectful dialogue supports communities in finding common ground, building mutual understanding, restoring trust and developing a shared narrative of the past and the future. Through actionable recommendations, each brief in this series provides practitioners, policymakers, and civil society with the essential guidance needed to tailor and embed intercultural dialogue in their respective contexts, thereby making peace processes more inclusive, locally led, and sustainable.

Join us for an engaging 90-minute online event, where keynote speakers and expert panelists-including the authors of the briefs-will unpack key recommendations and engage in an insightful conversation on how dialogue can foster a more peaceful, cohesive, and just world.



Opening remarks

Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO
Keynote speech

Thania Paffenholz, Director and Founder, Inclusive Peace
PanelistsMir Mubashir, Advisor, Dialogue and Mediation Support, Berghof Foundation
Kora Andrieu, Transitional Justice Specialist, UNDP
Graeme Simpson, Principal Representative in New York and Senior Peacebuilding Advisor, Interpeace
Kerry Whigham, Director of Research and Online Education, Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities
Shabnam Moallem, Senior Regional Program Manager - Asia, Search for Common Ground
Moderation

Euan Mackway-Jones, Programme Specialist, Inclusion, Rights, and Intercultural Dialogue, UNESCO

More on the programme: Enabling Intercultural DIalogue.
Location: 7 Pl. de Fontenoy-Unesco, 75007 Paris, France

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fostering dialogue for sustainable development.

Image
The UNESCO has been designated lead agency of the United Nations system for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD, 2005-2014). Although there are differences according to local contexts, priorities and approaches, there is a need for a holistic approach which encompasses the knowledge, skills and values needed for a sustainable future . In this context, education needs to develop respect for cultural diversity and the practice of dialogu e. At its 34th session, the General Conference adopted resolution 19 on “ Further promotion of the United Nations Decade for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) ”, which acknowledged, among others, “the Decade as a unique opportunity for Member States and for UNESCO to strengthen sustainable development through educational efforts” . Moreover, document 179 EX/INF.4 Rev. contains “ The Ahmedabad Declaration 2...
Read more

Observance of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations 2025 at the United Nations Office in Nairobi.

Image
On 7 June 2024 the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/78/286, declaring 10 June the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. Proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, the resolution emphasizes that all civilizational achievements constitute "the collective heritage of humankind." It underscores the importance of respecting civilizational diversity and highlights " the crucial role of dialogue " in maintaining global peace, advancing shared development, enhancing human well-being, and achieving collective progress. Related Documents:  Website Watch the Second Observance of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilization!
Read more

Promoting reciprocal knowledge of the diversity of cultures.

Image
Among the past achievements of UNESCO is the elaboration of regional histories and of a world history on the scientific and cultural development of humankind aimed at overcoming prejudices and ignorance. It is appropriate now to use the contents of these histories to reach out to the public at large through various abridged versions, translated in as many languages as possible, including local languages, and by informing with these contents the publication of new history textbooks, school curricula and media production. A set of new initiatives is to be undertaken to that end, both through regular budget and extra-budgetary funding. Bilateral, and multilateral academic cooperation for the revision of textbooks and the elaboration of new regional or sub-regional histories should also be energetically promoted, in order to get rid of hidden prejudices and facilitate the revisiting of official histories. Since...
Read more