Strategic Peacebuilding & Dialogue Skills

Content:

Dialogue is a practical and effective method for transforming conflict. Given the complexity of today’s conflicts, peace processes require different initiatives to address multiple conflict dynamics and causes. In addition to formal peace negotiations and mediation between warring parties, broader peace processes encompass dialogues at various levels of society. By building understanding and trust between different groups, dialogue has the potential to prevent or de-escalate violence, promote greater understanding and transform relations between different actors.

To strategically leverage the potential of dialogue in conflict environments, this virtual course equips peace practitioners with the necessary skills to analyze, design and support dialogue processes. It combines key concepts and practical case studies to provide a dynamic platform for active learning, enabling participants to apply the tools and skills they have acquired in real-world scenarios. The course also provides a space for peer exchange, benefiting from the diversity of experiences and allowing for an exchange of ideas and practices.

Course objectives:

• Understand the opportunities, challenges and key aspects of dialogue processes;
• Learn how to strategically design dialogue processes based on conflict analysis and stakeholder engagement;
• Understand how to prepare, promote, and support locally-owned dialogue processes in a conflict-sensitive way;
• Identify good practices with dialogue practitioners from different contexts;
• Practice dialogue skills through exercises, case studies, and a role-play;
• Exchange experiences and become part of a community of practice.