Deadline: February 28, 2025
Program Starts: April 07, 2025
Program Ends: April 11, 2025
Location(s)
Switzerland
Overview
Learn from experts in the national dialogue & mediation field how to design and implement effective national dialogues.
Details
Course Description
Today’s peace processes are highly complex, as currently seen in Syria, Yemen and South Sudan. Peace mediation and national dialogues are widely recognized as two relevant avenues for the peaceful settlement of conflicts. Peace mediation processes are assisted negotiation processes, often with limited participation and a focus on questions of power-sharing. National dialogues, in contrast, aim to provide a space to discuss a broader range of issues relevant to the wider society, expand participation beyond political and military elites and (re)build relations among different actors. Nevertheless, the two concepts are closely interlinked as national dialogues can be set up before, during or after peace mediation processes.
Course structure
The course consists of preparatory readings and a 5-day on-site training (Monday to Friday) at the University of Basel. The course schedule is 9h00-12h30 and 14h00-17h30 (may be subject to change). The detailed program will be sent to participants in due time.
Our faculty uses innovative teaching techniques to enhance the learning experience. These include:
- expert inputs and exchange with experienced international scholars and practitioners
- exercises in which participants apply the acquired knowledge and skills and relate them to their own experiences
- peer exchange during which participants share best practices and develop strategies to face potential challenges in practice or research
- self-study in which participants deepen their conceptual knowledge on national dialogues and peace mediation
In this course you will:
- get insights into how to define, design and support National Dialogues
- refresh your competences in mediation and relate them to National Dialogue processes
- discuss questions of participation and representation in National Dialogues
- reflect on lessons learned from past National Dialogue processes
- exchange experiences and become part of a community of practice
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
This course is designed for:
- professionals interested or engaged in national dialogues & peace mediation processes
- practitioners and academics interested in complementing their own experiences with current conceptual insights and practical knowledge
Is this course designed for you? If unsure, do not hesitate to contact us for personal advice.
Candidates must have:
- a university degree in a related discipline such as political science, law, economics or sociology
- at least two years of professional experience
- a good command of English.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide scholarships for this course. Participants (or their employer) must be able to cover the tuition fee.
Dates
Deadline: February 28, 2025
Program starts:
April 07, 2025
Program ends:
April 11, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Tuition fee: 2,800 CHF
Certification: Successful participants receive a Confirmation of Participation. This course can be taken as one module (3 ECTS) of the Certificate, Diploma and Master of Advanced Studies in Civilian Peacebuilding programs offered by swisspeace and the University of Basel.
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.