Deadline:
January 31, 2025
Program Starts: February 17, 2025
Program Ends: February 21, 2025
Location(s)
Online
Virtual
Overview
Details
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.
Experts:
- Omar Metwally, Program Officer Mediation Program, swisspeace (Course Lead)
- Luca Willig, Co-Head, Mediation Program, swisspeace
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
This course is designed for:
- professionals working in or on fragile and conflict-affected contexts;
- practitioners who want to improve their analytical skills in the framework of peace processes;
- practitioners facilitating or supporting dialogues in peace processes.
Although this course offers some training in communication and methodological skills, it is not a comprehensive training program in dialogue facilitation. Ideally, this course should be complemented by previous experience or additional practice under the guidance and support of experienced dialogue practitioners.
Candidates must have:
- a university degree in a related discipline such as political science, law, economics, or sociology, or equivalent work experience related to the topic;
- at least two years of professional experience;
- a good command of English.
Dates
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Program starts:
February 17, 2025
Program ends:
February 21, 2025
Program Starts: February 17, 2025
Program Ends: February 21, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Tuition Fee: 1'100 CHF
Successful participants are awarded a Certificate of Attendance.
The course is open to the public. It is also part of the swisspeace continuing education program CAS Peace Mediation & Dialogue offered annually by swisspeace and the University of Basel.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide scholarships for this course. Participants (or their employer) must be able to cover the tuition fee.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
