This course examines the role of peacebuilding and reconciliation in ending armed conflict and consolidating peace. Recognizing that conflict is increasing both within and between states, this course examines critically the contributions made by peacebuilding and reconciliation engagements in laying the foundations for long-term peace. What are effective practices and under what conditions do they work best? What are promising innovations in the field in response to contemporary conflict trends?
Peacebuilding aims to lay the foundations for institutions, political processes and economic development that accommodate the interests of as wide a segment of society as possible. Peacebuilding initiatives engage political and military leaders as well as civil society and minority groups. Reconciliation is an important part of these efforts as it aims to build and transform relationships, deeply affected by conflict.
The course will discuss various methods and tools of peacebuilding and reconciliation, examine their effectiveness, and question how they need to be adapted to remain effective in the current international context. Who can participate and influence the outcomes of peacebuilding and reconciliation processes? Whose voice is heard? What are the ultimate goals and ambitions of peacebuilding and reconciliation? The course will rely on the literature discussing recent trends in peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
A downloadable flyer is available here.
By the end of the sessions, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate contemporary conflict trends and analyze the evidence on how peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives contribute to durable peace.
- Assess the impact of transactional and short-term peacebuilding approaches on the pursuit of long-term reconciliation.
- Examine the effectiveness of key peacebuilding mechanisms, including national dialogues and constitution-making process, in fostering reconciliation as a foundation for durable peace.
- Analyze the contribution of local peace processes in contribution to long-term peace and reconciliation.
- Critically assess the significance of inclusivity and gender sensitivity in the effectiveness of reconciliation and peacebuilding initiatives.
Katia Papagianni is Director for Mediation Support and Policy at the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD). In that capacity, she advises HD mediation teams and deploys to support mediation efforts all over the world. She also leads HD’s global thematic work on Gender and Inclusion, Environment and Climate, Ceasefires and Security Arrangements, and Illicit Economies. She has been seconded by HD to the team of the UN Special Adviser on Yemen as an expert on national dialogue processes.
Prior to joining HD, she worked in Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Iraq for the UN and the OSCE. She also worked for the UN OHCR in Geneva and UNDP in New York. She lectures regularly on mediation and peacemaking, and has published widely on peacebuilding, national dialogues, and transitional political processes.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brown University, a Master’s degree from Princeton University and a Doctorate in Political Science from Columbia University. She has taught at Columbia University, the Geneva Graduate Institute for International and Development Studies, and the Geneva Academy of IHL and Human Rights.
- Thursday 9 July, 12:00 to 13:00 – Introduction
- Friday 10 July, 12:00 to 14:00
- Monday 13 July, 12:00 to 14:00
- Wednesday 15 July, 12:00 to 14:00
- Thursday 16 July, 12:00 to 14:00
- Friday 17 July, 12:00 to 14:00
- Tuesday 21 July, 12:00 to 14:00
- Thursday 23 July, 12:00 to 14:00
Please send an email to digital.academy@geneva-academy.ch with a CV and a motivation letter letter expressing your interest in the specific course.
Selected applicants will receive a confirmation of acceptance. To secure their place, accepted participants are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of CHF 100.
Please note that this course is subject to a minimum of 10 participants. If this minimum is not reached two weeks prior to the start date, this course will not be delivered and all registered participants will receive a full refund of the deposit. Places are limited to 25 participants, and therefore early application is strongly encouraged.
CHF 950.
A discount of CHF 100 is available for students and alumni of the Academy, UNIGE, IHEID, and individuals who have previously participated in our trainings or educational activities.