In the framework of 2023 edition of the Geneva Peace Week (GPW23) “Building Trust, Building Peace: An Agenda for the Future?”, France Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Geneva-based TrustWorks Global, will organize an event titled “Pathways to Peace: from Negotiators to Insider Mediators in Conflict Resolution”. The event will start with the screening of a documentary film “The Negotiators – How to Make Peace”, showcasing how skilled mediators navigate the intricate landscapes of conflict resolution in countries torn apart by internal conflict for decades. The movie underscores their roles in fostering trust between conflicting parties in complex and dangerous environments while shedding light on principles and technique of negotiation- strategic planning, effective communication and pursuit of common ground.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion to introduce the audience to a specialized realm of peacebuilding and conflict resolution: that of local approaches to conflict prevention where Insider Mediators emerge as key actors. Unlike the negotiators portrayed in the documentary who often approach conflicts from an external standpoint, Insider Mediators possess an unparalleled understanding of the cultural, historical, and social intricacies that contribute to the conflicts they grapple with. Their close proximity to the issues at hand enables them to empathize deeply with the perspectives of all parties involved, facilitating a level of trust that can be pivotal in achieving meaningful resolutions. An Insider Mediator will be invited to attend the event and share her experience in building sustainable peace in their communities, thereby infusing the discussion with first-hand experiences and real-world challenges.
Our proposed event at GPW23 will serve as a bridge between the Geneva Peacebuilding Community and the efforts on the ground in conflict prevention. It will bring together Geneva-based diplomatic missions, prominent mediation organizations based in Geneva, including those at the forefront of emerging areas such as front-line mediation and online mediation. It will facilitate a dynamic exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices. By fostering this connection, the event strengthens the collective capacity to address conflicts and promotes a more inclusive and locally driven approach to peacebuilding.
