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Training Seminar
Seminar Overview and Objectives
The United Nations University – International Leadership Institute, Global Majority and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation are jointly presenting a series of events to advance the cause of Leadership, Negotiation, Mediation and Peace Building with a particular focus on the long standing Arab-Israeli conflict. These events are held at the UNU-ILI conference centre from 20 July to 3 August 2008 and comprise the following:
I. PROMOTING PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
Global Majority Training Seminar on
International Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution
July 20-29
Global Majority’s seminar on Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution arose from the notion that if given the choice, the majority of the world’s population would prefer to live in peace rather than conflict. More than just the absence of violence, peace refers to the unifying of people and groups, not necessarily within one voice, but in a state of acceptance and cooperation.
Conflicts vary in nature, forms and potential. Some help to expose, address and overcome acute social and environmental problems, but others are destructive, having a long-lasting negative effect upon all parties directly or indirectly involved in the conflict. To utilize negative potential of any conflict it is essential to be able to adequately manage conflicts by transforming their destructive force into constructive outcomes.
Perhaps the most important aspect of a conflict is found in its eventual resolution. Facilitating opposing sides to work together toward achieving a common goal can help resolve the conflict. Alternatively, a poor solution can worsen the situation or cause problems to resurface at a later time. Contemporary conflict analysis has developed effective conflict management mechanisms which can be universally applied in many conflict settings: on the level of individuals, groups, societies or nation states. Value is gained by a deeper understanding of the nature, roots and structure of conflicts and, most importantly, in enhancing the capacity of concerned parties to generate creative options to find common ground and develop mutually acceptable solutions.
To build the leadership capacity of civil society activists and emerging leaders in conflict management, Global Majority in partnership with the United Nations University – International Leadership Institute is conducting the second "Promoting Peace through Dialogue" Middle East Session. Building on the success of the first seminar held in 2007, this event consists of a two-week residential program facilitated by professors, trainers and speakers from around the world.
Participants will receive extensive training in conflict resolution techniques, theory, case studies and skills; as well as gain an in-depth understanding of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Participants will also have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of other cultures through interaction with and exposure to an array of international perspectives and backgrounds. Participants are encouraged to view this course as a career advancement opportunity. To that end, an important aspect of the course is the opportunity to meet and interact with established professionals in the discipline of conflict resolution and others who are dedicated to this field. The topics offered provide a survey of multiple aspects of conflict resolution:
By the end of the seminar, participants will be able to analyze a conflict case study by applying the various methods and skills learned throughout the program. This will require assessing the situation, identifying and understanding the role of the parties involved, detailing the parties' interests and then demonstrating how they apply to their positions, drawing in relevant objective criteria, and analyzing ways in which to address or advance methods of resolution.