2nd International Summer Academy in Peace-Building & Intercultural Dialogue

Institute for Peace and Dialogue (IPD), an independent, international non-profit and non-religious institute located in Lucerne, Switzerland, is very glad to announce its next International Summer Academy in Peace-building & Intercultural Dialogue, which is going to be held in Switzerland 2014. Its image as one of the most favourable places for traveling has made it more interesting to offer an exited and comprehensive program for our participants. Our experts, who are professionals in their fields will contribute to this event, with many years of experience in peace and conflict studies.    

Nowadays unfortunately several frozen or ongoing conflicts between or within states still exist. Conflicts are different and if we look to the world mankind, how they are facing many new challenges, coupled with new dangerous situations, i.e. terrorist acts, non-legal arming of conflict sides, re-determination of borders, establishing new countries in the world map, non-providing territorial integrity, trafficking of arms, drugs and human; disputes on the implementation of transnational energy projects, democratization and false elections, revolution and internal political conflicts, armed guerrilla movements, violation and discrimination by nationalists, world economic crisis, climate change and unsafely biodiversity etc. Unfortunately the list is long. Conflicts are related and an integral part of human beings, as conflicts cause violation of human rights. 

Existing conflicts weaken every kind of cooperation between nations and states. Without mutual cooperation and understanding, the future prosperity of the region would remain only as a good dream. Taking into consideration of peaceful behavior and engagements, we can make a decision on the strict belief, that opportunities for solving conflicts are feasible. 

Because in every conflict situation and tension forms we consequently face the below mentioned common situations:

1. Desperate situation and non-solving problems are not eternal;

2. It is possible to make common decision which both sides;

3. We can find common values, traditions and similar situation among conflict parties;

4. Protracted conflicts on the same time endanger regional development and prosperity;

5. Any mediation and negotiation actions are better than nothing.

Main Goal 

The main goal of the international summer academy is to support institutional academic peace education and strengthen peace-building skills and intercultural dialogue of the international society.

Methodology

Within the international summer academy we plan to include different workshops, lectures, presentations, interactive group works, brainstorming on conflict places, mediation operations and peace negotiation activities as well as case studies on ongoing-fragile conflicts in the world (depends experts availability).

Participants will acquire knowledge and skills from lecturers/experts who are working on peace building, mediation, negotiation, conflict transformation, intercultural dialogue and non-violence and other correspond fields at the research centers, universities, INGOs and state organs. 

In the training, both visual/dynamic methods will be used, such as schedules, tests, surveys, direct interviews, distribution of questionnaires and other methods of observation. Every expert will take 1-2 days for his lecture and workshops. We will send educational materials and daily programs of the summer academy to the selected participants. 

Language of the program  

The International Summer Academy will be held in English.   

Please download application & other related documents on coming international summer academy 

Potential participants 

A broad range of interested Participants can apply for the International Summer Academy on Peacebuilding & Intercultural Dialogue; such as representatives of Governmental Organs, INGOs, IOs, Companies, freelance researchers, diplomats, political parties, independent mediators, PhD students, NGO leaders, peace workers/activists and who want to develop their academic knowledge and capacities, who have intention to join missions in conflict regions, who work and live in countries with ongoing tensions.

There are no age or country limits for the application. Requested documents (see below) for application has to be sent till the 30 June 2014 to fhuseynli@ipdinstitute.ch

Please send your application in WORD format with your CV, Passport Page (Only photo page) and name the documents as “NAME” “SURNAME” “COUNTRY” “DOCUMENTS NAME”.

More at http://www.ipdinstitute.ch/International-Summer-Academy-2014