The course was jointly organized by the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) with support from the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and the German Center for International Peace Operations. Over a period of five days, the course helped participants to deepen their understanding of the interplay between religion and politics in violent political conflicts and to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to support efforts to mediate or transform conflicts where religion plays a role.
The core team of CSS and FDFA were joined by a diverse group of trainers offering their insights from a range of different conflict contexts. Dr Isak Svensson of Uppsala University in Sweden shared his findings on the relative increase globally in the significance of conflicts with a religious dimension. Dr Parichart Suwanbubbha spoke of her approach to interfaith dialogue in the context of southern Thailand and was complemented by Ms Rima Barsoum’s insights on the World Council of Church’s experience of convening interfaith dialogue at an international level. Dr Jean-Nicolas Bitter spoke of the Swiss FDFA’s approach to religion and conflict and their experiences in Tajikistan. Dr Omar Ashour of Exeter University and Mr Osama Rushdi of Egypt’s Construction and Development Party shared with participants insights concerning intra-group dialogue and approaches to deradicalization in North Africa. They were joined by Dr Abbas Aroua of the Cordoba Foundation Geneva on the topic of engaging religiously-inspired political actors and participants were treated to a simulation of how such work happens in practice. Finally Mr Mohamed Abdulfatah of the Cordoba Foundation, Geneva and Dr Simon Mason of CSS led a session on process design, drawing on experiences from the UK.
In addition to a wide-range of perspectives from the training team, participants also had ample opportunity to share and work on their own cases. With 14 nationalities representing a mix of international organizations, governments, NGOs, think tanks, security services and religious institutions there was a wealth of wisdom and experience to be exchanged. Participants were also challenged to test their skills and understanding through a range of exercises and role-plays and emotions ran high as mediator teams sought to persuade conflict parties on either side of a highly-charged value conflict to come to the table.
By week’s end, strong connections had been made, insights shared and new motivation found to tackle the religious dimensions of conflict. As one participant put it, “I am leaving here enriched and better equipped for my work.” Based on the success of this first edition of the course, the organizers have decided to offer a second edition in 2015.
The Religion and Mediation Course is taking place again 6-11 September 2015. The application deadline is 19 April. Full details on how to apply at www.rmc.ethz.ch .