National Dialogue & Peace Mediation

Course description:

Today’s peace processes are highly complex. Peace mediation and national dialogues are widely recognized as two relevant avenues for the peaceful settlement of conflicts. Peace mediation processes are assisted negotiation processes, often with limited participation and a focus on questions of power-sharing. National dialogues, in contrast, aim to provide a space to discuss a broader range of issues relevant to the wider society, expand participation beyond political and military elites and (re)build relations among different actors. Nevertheless, the two concepts are closely interlinked as national dialogues can be set up before, during or after peace mediation processes.

Course objectives:

• get insights into how to define, design and support National Dialogues
• refresh your competences in mediation and relate them to National Dialogue processes
• discuss questions of participation and representation in National Dialogues
• reflect on lessons learned from past National Dialogue processes
• exchange experiences and become part of a community of practice

This course is designed for:

• professionals interested or engaged in national dialogues & peace mediation processes
• practitioners and academics interested in complementing their own experiences with current conceptual insights and practical knowledge

If you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact us for personal advice.

Tuition fee: 1'700 CHF

Application deadline: 28 February 2026 (Course is not yet open for registration)