National Dialogue Processes in Polarized Environments

Course Content: 

Conflict breeds polarization in society, where different visions for the future are often at odds. Of the different types of processes that aim to transform societies after conflict, National Dialogues offer a horizon for societies to transform relations after conflict. Other conflict transformation tools, such as negotiation or mediation, are often limited in terms of participation and 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. In this course participants will examine key phases, structures and actors involved in a national dialogue process, looking at case studies from previous experiences and reflecting on them.

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

Is this course designed for you? 

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: 1'700CHF

The course consists of preparatory readings and a 3-day on-site training (Wednesday to Friday). The course schedule is 9h00-12h30 and 14h00-17h30 (may be subject to change). 

Apply here until: 31 March 2026