While the previous OxPeace training workshops have focused on ‘Track One’ (national and international) negotiation and mediation, the objective of this new experimental workshop is to focus on the local level, where much essential peacebuilding takes place as well as much reflection ad research. It will be interactive and participatory, and will introduce participants to the work of international agencies that support local peacebuilding, impart some practical skills of local peacebuilding, and explore policy development and the operational challenges faced by practitioners in supporting local peacebuilding. Students, academic staff, and practitioners are all welcome.
Staff from the NGOs Peace Direct, Saferworld, and the Rose Castle Foundation, peace psychologist Ufra Mir, and Liz Carmichael, will give input on decolonising the peacebuilding space; conflict analysis and conflict-sensitive programme design; infrastructures for peace; the habits and practice of reconciliation; and context-sensitive psycho-social care for peacebuilders. On the Monday evening Gwen Burnyeat will present the film ‘Chocolate of Peace’, the story of the Colombian village that opted for peace and chocolate-making.