The RESOLVE: Network Conference, held from September 17 to 19, 2024, brought together over 35 delegates, speakers, and team members to commemorate International Peace Day. This three-day event fostered meaningful discussions and collaborations, focusing on vital topics in peacebuilding and the role of youth in creating lasting change. Participants engaged in workshops, panels, and interactive sessions, making it a truly impactful experience for all involved.
The conference kicked off with an engaging panel discussion featuring remarkable keynote speakers:
- Tatjana Milovanović from The Post-Conflict Research Center (PCRC)
- Randall Puljek-Shank from Mirovna akademija / Peace Academy
- Majbritt Lyck-Bowen from MLB Consultancy
Their insights set a powerful tone for the event, followed by an inspiring session on Youth in Peacebuilding led by Anna Lodeserto.
In the afternoon, delegates participated in the interactive MORE RPG Conflict Management Workshop. This workshop focused on the critical role of youth in peacebuilding, allowing participants to explore real-life scenarios and strategies for conflict management. The energy in the room was palpable, demonstrating that young people are not just future leaders, but active change-makers in their communities.
The reflection session sparked vital discussions about empowering youth to foster peace. Conversations emphasized the need to equip young people with the tools and spaces necessary to influence peacebuilding in a world still grappling with conflict.
During the Remembrance and Storytelling panel, Sheniz Tan, CEO of Asfar introduced the topic of Remembrance and Storytelling. Delegates engaged in meaningful discussions about the significance of narratives in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Next, Jo Berry, an inspiring peacebuilder and founder of Building Bridges for Peace, shared her powerful journey. Her commitment to resolving conflicts worldwide resonated deeply with attendees, who then worked in groups to share personal stories that fostered connections and understanding.
The day continued with an insightful presentation by Günter Bressau from Jugendagentur, who introduced the Hate_Report project, focusing on how youth can report hate speech. This was followed by an interactive storytelling workshop led by Emina Hasanagić from Asfar, where participants learned storytelling techniques and shared their narratives.
During the Inclusion in Peacebuilding panel, the conference welcomed Sharehan Alwakily, a Bedouin Muslim student from the Negev. Her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges to pursue education highlighted the power of empowerment within her community.
The day also featured a simulation game facilitated by Steven Aiello from Debate ForPeace, aimed at amplifying the voices of minority communities in peacebuilding efforts.
A big thank you was extended to all delegates, speakers, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the RESOLVE: Network Conference 2024. Over the three days, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on diverse topics such as Youth in Peacebuilding, Remembrance and Storytelling, and Inclusion in Peacebuilding.
Special gratitude was offered to the conference partners: Debate ForPeace, MORE, Anthropolis, Jugendagentur, Mirovna akademija / Peace Academy, and The Post-Conflict Research Center (PCRC). Their support and collaboration were invaluable to the event’s success.
Together, attendees are reconciling the past and building a brighter future. The conference has laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and action in peacebuilding.