Geneva Peacebuilding Platform Hosts Informal Briefing on Mediating Self-Determination Conflicts

On November 27, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform organized an informal breakfast briefing at DCAF to explore the complexities of mediating self-determination conflicts, which account for over half of all violent conflicts globally and often involve specific challenges. The GPP was welcoming colleagues from Conciliation Resources and from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) in Japan.

The briefing, moderated by GPP’s Policy and Research Fellow Cyprien Fluzin, centered around findings from a three-year learning partnership between Conciliation Resources and SPF, compiledin a recent joint report on "Mediating Self-Determination Conflicts." Drawing on real-world experiences from regions such as the South Caucasus, the Horn of Africa, and South and Southeast Asia, the speakers highlighted the importance of understanding the emotional and symbolic aspects of self-determination disputes. They emphasized the need for third-party mediators to adopt a nuanced approach that goes beyond high-level negotiations to consider local dynamics and the broader geopolitical context.

Keynote speakers, including Jonathan Cohen of Conciliation Resources and John Packer of the University of Ottawa, presented practical guidance for mediators navigating these complex conflicts. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own roles in peacebuilding, and the session fostered a rich exchange of insights on how a "self-determination lens" can help inform and improve mediation and peacebuilding processes. . Many thanks to the colleagues who participated from the Principles for Peace Foundation and the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding.