Berlin Moot: Redefining Peacemaking in a Conflict-Ridden World
As the world grapples with an alarming surge in violent conflicts, from the ongoing war in Ukraine to the devastating crisis in Sudan, the need for innovative approaches to peacemaking has never been more urgent. In response to this pressing challenge, the Berlin Moot, an interdisciplinary conference hosted by the Berghof Foundation, is bringing together leading policymakers, peace practitioners, and experts from diverse fields to explore new and effective strategies for conflict resolution.
The Berlin Moot
“We find ourselves at a critical juncture,” remarked Andrew Gilmour, Executive Director of the Berghof Foundation. “The escalating number of conflicts and the atrocities being committed underscore the need for a paradigm shift in our approach to peacemaking. The Berlin Moot aims to provide a platform for a transformative dialogue that will help us chart a new course towards a more peaceful future.”
The conference, which will be held in Berlin from March 28-31, 2024, will feature a remarkable lineup of speakers, including Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway; Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar; Miriam Coronel Ferrer, former Senior Mediation Advisor at the UN and the first woman to ever sign a peace agreement; Vasu Gounden, Executive Director of the African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD); Christoph Heusgen, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference; Neha Sanghrajka, Senior Advisor on Mediation at the UN and Co-founder Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth; and Jeffrey Feltman, Senior Fellow at the UN Foundation and former UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
Beyond its distinguished speakers, the Berlin Moot will also feature innovative sessions, or “PeaceLabs,” that will challenge conventional approaches to peacemaking by intersecting traditional tools with insights from cutting-edge fields such as neuroscience, human rights, transitional justice, and the business sector. For instance, one PeaceLab will explore the role of climate change in exacerbating conflict and the importance of environmental action in ensuring lasting peace.
“The Berlin Moot is not just about talking about peace; it’s about taking action,” emphasized Dr Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office. “By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration, we can develop concrete and actionable recommendations that can guide our efforts to build a more peaceful world.”
As the world faces a multitude of conflicts with far-reaching consequences, the Berlin Moot offers a beacon of hope for a more peaceful future. By harnessing the expertise of leading minds and exploring innovative approaches, the conference aims to transform the way we approach conflict resolution and pave the way for a world where peace is not merely an aspiration but a reality.
Anas Khabir \ ADQ KHABIR 2024 Photo source: Berlinmoot
