Culture as a tool for conflict resolution

Info pack [pdf]

Due to the evolving phenomenon of cultural diversity and identity differences in our societies, there is a growing concern about the need to address conflicts and social frustration that can occur against the background of violent, hostile and discriminatory treatment towards these aspects of pluralities. Therefore, there is a need to achieve a level of inclusiveness through intercultural dialogue, social harmony and cohesion because exclusion and marginalisation are the main factors leading to situations of conflicts and violence.
The Training Course “Culture as a Tool for Conflict Resolution”, to be organised during seven days in Budapest, Hungary, is designed to address conflict situations and intolerance that can take place due to cultural pluralities and identity differences fueled by migratory flows and existing minority communities. Therefore, The project aims to contribute to the development of the strategies to solve conflicts and reduce violence by ensuring social cohesion, tolerance and peace. It explores how culture can be a tool for conflict resolution and how culture can provide a platform for dialogue where youth can overcome cultural barriers and open possibilities of mediation and peaceful communication channels

Objectives
• Develop the capacities of youth workers in using the culture as a tool to build a system for intercultural dialogue and more effective mediation within their organisations and in their societies
• Equip youth workers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to effectively manage and turn around potentially harmful situations in a clear, assertive and constructive manner
• Equip participants with conflict resolution strategies which they can use to reduce conflict and to reach peace and agreed solutions in today’s world
• Raise awareness about the importance of tolerating and accepting the plurality of cultures and identity, as well as the nexus between peace-building and culture
• Give a voice to young people belonging to marginalised communities, particularly from newly arrived migrants, in programming conflict resolution strategies

The objectives of the Training Course “Culture as a Tool for Conflict Resolution” are in line with the priorities of 2019 E+ Programme as it aims to develop the professional skills of youth workers which enable them to promote values of tolerance and prevention of violence, to give a voice to marginalized youth and to enhance values of human rights, freedom and dialogue. The objectives are also in line with the specific objectives of Key Action 1 on developing competencies and skills of young people including those with fewer opportunities, promoting active citizenship, social inclusion, and solidarity. The project contributes to strengthening the international dimension of youth activities and supporting youth workers and youth-led organisations.

The training course “Culture as a Tool for Conflict Resolution” falls under the scope of mobility of youth workers. It brings together 28 youth workers from 8 countries with different backgrounds including young civil society activists, youth practitioners in the field of conflict resolution and culture, young staff of NGOs and youth-led organisations working on similar topics, young students with the background in relevant disciplines. Special consideration is paid to participants belonging to at-risk, marginalised and minority groups and those with fewer opportunities such as economic and educational opportunities, cultural and social obstacles.

The activities of the project aim therefore to:
– Empower and provide participants with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design and implemented culture and strategies for conflict resolution and for succeeding a cross-cultural dialogue
– Develop the capacities of participants in using culture as a tool for mediation
-Bring different stakeholders together to create culture- based collaborative solutions and actions that can be applied in societies where there is a lack of inclusion and integration
– Develop locally based and youth-led pathways to respond to the need to create a sustainable cohesion and peace in their societies