„Mediated Peace Agreement Lab: ZIF Certificate Workshop for International Diplomats“, 14 – 17 October

With new global conflicts arising and existing conflicts coming to a head, it is now more important than ever to highlight the need for effective and inclusive approaches to mediating peace agreements. In October, we partnered up with the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF), Germany’s centre of excellence for civilian expertise in peace operations, humanitarian crisis interventions and election observation missions, to set up a workshop for networkers to gain deeper knowledge of peace mediation and improve their own mediation skills. Over the course of four days, participants engaged with two specific cases, Mali and Tajikistan, to learn about the challenges and potential of mediation processes and strategies as well as the sustainability of peace agreements.

On Monday, the day’s activities began with an introduction to the participants, the ZIF team and our invited experts Natalia Mirimanova (German Chair for Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention) and Pierre-Yves Monette (Senior Expert in Peace and Security, Trainer and Coach in Conflict Prevention/Resolution). The workshop participants were also welcomed by Anka Feldhusen, Director for Crisis Prevention and Stabilisation at the FFO. After an introduction session on peacebuilding frameworks, the group ended the day together by visiting the Humboldt Forum.

On the second day, participants delved into the first case study: the peace mediation process in Mali. Through a combination of plenary discussions and group work, participants conducted a conflict analysis that examined stakeholders, root causes and third-party decisions at critical junctures. They also addressed dilemmas, obstacles and challenges while evaluating the implementation of the peace process. This session provided insights into the complexities of mediation and the challenges inherent in a specific peace process.

Following this deep dive into Mali, the group engaged in a new case study on the third day of the workshop, namely Tajikistan. Again, participants conducted a detailed conflict analysis, exploring the history, aftermath and actors involved in the conflict as well as the peace mediation process. On the fourth and final day of the workshop, the knowledge gathered was brought together in a session comparing both case studies. Comparing peace mediation processes in Tajikistan and Mali highlights how mediators navigate different conflict dynamics, from Tajikistan’s post-Soviet civil war to Mali’s ethno-political and transnational tensions. This comparison reveals lessons on adapting mediation strategies to diverse local and international contexts, emphasising factors that influence the sustainability of peace agreements.

The last day ended with a summary of key takeaways as well as the official presentation of the workshop certificates. Finally, the participants, experts and team members celebrated a successful workshop week with a joint dinner. The workshop was not only a valuable learning experience, but also a meaningful opportunity to connect with others in the alumni network dedicated to fostering peace. It underscored the importance of collaboration and shared expertise in tackling the complexities of modern conflict, leaving participants inspired and better equipped to contribute to effective and inclusive peace mediation efforts around the world.

Alumni Team