A talk followed by a group discussion given by Andy Carl, Advisor on Peace and Dialogue with the Swedish Fellowship for Reconciliation. This meeting continues a series of open discussions and practices within the Ukrainian-Swedish Forum. It is a platform, initiated by Sankt Ignatios College, for long-term dialogue and actions on Ukraine’s reconstruction and democratic post-war renewal, thereby building a shared Ukrainian-European horizon.

 

This session will be an opportunity to think broadly about what it means to do effective work with others to find pathways to end and transform violent conflicts at this moment of global change. The session offers a practical framing of this issue from the perspective of a practitioner who has worked particularly with civil society and non-state actors in diverse contexts around the globe. There will be a particular focus on playing supporting roles and outsider-insider relationships with a presentation on some of the key challenges and sharing comparative international examples of trying to meet them. A discussion will follow on the issues raised that are relevant for present and future efforts to address and ease tensions within Ukrainian society, including among different religious communities, and between Ukrainians at home and those living abroad. It will also consider how these insights might inform broader reflections on reducing violence and opening space for more sustainable and inclusive forms of peace.