Multilateral Negotiations: Reconciliation and Peacebuilding

4 May 2015, New York, USA – Workshop on Multilateral Negotiations, Levelling the Playing Field: Reconciliation and Peacebuilding, conducted by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office.

Mr. Carl Skau, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations, discerns link of reconciliation and peacebuilding, and finds an important connection to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). With Sweden chairing the PBC, Mr. Skau, emphasizes the linkages between sustainable development and security issues, and stresses that there is no “one size fits all” for reconciliation. Ms. Yvonne Lodico, Head, UNITAR New York Office, described the nexus between reconciliation and social cohesion and justice. She explained how building peaceful and inclusive societies embraced Goal 16 in the framework of the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda, and how reconciliation, particularly at the grass-root level, can provide an integral tool for peace negotiations.

Ms. Jan Holton, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Yale University Divinity School, spoke about the importance of healing in reconciliation and community peacebuilding. Based on her field experience, Ms. Holton stressed that reconciliation not only stops conflict but also helps peacebuilding. She further explained the importance of restoration and restitution of justice and psychological health in peacebuilding.

In Session II Ms. Holton continued with dialogue on the nexus of reconciliation and peacebuilding. She was joined by Mr. Henk-Jan Brinkman, Chief of Policy, United Nations Peacebuilding Support office (PBSO) and Mr. Andrew Tomlinson, Director and Quaker UN Representative, Quaker UN Office (QUNO). Mr Brinkman spoke about the need for trust and dialogue between perpetrators in the reconciliation and peacebuilding process. He covered the role and methodology of peacebuilding for social and economic development, and stressed the need for national ownership, and communication. Mr. Tomlinson continued Session II with the role of justice; both from a tribunal perspective and his field experience. This included the role of multi-generational processes for reconciliation as well as the underlying social issues for peacebuilding.

Andrea Bartoli, Dean, School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University. With the assistance of Dr. Zachary Van Rossum, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Columbia University, discussed the fundamental components and conditions for reconciliation, and provided examples from his experiences in the field. He then led delegates in an interactive training exercise based on restraints on the reconciliation process. In small groups, delegates were asked to review various examples and provide practical solutions for addressing these constraints with the aim of aiding reconciliation and peacebuilding.

The workshop closed with delegates having a greater understanding of the principles and processes of reconciliation, the importance of justice in the nexus of reconciliation and peacebuilding, and practical tools for implementing reconciliation after conflict or violence.

Ms. Jan Holton, Ms. Yvonne Lodico and Mr. Carl Skau             Dean. Andrea Bartoli and Dr. Zachary Van Rossum​