"Conflict Mitigation and Peacebuilding through Skills Development." Speaker: Catherine Gerard, Director, Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC), Associate Director, Executive Education Programs,  Adjunct Professor of Public Administration, Maxwell School of Syracuse University. According to the United Nations Development Program, “Peacebuilding involves a range of measures targeted to reduce the risk of lapsing or relapsing into conflict by strengthening national capacities at all levels for conflict management, and laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development.”  Peacebuilding is then a broad term encompassing many approaches and, often, differing expectations. PARCC faculty have been engaged in several  projects in Belize, Jordan, and Israel aimed at conflict mitigation and capacity building between groups.  Scholars posit that successful intergroup work requires prolonged and involve co-operative activity that is purposeful. In addition, we believe that individuals require a high level of conflict management skills. This “Conversation” will touch on the designs, underlying theories of change, pitfalls, and challenges of sustainability.  

Conversations in Conflict Studies is a weekly educational speaker series for students, faculty, and the community. The series, sponsored by PARCC, draws its speakers from Syracuse University faculty, national and international scholars and activists, and PhD students. Pizza is served. Follow us on Twitter @PARCCatMaxwell, tweet #ConvoInConflict.

If you require accommodations, please contact Deborah Toole by email at datoole@syr.edu or by phone at 315.443.2367.