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The Role of Religious Actors in Diplomacy

  • 1800 Massachusetts Ave NW Suite 401 Washington, DC United States (map)

Religious peacebuilding actors and supporting organizations are often at the forefront of efforts to build solidarity, social cohesion, and to promote cross cultural dialogue, inclusion, pluralism, diversity, social justice and reconciliation. How are these leaders that form the backbone of successful Track II peacebuilding bringing their knowledge and expertise to Track I peace processes?

On Wednesday, October 5th at 10am ET, join AfP and the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy for a virtual conversation on the importance of integrating faith-based peacebuilding into Track I diplomacy. This conversation builds on ICRD’s experience hosting an initiative in collaboration with the United States Institute of Peace on the role of religious actors in Track 1 Peace Process in Belfast, including the progressive development of a Track 1 Mediation Support Mechanism. The event will include insights from practitioners that tow the line between both methods of peacebuilding in the hopes of better responding to conflict and diplomatic challenges in the face of larger geopolitical conflicts and inter-state tensions.

This conversation will feature:

  • Dr. S. Ayse Kadayifci-Orellana, Adjunct Professor and Research Affiliate, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security 

  • Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, Founder/Director, Rethinking Conflict

  • Palwasha Hassan, Senior Fellow, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security

  • Venerable Napan Thawornbanjob, Founder/Director, Institute of Buddhist Management for Happiness and Peace