Dialogue Over Power: Mediating for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Peacebuilding efforts throughout the world are being weakened by the increase of elite deals and transactional conflict resolution. ‘Mediation’ seems to be a catch-all word for practices that are often very distant from a very inclusive, fair, consent-based and transformative process. In the context of development projects communities, companies, and governments often find themselves at odds over the social and environmental impacts of development. In this fraught climate—marked by polarization, misinformation, and conflict—mediation may seem aspirational. Yet practice shows that mediation can deliver pragmatic agreements that reduce harm, restore trust, and strengthen institutions. This session will explore how mediation processes bring conflict parties together across deep asymmetries, enabling them to co-create solutions on social and environmental issues.. Drawing on cases in fragile and conflict-affected settings, the hosts will engage the participants in a mediation role play so that they may experience the complexity of dialogue processes. The role play will then be followed by a discussion on the mediation process and its building blocks: inclusivity, confidentiality, local grounding, creativity and self-determination. Participants will gain concrete insights into how mediation can advance SDG 16—Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions— and experience in creating durable, locally-owned solutions that strengthen the rule of law and social cohesion. 

Speakers:  

• Silvia de Rosa, Dispute Resolution Specialist at CAO, World Bank Group
• Claudia Maffettone, Senior Dispute Resolution Specialist at CAO, World Bank Group
• Alma Jadallah, Senior Dispute Resolution Specialist at CAO, World Bank Group