The Power of Listening: Active Listening Techniques for Peacebuilding

In peacebuilding, "listening" is much more than just hearing words; it's a methodical, deliberate, and frequently transformative process that helps identify the underlying reasons of conflict, develop empathy, and establish trust. It functions as a tool for transforming conflicts by enabling the participation of voices that are frequently excluded from official peace talks. This session will emphasize different ways to 'listen' in peacebuilding with activities that would involve the audience even if they are online, to understand/ learn. These include:  structured methodologies, active and deep listening, multiple 'entry points', digital and remote listening, and principles for effective listening.

Facilitators: 

• Pushpi Weerakoon, Peace Fellow and 2025 Rotary Alumni Global Service Award’ winner
• Carlos Guiza, Rotary Club of Washington Global
• Avril Aguero, Carter School Graduate Student