Bologna Peacebuilding Forum 2024 Report
The Bologna Peacebuilding Forum, the flagship initiative of the Agency for Peacebuilding (AP), is a leading annual event with two main objectives. First, to strengthen the network of peacebuilding scholars and practitioners to improve policy-oriented research and fieldwork. Second, to open up the field of peacebuilding to a wider audience.
The sixth edition of the Forum focused on the theme of peace mediation. Held across 3 days, 6 events, and hosting over 200 participants, the the report presents key findings and takeaways from the annual conference.
The Forum provided the space to analyse the transformative dynamics of the emerging field of peace mediation. As mediation is a discrete job often conducted beyond the public eye, the Forum has provided a rare opportunity for a frank and open debate involving different stakeholders along three paths: A changing landscape for peacemakers;
Mediating with who? Inclusiveness beyond rhetoric; The future of (contested) peace mediation.
Some of the key takeaways from the Forum include:
- Diversified participation. Diversified participation is crucial for ensuring comprehensive and representative decision-making processes.
- Hybrid and pragmatic approach to mediation. There is a necessity for a hybrid adaption, which incorporates both traditional and non-traditional approaches into future peace processes to ensure a more comprehensive mediation effort.
- Digital inclusion: The role digital tools have in peace mediation, and whether women and marginalised groups have access to these tools, must be considered. Digital technologies may inadvertently harm inclusivity by excluding those without adequate resources and skills, thereby posing challenges to the peace mediation process.
