FEATURE | 30 Jun 2025
In memoriam Dr Norbert Ropers
We mourn the passing of our beloved colleague, Dr Norbert Ropers, with great sadness and deep respect for his unwavering commitment.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague, Dr Norbert Ropers. A visionary peacebuilder, dedicated scholar-practitioner, esteemed mentor, and cherished friend, Norbert profoundly shaped the Berghof Foundation and the global peacebuilding community.
“With deep sadness, we bid farewell to Norbert, whose unwavering belief in the good in people and quiet strength of vision left a lasting imprint on all of us and the soul of our work”, said Johannes Zundel, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Berghof Foundation.
With deep sadness, we bid farewell to Norbert, whose unwavering belief in the good in people and quiet strength of vision left a lasting imprint on all of us and the soul of our work.
Johannes Zundel, Chair of the Board of Trustees
For decades, Norbert was at the forefront of conflict transformation, combining intellectual rigour with humility and compassion. He believed deeply in the possibility of sustainable peace, even in the most fragile and challenging contexts, and brought hope to communities affected by conflict. His pioneering work, marked by groundbreaking research and hands-on engagement in some of the world’s most difficult conflict settings, continues to inspire peacebuilders around the world.
Norbert founded the Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management (later Berghof Conflict Research) and led it with distinction until 2004. Under his leadership, the centre became a driving force in advancing the theory and practice of conflict transformation. Beyond his academic contributions, Norbert was deeply engaged in supporting peace processes around the world. From 2001 to 2008, he led the Resource Network for Conflict Studies and Transformation in Sri Lanka. In the years that followed, he headed the Peace Resource Centre in Thailand, focusing especially on dialogue and mediation efforts in Southeast Asia.
Norbert established the founding pillars of the Berghof Foundation’s research and practice work and was an influential figure in our organisation for decades. We are deeply grateful for all his contributions to Berghof and the field overall.
Chris Coulter, Executive Director
“For decades, Norbert was at the forefront of peacebuilding,” said Chris Coulter, Executive Director of the Berghof Foundation, “shaping the field through his visionary leadership, groundbreaking research, and hands-on engagement in some of the world’s most challenging conflict regions. He established the founding pillars of the Berghof Foundation’s research and practice work and was an influential figure in our organisation for decades. We are deeply grateful for all his contributions to Berghof and the field overall.”
Earlier this year, Norbert was awarded the Olof Palme Peace Prize by the German Social Democratic Party in Stormarn – a well-deserved recognition of his lifelong dedication to conflict transformation and peacebuilding.
Norbert’s kindness, integrity, and generosity touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him. At the Berghof Foundation, he was loved and respected by colleagues across generations and backgrounds. We will always remember his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment to a more just and peaceful world.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Norbert’s family and loved ones. We share in your grief and hold you in our thoughts during this difficult time.
May his memory bring comfort and peace to all who mourn him.
May his soul rest in peace.
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