EVENT
Video: Inclusive governance across differences
Insights from conflict transformation
As societies become increasingly diverse, managing cultural diversity with a conflict transformation lens can lead to better governance and societal resilience.
Our highly interconnected world is bringing people with different cultural backgrounds, identities, values, and lived experiences closer together. This diversity can be a powerful source of innovation, creativity, and social resilience. However, when it is not managed constructively, it can lead to misunderstanding, polarisation, and exclusion.
Complex societal challenges such as migration, social cohesion, democratic participation, and climate adaptation cannot be addressed effectively without the trust and cooperation of diverse communities. Successful governance increasingly depends on the ability to create inclusive spaces where different perspectives are heard, respected, and integrated into decision-making processes. Dialogue and participation are therefore not only democratic values but strategic necessities.
During the event, we explored tried and tested methods that emphasise the importance of tackling root causes and structural drivers of conflict in context-sensitive ways. Drawing on examples from different contexts, including our work in Syria, as well as our recently published toolkit “Managing Cultural Diversity. Guidance for Peacemaking and Conflict Transformation”, we heard about successful diversity management and the obstacles that had to be overcome. We also discussed key recommendations for civil society, government, and international support actors to build more inclusive institutions and more cohesive societies.
Inclusive governance across differences
9 November 2026
13:00 - 14:00 CET
Online event via Zoom.
This event was held in English.
Welcome remarks by Otto Kivinen, Deputy Director Centre for Peace Mediation, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Input by John Packer, Associate Professor of Law, University of Ottawa (author)
Speakers:
- Banu Pekol, Lead Expert on Culture and Housing, URBACT
- Craig Collins, Associate Professor of International Relations, Blanquerna-University of Ramon Llull (co-author)
- Hozan Ibrahim, Executive Director, IMPACT
Moderated by Beatrix Austin, Head of Department Conflict Transformation Research, Berghof Foundation.
Media contact
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