National Dialogue and peacemaking

This course offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge on both the theoretical and practical levels. This includes:

• Establishing a joint understanding of the purpose, key features and phases of National Dialogues,

• Situating National Dialogue in the broader conflict transformation landscape and how it links to other processes,

• Taking a closer look at some of the most critical aspects of National Dialogues such as agenda setting and mandate, inclusivity and ownership, participation and power dynamics, process design, implementation structures and follow-up mechanisms,

• Reflecting on common challenges and dilemmas and drawing lessons from past National Dialogue processes,

• Covering certain under-explored nexus areas and how to best integrate those topics in the design of National Dialogues,

• Bridging theory and practice through live expert sessions and real-world case studies,

• Contextualising the various aspects of National Dialogues to your own context for deep practical insights,

• Becoming part of a global community of practice through exchanging and learning alongside peers from around the world.

You can download the course programme here.

The live sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 14:00-16:00 CET.

Expert inputs by:

• Kasahun Dender, Senior Programme Coordinator, Berghof Foundation (tbc)

• Véronique Dudouet, Senior Advisor, Berghof Foundation

• Hans-Joachim Giessmann, Director Emeritus, Berghof Foundation

• Tatiana Mosquera Angulo, Director of the Strengthen Capacities Center, Transforma, Fundación Ideas para la Paz (tbc)

• Thania Paffenholz, Director and Founder, Inclusive Peace

• Katia Papagianni, Director Policy and Mediation Support Programme, Center for Humanitarian Dialogue

• Nang Raw, Peace Practitioner and Dialogue Facilitator (tbc)

• Pascal da Rocha, Senior Advisor and Trainer on Dialogue and Mediation

• Luxshi Vimalarajah, Senior Mediation Advisor - Track 1-1.5, Berghof Foundation

• Oliver Wils, Head of Department, MENA, Berghof Foundation

Application procedure

Please submit your application here by 30 June 2025.

Important: Applicants applying for the partial scholarship (see below) must submit their documents by 31 May 2025.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee is 1,750.- EUR.

The Berghof Foundation aims to broaden access for more participants by offering a limited number of partial scholarships of 30 per cent (remaining tuition fee to be paid 1,200.- EUR). Special consideration is given to Master’s or PhD students, unemployed or individuals working in grassroots NGOs in related fields, who can demonstrate financial need and practical impact of course.

To apply for the partial scholarship, please complete the relevant section in the application form.