Cooperation on peace mediation in Malta

Last week, ZIF, in collaboration with the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC), held a three-day certificate program on the basics of peace mediation for aspiring diplomats at the University of Malta. The 15 participants from European and African countries were given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the basics of peace mediation and learn more about the relationship between mediation and diplomacy as part of a module in their Master's degree. The program began with two days of interactive input, after which the participants were able to put their newly acquired theoretical knowledge into practice in a mediation role play.

ZIF was able to bring in Carsten Wieland as an external expert. Wieland is a German diplomat and mediation expert who reported on his successes in mediation. He also spoke about the challenges that mediation processes regularly face. Patrizia Albrecht, advisor on climate issues at the OSCE, also gave a presentation on how climate security and mediation processes are interlinked. ZIF was once again able to recruit Dr. Natalia Mirimanova as a co-trainer, who supported the training duo from ZIF and was already present at last year's certificate program in Malta. As an expert in peace mediation with over 25 years of experience in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Moldova, the Western Balkans and Cyprus, among others, she was able to illustrate concrete challenges to the participants with practical examples and provide an authentic insight into the work of a peace mediator.

"We are very pleased that we were able to continue our cooperation with MEDAC," says Amelie Overmann, Head of Project 'Strengthening Mediation and Dialogue Capacities'. "The certificate program brings together different nationalities, diverse perspectives on international cooperation and different personal experiences. We see this as an opportunity to create a common understanding of peace mediation with the next generation of diplomats."

The cooperation took place as part of the project "Strengthening mediation and dialog capacities". The aim of the project is to deepen knowledge of the instrument of peace mediation and promote its effective application, to promote strategic exchange and targeted knowledge transfer between relevant actors in conflict prevention and to support the effectiveness, impact and further development of mediation and dialogue engagement through tailored support. The project is funded by the Federal Foreign Office.