National Dialogues x Protest Movements
Learn about challenges and opportunities of organising National Dialogues in the context of social protests at the online launch event of latest paper on this topic organized by the Berghof Foundation.
What are challenges for organising a National Dialogue process in the context of popular uprisings? What are opportunities for National Dialogues to be successful when active social movements are involved? At our event to launch the paper “National Dialogues x Protest Movements” we will explore how protest movements can influence National Dialogue processes.
National Dialogues are nationally-owned political processes aimed at generating consensus among a broad range of national stakeholders. They can be implemented in times of deep political crisis, in post-war situations or during political transition processes that impact the society at large. During the event, experts and practitioners will discuss dilemmas around the timing and “ripeness” of the situation for National Dialogues. Based on research conducted in Colombia and additional examples from around the world, we will also look into the maximalist aims pursued by protest movements and how compromise can be achieved, and how new platforms can ensure societal engagement after the dialogue process. We will also explore suggestions on how to involve protest movements in the design, conduct and implementation of National Dialogues to allow for inclusive change.
Over the last two decades, National Dialogues have been increasingly recognised as a comprehensive tool for preventing violent conflicts and reaching inclusive political settlements. However, questions remain open on how to best integrate certain topics in the design of National Dialogues and how to meaningfully include specific societal groups. The series “National Dialogues at crossroads” aims at addressing this gap. It compiles lessons learned and recommendations on three cross-cutting issues: climate change, digitalisation, and protest movements.
Event series: National Dialogues at crossroads
National Dialogues x Protest Movements
7 December 2023
14:30 - 15:30 CET (ics, ical)
Online event via Zoom.
This event will be held in English.
Speakers will include:
- Isabel Bramsen, Director of Peace and Conflict Studies and Associate Professor at Lund University, Department of Political Science
- Alexander Douglas, Deputy Regional Director – South and Southeast Asia, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
- Hamzah Alkamaly, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports in Yemen
Moderated by Véronique Dudouet, Senior Advisor, Berghof Foundation.