Successful uses of cultural relations in conflict zones over the last 10 years have not received much media attention. This testimonial and lessons-learned session features actors in the field and tries to identify best practice in inter-cultural dialogue and understanding in conflict areas. Case studies/testimonials will be delivered from recent and current conflict areas, including Afghanistan, The Balkans and Africa. A live video link with Kabul will enable local speakers to participate in the debate.
Speakers:
Brigadier Hamza Visca, Joint Staff Post-conflict Reconstruction, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hewod Aziz Jan, Afghan student
George Gachara, co-Founder, Picha Mtaani, Kenya and British Council Global Changemaker
Oliver Urquhart Irvine, Cultural Property Manager, British Library
Yar Mohammad, Chairman, English Teachers’ Association Afghanistan, Kabul University (via video link)
Professor John Sugden, Director, International ‘Football4Peace’ programme
Bjorn Maes, Artistic Coordinator Southern Africa, Africalia
Moderator:
Anand Naidoo, Al-Jazeera English
Coffee break
11.30 – 12.00
Civ-mil cooperation: designing a cultural approach
12.00- 13.00
Now that NATO has a more comprehensive approach to the planning and conduct of its operations, and is reviewing its Strategic Concept, what concrete steps need to be taken to ensure military training includes greater cultural awareness? Can improved civilian-military dialogue and a better understanding of the role of cultural relations improve security policy? What new approaches should be developed to help both civilian and military personnel in the field to bring a greater cultural dimension to their missions?
Speakers:
Ilana Bet-El, Political Analyst
Catherine Fieschi, Director, Counterpoint, British Council
Colonel Per Mikkelsen, Deputy Branch Chief Joint Operations, NATO
Marietje Schaake, Member of the European Parliament
Moderator:
Anand Naidoo, Al-Jazeera English
Networking Lunch
13.00 – 14.00
Download the programme here.