Culture Peace of
16th
International
Conference
on Conflict
Resolution
At
a time of rising turmoil- a time that calls
for new thinking, new vision, new understanding, and new ways of relating
in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent global community.
"As the interaction of the global community
grows ever greater and more complex, we face the challenge of responding
creatively to disputes not only in our individual communities and
nations, but also in the international arena. Through your ongoing
work to learn, develop, and encourage the use of innovative techniques
of conflict management and resolution, you are helping to promote
such creative alternatives. I commend the organizers and participants
in this year's conference for your leadership in and commitment
to fostering reconciliation and understanding. You are serving the
common good and helping to build a more peaceful world for us all.
Best wishes for a successful conference."
---Bill Clinton
Conference
The
International Conference on Conflict Resolution (ICR) speaks to
the immediate potential for both dramatic and violent decline in world
relations, and at the same time compelling movement toward peace, understanding,
and harmony in the global community.
The conference will
again be part of an integrated
Series of International Conferences CBI is coordinating to explore
The Consciousness Of Peace, linking with the 5th
Annual International Conference on "Engaging The Other:" The
Power of Compassion being held October 8-10, 2010 in San Francisco,
California, USA, and the 2nd Annual
International Conference on Religion, Conflict, and Peace being
held June 11-13, 2010 in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. The ICR program examines
fear-based belief systems, negative stereotypes, prejudice, scapegoating,
revenge, victim identity, and justified violence for a deeper understanding
of how these become embodied in our concepts of "The
OTHER." Among the rich variety of related topics addressed
this year are dynamics of Terrorism throughout the world, Trauma,
Forgiveness and Reconciliation, as well as issues in regions
of conflict, including the Middle East, South Asia, and
the Balkans.
Now
in its 16th year, this event has captured the desire and resolve
of thousands of change-makers from all corners of the world to define
this time of true crisis as opportunity for positive change and healing,
and for the formation of a culture of peace. Participants have come
together from over 65 countries and all continents, providing excellent
opportunities for important networking contacts.
The
ICR Conference is endorsed by major universities, professional groups,
and government organizations globally and has received support over
the years from Former U.S. President Clinton, Former Russian President
Yeltsin, and St. Petersburg Governor Vladimir Jakovlev. It is included
as part of the Hague Appeal for Peace Civil Society Calendar. The
Ashley Montagu Peace Award, established in 1995, is presented at
the conference to recognize and honor individuals who's life work has
distinguished them in contributing to an international culture of peace.
"Congratulations...to
all the congenial, loving human beings who are brought together for
this conference, and may precipitate mankind into a new world" -- Ashley Montagu
Focus
The
OVERALL PURPOSE:
To
createan open learning community, for deeply exploring core
issues and for sharing effective skills in conflict resolution that
participants can leave with and immediately implement in their personal
and professional lives. Of the hundreds who gather each year, most
are in key positions in their respective societies and cultures to model
and teach to hundreds more, some from both sides of existing conflicts.
This is based on the premise that as individuals in a society are adequately
equipped and empowered with tools to positively manage differences,
appreciate diversity day to day, and value all forms of life, the society
as a whole can effectively commit to healthy alternatives to violence
as a means of resolving conflicts.
ADDITIONAL
CONFERENCE GOALS ARE TO:
Provide a multi-disciplinary open forum for examining new
ways of perceiving conflicts, differences, and issues of personal/global
security, as well as managing them.
Form
a multi-cultural community experience to explore conference
themes and create a common ground of reference and support. Nurturing
a close intentional community is highly valued by participants as
essential to engaging and integrating formal learning
Devote
program time for processing, brainstorming, and networking
to ensure application and collaborative follow-through between events.
Each year dynamic collaborations and associations come out of contacts
at this conference
Bring
together high quality presenters at a time and place where many
who represent societies in turmoil and upheaval, and who would
otherwise be excluded due to economics and travel constraints, can
participate fully. By design, full registrations from developed
countries subsidize the costs of low income participants from economically
impoverished societies to help in balancing the economic impact
of attending.
(Please
see our Registration Philosophy below)
Presenters
represent diverse disciplines as well as cultures
including psychology, education, ecology & environmental sciences,
peace activism, social work, sociology, medical & healing arts,
organizational and community development, civil service, theology &
spirituality, philosophy, diplomacy, government, journalism, business
& economics, law, the physical sciences, and the arts.
The conference is open to ANYONE with an interest in
a deep exploration of
conflict and its transformation
"In
the last decade of our century, conflict seems to be shifting from nation
statesto ethnic groups....I hope this much-to-be commended Conference
on Conflict Resolution will give special attention to strategies suited
to this kind of violence. Our times require it. I wish you every success
in this noble project."
-- Huston Smith
Itinerary
The
8-Day Itinerary
includes 6 days of conference program and 2 days of pre- and post-conference
cultural and professional programming.
6
days
of full-day institutes, workshops, round tables, and lectures reflect
a broad and in-depth selection of views and practical approaches
to conflict resolution . Facilitated evening community meetings,
focused on topics that arise during the course of the conference,
are offered to encourage dynamic interchanges between participants.
A portion of the evening program time and space is allocated to
provide many opportunities for additional evening sessions and evolving,
spontaneous community meetings, as well as social / cultural events.
The natural setting of forest and seashore creates an atmosphere
conducive to both dynamic interchange and quiet contemplation. The
official conference languages are English and Russian. Interpreters
are assigned to each presentation and event, and are also available
in the general milieu.
Programs
include 45-50 day-sessions and a full slate of evening activities
and events that offer:
intensive
dialogues exploring theory and perceptions of conflict and resolution
/ transformation
training
in practical skills,
sharing
of programs and curriculums,
networking
and collaboration opportunities during and beyond events
a
powerful intentional community experience
(See
link below for sample of previous year's conference program)
2
days of pre- and post-conference program
includes rich cultural events and tours in St. Petersburg. During
this time we will also be offering an intensive Training in Trauma
Treatment intended for relief workers from regions of conflict.
Program
The
Conference Program
addresses all levels and dimensions of conflict resolution, from the
intrapersonal - to the interpersonal - to relationships between groups,
organizations, cultures, spiritual traditions, and societies - and ultimately
between us and other species.
Presentations
explore conflict resolution within diverse contexts.
Program
Tracks Include:
Art
/ Creativity
Cross-cultural
/ Ethnic
Deep
Ecology / Environmental
Economics
/ Business
Education
Gender
Global
/ Regional Conflict
Health
/ Healing arts
Human
Rights
Organizational
/ Community
Psychology
/ Psychotherapy
Transpersonal
/ Spiritual
Presentation samples
will be posted on our site in the near future, and the full program
will be available prior to the conference date. In the mean time, previous
conference programs can be viewed to offer examples of the content
and format:
2007 ICR Program 2006
ICR Program 2005
Presenters 2004
ICR Program
"I
applaud the efforts to equip representatives of varied societies and
cultures
with skills in conflict resolution. It cannot be too soon for our time
is indeed limited."
-- James Bugental
Follow-Up
As
part of the follow-up for each ICR Conference:
Common
Bond Institute collaborates on and supports the initiation
of joint projects in conflict resolution, capacity building,
and healing that grow out of the conference each year with
represented groups and organizations. In addition, through our
networking resources the sponsors actively assist in linking and
facilitating cooperation between groups and individuals attending.
Some of the projects and collaborations that have emerged from
the conference community over the years are highlighted on the
CBI site and links are provided to those with web sites.
Web site hosting is offered to projects that do not currently
have their own site.
Key individuals and organizations from high risk regions attending
the conference are linked with longer term, intensive training
programs offered by the conference sponsors and other organizations
represented. (See ourInternational
Training Programs, such as the Catastrophic
Trauma Recovery Project). The goal is to create local pools
of trainer/facilitators in these regions.
A
global internet linkis being developed through CBI's web site to include:
Journal
of Conflict Transformation - a virtual journal of collected
papers from the conferences and training sessions;
Virtual
Resource Library
of training programs & curriculum from the conferences
Clinical
Consultation for trainees
A
Global Youth Community
Virtual
Newsletter to keep participants informed of the actions and
collaborations coming out of CBI and the ICR Conference.
Topical E-dialogues to maintain contact between participants
and provide supplemental training, networking, support, and follow-up
between events.
Web
site hosting and establishing a support network of
organizations and projects that grow out of the conference.
Historically,
the ICR conference has been funded solely by registrations and donations.
Please Note:All participants - including presenters
- pay their own expenses for attending.
By design, full cost registrations from developed countries are used
to help offer subsidized conference fee discounts and in some cases
full sponsorships to allow low income participants from economically
depressed societies to attend, particularly from regions of conflict.
(Costs posted are full cost fees. Citizens and current residents of
developing countries should contact CBI for specifics on reduced
cost). The conference is held just outside St. Petersburg at a Russian
resort hotel located directly on the Finnish gulf, where all participants
have an opportunity to stay together during the entire conference. This
formula has allowed us to produce now 16 successful, truly cross-cultural
and inclusive events.
In
the midst of rising terrorism, struggling peace negotiations, and the
high stakes of war on the formal governmental level, the
world faces a historic choice between old, failing paradigms of separateness
and "The
OTHER," or recognition of our common, elemental interdependence
as human beings. The clear success of these international conferences
is evidence that this is the right time and place for this work.
JOIN
US as leading-edge presenters from around the world come
together for a 16th conference to address the need for visions that
foster an appreciation for diversity and tools in effectively managing
differences.
NOW
MORE THAN EVER,
we invite you and your colleagues to be part of endorsing the power
of nonviolence in creating a universal culture of peace and true security
in the world, and sharing effective methods to achieve it.
"As
regions of the world endeavor to transform aggression into cooperation,
your commitment to teaching the skills of peaceful conflict resolution
is vitally important. I commend all those who share a respect for
human rights and mutual tolerance. Your efforts are promoting peace
and harmony throughout the global community" --
Bill Clinton
~
CALL FOR PRESENTATION PROPOSALS ~
16th
International Conference
on Conflict Resolution
For
information, proposal forms and registration forms, please contact us
Peace
Conference