Guest Speakers: Julian Davis, Standby Team Coordinator UN Mediation Support Unit (MSU); Canan Gunduz, Mediation Advisor European External Action Service (EEAS); and Kristian Herbolzheimer, Philippines/Colombia Program Director Conciliation Resources.

Faced with armed conflict and violent unrest, civilians in war zones are left vulnerable to threats of violence and great deprivations. While humanitarian organizations working in conflicts areas provide lifesaving emergency services in sometimes highly volatile contexts, many are increasingly realizing that these activities are not enough for citizens yearning for security and a return to normalcy. This latter task is often relegated to the State and Track-I actors.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Christina Stenner, OSCE, Mediation Support Office

QUESTION 1: Are there common characteristics that underlie the ideal profile of a mediator for both tracks or do these require distinct skills and capabilities?

While international NGOs working in conflict zones provide lifesaving emergency services in sometimes highly volatile contexts, beneficiaries yearning for a return to normalcy sometimes question why this help isn't getting them any closer to peace.