Mediation is a change process whose impact can be felt at different levels of society, measured across time and evaluated from different stakeholders' point of view. For this reason mediators should take an expansive view of success, beyond just the signing of an agreement. The indicators described below should be seen as inter-dependent variables that can help demonstrate a measurable impact on the peace process.
Although broad, the trade of mediation is one that can be defined, measured, and evaluated and an astute consumer should be able to shop for a product that is distinguishable from other types of conflict resolution interventions.
Defining Mediation
Mediation is a confidential problem-solving process whereby an impartial third-party assists two or more consenting participants to prevent, manage, or resolve a conflict by helping them develop mutually satisfactory solutions to the issues being disputed.