Building Peace in Africa

The Role of Communication in Conflict Transformation

21 November 2009, Peace Palace, The Hague

African Students' Conference 2009

The 11^th African Students' Conference will be held on Saturday 21 November 2009. The theme of the conference is "The Role of Communication in Conflict Transformation", and it is organised by the United Network of Young Peace builders (UNOY Peacebuilders) and The African Committee (TAC). The event will bring together approximately 250-300 participants; African students studying in the Netherlands, African Diaspora youth, Dutch youth and students, NGO representatives and other interested persons. In honour of UNOY Peacebuilders' 20^th anniversary, the African Students' Conference 2009 will be held at the Peace Palace in The Hague and will end with a festive anniversary reception.

The Role of Communication in Conflict Transformation

The topic of the African Students' Conference 2009 is "Building Peace in Africa: The Role of Communication in Conflict Transformation". There are numerous examples of how the media has exacerbated conflicts and how it can easily have a negative impact during a conflict situation. The aim of this year's African Students' Conference (ASC) is to counter the negative perceptions of the role of communication with positive examples of how the media can be used for constructive change. While focusing on the positive potentials of communication during and in (post-) conflict situations in Africa, different forms of communication will be discussed; including written media, dance and theatre, photography, cartoons and broadcasting media (films, news and documentaries), etc . With this year's topic, we are envisioning an inspiring event that shows best practices and positive examples of how different forms of (new) media and communications can be used to transform conflicts all over Africa. Participants will have a chance to explore the topic in depth and to develop their own perspectives on how best to use different ways of communication in a constructive way in order to transform conflicts and build peace.

Objectives

1. To inform, sensitise, involve, and raise participants' awareness on the link between communication and conflict transformation/ peacebuilding in Africa, focusing especially on the challenges encountered by and opportunities created for youth in (post-) conflict settings.

2. To publicise and raise the attention of major national and international actors on the topic of the conference and specifically on the youth perspectives emerging from the students attending it, through the distribution of the ASC report to conflict research institutes, governments and other political and non-political organisations.

3. To offer a forum where African students, African Diaspora youth and Dutch students can meet, discuss, and exchange inspiring ideas on the issue of communication and conflict transformation.

4. To offer a unique networking opportunity for African Students, Africa Diaspora Youth and Dutch interested youth, who will gather and share opinions on issues of common interest.

Keynote speakers

Prof. Dr. Hamelink, Professor at the University of Amsterdam, will give an introduction to the topic.
Professor Judith Marcuse, International Centre of Art for Social Change: The Creativity Lens: A Global View of Art for Social Change. The presentation will offer examples of some of the most innovative, vibrant and potent arts-infused approaches for conflict transformation from around the globe.
Mr. Tonee Ndungu, Wazimba Youth Foundation, Kenya: Practical case study on the positive use of technology and new media for conflict transformation in Africa.
Mr. Ali Mahdi, Theatre Director, Sudan: Practical case study on the constructive use of theatre for peacebuilding in Darfur.

Workshops

The workshops will consist of two 1-hour sessions, one in the morning and a follow-up session in the afternoon. Participants can choose from the following workshops:

1. Deconstruction of Enemy Images*

2. Theatre and Peacebuilding

3. The Call for 'Peace Propaganda': Obstacles and Opportunities

4. Conn@ct Now!

5. Dialogue for Peaceful Change

6. Participatory Video

7. Games and New Insights - Artful Approaches to Addressing Conflict

* to be confirmed/decided

The full programme is available here

Participation

The conference is primarily intended for African students studying in the Netherlands and African Diaspora youth. Dutch and international students, academics, activists with an interest in the subject, representatives of NGOs, officials, and other concerned persons / organisations are very welcome to this unique African event.

Participation will be free of charge!

African students in the Netherlands and Diaspora youth, incurring travel costs exceeding €7,50 are entitled to travel reimbursements for the additional amount, based on the cheapest train fare, upon submitting the relevant receipts (return train tickets and copy of student card). Reimbursement sheets will be made available during registration at the conference day. The reimbursement will be made by means of a bank transfer (not in cash). Taxi expenses will not be reimbursed. Please keep checking our website for updates and join the ASC e-group for further information! The reimbursement condition is full day attendance.

Coffee, Tea and Lunch, Reception

Coffee, tea and lunch will be served free of charge. After the conference, all participants are invited for a festive reception in the Peace Palace Atrium to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of UNOY Peacebuilders! Drinks and Kenyan snacks will be provided and we invite you to have a look at the exhibition and information market during the reception. Furthermore, this will be a great opportunity to network!

Organisational Stands

Organisations wishing to have a display during the conference can contact UNOY Peacebuilders, see details below.

Registration

Registration is now open! Please go to the following website to sign up for your workshop: http://www.mindz.com/events/African_Students__Conference/register

Further information

Please check back regularly for updated information on the programme and the list of speakers and facilitators. News will also be announced on the UNOY newsblog.

Organisers

UNOY Peacebuilders
The United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY Peacebuilders) is a global network of 38 youth-led peace organisations and over 300 affiliates, active in the field of peacebuilding and conflict transformation.

The African Committee
The African Committee (TAC) is an association of highly qualified African students studying in institutes of higher education in the Netherlands, with its secretariat at the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague.

Contact information

Kathrin Gottwald
African Students' Conference Coordinator

UNOY Peacebuilders
Laan van Meerdervoort 70
2517 AN The Hague
The Netherlands

telephone number +31 70 3647799
fax number +31 70 3622633
e-mail address unoyHiddenText@unoy.org
website www.unoy.org

1.	To inform, sensitise, involve, and raise participants' awareness on the link between communication and conflict transformation/ peacebuilding in Africa, focusing especially on the challenges encountered by and opportunities created for youth in (post-) conflict settings.
2.	To publicise and raise the attention of major national and international actors on the topic of the conference and specifically on the youth perspectives emerging from the students attending it, through the distribution of the ASC report to conflict research institutes, governments and other political and non-political organisations.
3.	To offer a forum where African students, African Diaspora youth and Dutch students can meet, discuss, and exchange inspiring ideas on the issue of communication and conflict transformation.
4.	To offer a unique networking opportunity for African Students, Africa Diaspora Youth and Dutch interested youth, who will gather and share opinions on issues of common interest.

1.	Deconstruction of Enemy Images*
2.	Theatre and Peacebuilding
3.	The Call for 'Peace Propaganda': Obstacles and Opportunities
4.	Conn@ct Now!
5.	Dialogue for Peaceful Change
6.	Participatory Video
7.	Games and New Insights - Artful Approaches to Addressing Conflict