13.06.2024
What Does the Old Bridge in Mostar Stand For? EUPeace lecturers and students discussing conflict resolution in Europe.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina — From May 21 to 24, 2024, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Mostar hosted a dynamic workshop on conflict resolution. The event, organized under the auspices of EUPeace, brought together students and staff from Comillas, Marburg, and Mostar universities.
A Symbol of Peace and Unity
The Old Bridge (Stari Most), the iconic landmark of Mostar, served as a poignant symbol during the workshop. The iconic stone arch bridge spans the Neretva River, connecting the Croatian and Muslim parts of the city. Historically, the bridge has been a symbol of the union between Christianity and Islam, East and West, epitomizing a peaceful coexistence. The centuries-old bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the war in Yugoslavia and later rebuilt true to the original.
Thorsten Bonacker from the Center for Conflict Studies in Marburg, highlighted the significance of the Old Bridge, asking, "Is it a symbol of peace?" This question set the tone for the workshop, framing discussions around the bridge's historical and cultural importance as a metaphor for conflict resolution.
Collaborative Efforts for Peace
The primary goal of the workshop was twofold: to unite students from various EUPeace institutions, disciplines, and cultural backgrounds, and to design a workshop program that leverages the academic strengths of the three universities involved. This program aims to address conflict prevention and resolution through a multidisciplinary approach.
The EUPeace Initiative
EUPeace, the European University for Peace, Justice and Inclusive Society, is a collaborative project among nine core member universities. These institutions have committed to integrating their international strategies in teaching, research, and administration to promote the core values outlined in the EUPeace Mission Statement. The initiative seeks to enhance internationalization efforts to foster a peaceful, just, and inclusive European landscape.
Photo: University of Mostar
Participants from Mostar, Marburg and Madrid at the workshop in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 21-24 May 2024.
A Rich Learning Experience
During the workshop, students engaged in diverse teaching methodologies, including mediation simulation games, International Relations theories, and case studies on Peace and Conflict from across Europe and beyond. This practical approach enabled participants to not only work together but also to understand different perspectives on conflict resolution.
Reflecting on Success and Planning Ahead
The workshop also provided an opportunity for project staff to evaluate the successes and challenges of this initial pilot program. Discussions were held on expanding joint teaching efforts in the field of conflict resolution, ensuring that future programs continue to benefit from the interdisciplinary and inter-university collaboration.
Enhancing Conflict Resolution Skills
By engaging with various methods and instruments of conflict resolution and mediation on international, societal, and interpersonal levels, students improved their abilities to analyze, comprehend, and manage conflicts in diverse conditions. The inter-university nature of the workshop enriched their learning experience, preparing them to handle real-world conflicts effectively.
