21.07.2024 SHARINPEACE Project Meeting in Belgrade

Amidst the vibrant nightlife, bustling clubs, and floating party boats along the Danube, the Serbian capital Belgrade recently played host to a significant event: the Transnational Project Meeting of the “Simulating Human Rights in Peacebuilding (SHARINPEACE)” project. This gathering, held from June 24th to 26th, 2024, focused on deepening collaboration and reflection on the project’s progress and upcoming milestones.

The meeting was hosted by Orli Fridman and Dragana Stojanović from the Faculty of Media and Communications (FMK) in Belgrade. Participants engaged in a comprehensive exchange and reflection on the initial pilot runs of the collaboratively planned module, with a particular focus on the associated online simulations.

Stéphane Voell and Tabea Hanke from the University of Marburg presented the online platform that would be used for the forthcoming simulation. Workshop participants had the opportunity to experiment with the tool, gaining hands-on experience that would be essential for the successful implementation of future simulations. Together with Magdalena Rekść from the University of Lodz, the participants conducted a comprehensive analysis of the various video conferencing systems currently in use. The module could be continued beyond the project duration, according to some interesting suggestions put forth by Çagla Demirel and Johanna Mannergren Selimovic from Sodertorns Hogskola (Stockholm) and other colleagues.

The meeting also served as a platform to discuss the future trajectory of the project. With SHARINPEACE set to conclude at the end of November, meticulous planning is already underway. One of the key upcoming events is the second Multiplier Event, an academic conference titled “Didactic Innovations in Peace and Conflict Research,” scheduled to take place in October in Giessen. Julia Schwab and Rosario Figari Layus from the University of Giessen presented the preliminary plans for this conference, inviting project collaborators to join them in Central Hesse. This event will serve as the project’s grand finale.

In addition, the meeting included virtual contributions from Ingvild Bode, Chiara de Franco, and Oscar Noach from the University of Southern Denmark (Syddansk Universitet, Odense). They provided updates on the project’s final work package, which includes the preparation of a policy brief outlining the project’s key findings and a scholarly article for an academic journal, both expected by the end of the year.

The SHARINPEACE project, co-funded by Erasmus+, not only aims to advance academic and practical knowledge in peacebuilding and human rights simulations but also fosters a deeper connection between European universities and cities. Over the course of three days, the participants had the chance to explore Belgrade, a city renowned for its dynamic and youthful art scene, cultural diversity, and openness. However, the city also bears the scars of the 1990s Yugoslav wars, a poignant reminder of the importance of peacebuilding efforts. The project members were able to gain insight into city’s history through a memory walk.

This meeting in Belgrade exemplified the project’s core objectives: to enhance educational methodologies through innovative simulations and to promote international collaboration and cultural exchange. The intensive discussions and hands-on experiences gained during this gathering have set a robust foundation for the project's final phase.

As the SHARINPEACE project approaches its conclusion, the collaborative spirit and innovative strategies developed during these meetings will continue to influence peacebuilding education. The upcoming academic conference in Giessen and the final dissemination of the project’s findings will ensure that the insights and methodologies developed throughout SHARINPEACE will benefit a broader audience and contribute to the ongoing discourse in peace and conflict studies.