Roundtable: Local-level peacebuilding: between theory and practice

Wednesday 30 Apr 2025, 10:30 → 16:30 Europe/London

University of Coventry, Vauxhall Campus

Peacebuilding has been subjected to multiple ‘turns’. Chief among them is the ‘local turn’ which calls for the recognition and inclusion of local practices and actors in the implementation of peace in conflict contexts. Yet, the conceptual ambiguity of the ‘local turn’ continues to linger in scholarly discourse and it’s practice saddled with multiple challenges. Thus, the half-day roundtable would discuss the progress, challenges, and the future directions of local-level peacebuilding in conflict affected contexts. Specifically, it would highlight and take account of progress made in the theory and practice of local-level peacebuilding; unpack the challenges and opportunities of international-local interface and engagements; as well as brainstorm on future policies and practice of local-level peacebuilding. We seek scholars who are undertaking research into theoretical and practical approaches in this sphere, as well as practitioners and policymakers who work in peacebuilding.

Programme

10.30-10.45

Arrivals

10.45-11.00

Welcome: Dr Nancy Annan/Co-convenors

Session 1

11.00-12.30

Panel: Dr David Curran

Prakash Rote, Lougborough University

Vernacular Turn in Peacebuilding: A participatory research understanding of 'Peace' from the Youth in the Higher Education Institutes in the UK.

Yi Yu, Warwick University (online)

The relationship between peace education and external stakeholders in Sierra Leone

Martinluther Nwaneri, Aston University Birmingham.

“Local Voice” as “Multiple Voices” and  Layered Power Dynamics in NGO-Led Peacebuilding in Nigeria.

Sangar Y. Salih, Salahaddin University-Erbil / Peace and Freedom Organization-PFO. (online)

Daily Peace Practices in Schools: Exploring Experiences and Perceptions from Private and Public Schools in the Kurdistan region-Iraq

12.30-13.15                              

Lunch

Session 2                                

13.15-14.15

Keynote session: Dr Nancy Annan

Speakers:

Mr Jonathan Cohen, Executive Director,Conciliation Resources, UK

Dr Sukanya Podder, Reader in Post-war Reconstruction and Peacebuilding, Kings College London

14.15-14.30                                

Break

Session 3

14.30-16.00

Panel: Dr Sam Jarvis

Giulia Piccolino, Loughborough University.

Local empowerment or local exploitation? The role of local-level peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives in a post-intervention world

Aruni Samarakoon, University of Hull.

“Crisis after Crisis” in Tamil Women’s Lives in Sri Lanka: Civil War, Tsunami, COVID-19, and Menopause

Hope Johnson, Cardiff University.

Decolonizing Peacebuilding: The Role of Local Philanthropy in Northern Uganda

Ann Bajo, University of Portsmouth.

Malaysia’s Role in Southeast Asia’s Internal Conflicts: The Cases of Mindanao and Pattani

16.00 - 16.30

Closing Remarks and Next steps (END)

Dr David Curran

Registration will close on Monday 28 April at 5pm