An inaugural workshop on Leadership, Conflict Resolution and Cultural Understanding took place in Geneva at the end of May.

Alice Cardell

This workshop was a one-day version of a standard three-day module created by Alice Cardell, the IofC International Director of Training. Sixteen participants took part, ranging from young interns to senior representatives of various agencies of the United Nations.

The participants also came from a wide range of nationalities: Ivorian, British, American, Swiss, Niger, Australian, Indian, Burundian, French and German. This rich variety of backgrounds and different working experiences contributed to the richness of the day. Discussions and sharing during the case studies, role playing and unique introductions, offered a flavour of what the full module would entail.

One participant said that she appreciated the linkage between leadership, conflict resolution and cultural understanding: 'This is very new to me and I see and believe that this is greatly needed in the international community. I would like very much to discuss further how we could bring this to our international forum.'

Another said, 'I will try to be more systematic in establishing needs and interest and convey to colleagues that conflict resolution can be simple. It does not require extensive studies.'

Whilst some struggled with the role-plays, others enjoyed the temporary powers they had secured as the head of state in a conflict situation. When it was time to get out of our characters, one participant declared that he would try to consider the needs of the other party – 'I will try to think of the best solution for both of us.'

This being an inaugural one-day workshop, it was not easy for everyone to speak at length and to go far into the subject matter, which some found to be very deep.

Alice Cardel, is currently in Japan, conducting similar workshops there.

by Tehmina Siganporia

For more information about the workshops, contact:
Initiatives of Change International
Office of Training Services
1, rue de Varembé, P.O. Box 3, CH–1211 Genève 20
Tel: +41 (0)22 733 09 20, Fax: +41 (0)22 733 02 67
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