This project was chosen in a competitive bidding process to deliver a customized training course on Conflict Management and Resolution. The training course was a collaborative endeavor of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), the International Conflict Resolution Center of the University of Melbourne International Pty Ltd, and the Social Development Research Center. The training was held from August 9 to August 30 in Melbourne, Australia. The course covered training in the core values, knowledge, and skills in the areas of conflict management and action research methodology.
The training consisted of two components. Component 1 introduced participants to conflict resolution concepts, processes, models, and skills. The skills included negotiation skills, analysis of conflict resolution styles, conflict mapping, and principles of facilitation.
Component 2 explored how conflict resolution concepts and skills can be applied in local and international contexts. The component included an action research visit to Australia and New Zealand. Action research as a method for studying conflict was introduced together with conflict transformation, and gender analysis and conflict. Another activity of Component 2 was the conduct of an international seminar which was participated in by guests from government, non-government, and academic organizations.
Component 2 also included discussions about innovative policy formulation and implementation of post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation, and crisis management and long-term peace building. Recommendations based on the lessons learned from case reports and from the participants’ experiences were also formulated for the National Program for Unification and Development Council.
