International Summer Academy in Peace-building & Intercultural Dialogue

Venue: Baar, Switzerland
Period: August 17-27, 2014
Application deadline: June 30, 2014

IPD is very glad to announce its next International Summer Academy in Peace-building & Intercultural Dialogue, which is going to be held in Switzerland 2014.  Its image as one of the most favourable places for traveling has made it more interesting to offer an exited and comprehensive program for our participants. Our experts, who are professionals in their fields will contribute to this event, with many years of experience in peace and conflict studies.   
Nowadays unfortunately several frozen or ongoing conflicts between or within states still exist. Conflicts are different and if we look to the world mankind, how they are facing many new challenges, coupled with new dangerous situations, i.e. terrorist acts, non-legal arming of conflict sides, re-determination of borders, establishing new countries in the world map, non-providing territorial integrity, trafficking of arms, drugs and human; disputes on the implementation of transnational energy projects, democratization and false elections, revolution and internal political conflicts, armed guerrilla movements, violation and discrimination by nationalists, world economic crisis, climate change and unsafely biodiversity etc. Unfortunately the list is long. Conflicts are related and an integral part of human beings, as conflicts cause violation of human rights.
Existing conflicts weaken every kind of cooperation between nations and states. Without mutual cooperation and understanding, the future prosperity of the region would remain only as a good dream. Taking into consideration of peaceful behavior and engagements, we can make a decision on the strict belief, that opportunities for solving conflicts are feasible. Because in every conflict situation and tension forms we consequently face the below mentioned common situations:
1. Desperate situation and non-solving problems are not eternal;
2. It is possible to make common decision which both sides;
3. We can find common values, traditions and similar situation among conflict parties;
4. Protracted conflicts on the same time endanger regional development and prosperity;
5. Any mediation and negotiation actions are better than nothing.
The main goal of the international summer academy is to support institutional academic peace education and strengthen peace-building skills and intercultural dialogue of the international society.

Within the international summer academy we plan to include different workshops, lectures, presentations, interactive group works, brainstorming on conflict places, mediation operations and peace negotiation activities as well as case studies on ongoing-fragile conflicts in the world (depends experts availability).
Participants will acquire knowledge and skills from lecturers/experts who are working on peace building, mediation, negotiation, conflict transformation, intercultural dialogue and non-violence and other correspond fields at the research centers, universities, INGOs and state organs.
In the training, both visual/dynamic methods will be used, such as schedules, tests, surveys, direct interviews, distribution of questionnaires and other methods of observation. Every expert will take 1-2 days for his lecture and workshops. We will send educational materials and daily programs of the summer academy to the selected participants.

A broad range of interested Participants can apply for the International Summer Academy on Peacebuilding & Intercultural Dialogue; such as representatives of Governmental Organs, INGOs, IOs, Companies, freelance researchers, diplomats, political parties, independent mediators, PhD students, NGO leaders, peace workers/activists and who want to develop their academic knowledge and capacities, who have intention to join missions in conflict regions, who work and live in countries with ongoing tensions.  Depending from city-tours and visit to peace institutions, the daily program can change during the days and we will update you on final changes on time.

There are no age or country limits for the application. Requested documents (see below) for application has to be sent till the 30 June 2014 to fhuseynli@ipdinstitute.ch.
Please send your application in WORD format with your CV, Passport Page (Only photo page) and name the documents as “NAME” “SURNAME” “COUNTRY” “DOCUMENTS NAME”
NOTE: After evaluation of your application we will send you the conditional invitation to start the payment of the participation fee. Unconditional invitation to the participants we will send by email and by fax to the relevant embassy which you mentioned in your filled application form.

Participation fee is 1600 Euro (date of receipt is determining)

What is included in the program fee?
- Accommodation (Staying in Double Room)
- Full Pension (3 times Meals & 2 times Coffee-Break per day)
- Course & Stationary Materials (File, notebook and pen)
- WiFi Free Internet Connection

What is not included in the program fee?
Extra accommodation and meal expenses, international travel and travel related expenses (visa & insurance fee expenses) is not included in the participation fee.
After evaluation of your application we will send you the conditional invitation to start the payment of the participation fee and later after the unconditional letter by email and by fax to the relevant embassy.

For transfer of participation fee:
Bank Account
Postfinance AG
Account Number: 25-100224-4
IBAN: CH62 0900 0000 2510 0224 4
SWIFT: POFICHBEXXX

Cancellation
Please note that in case of a participation cancellation after submission till the 15th July 2014 the charge will be 250€ (without bank transfer costs) will be deducted from your participation fee for administrative charges. For cancellations till the 31st of July 2014 the charge will be 400€ (without bank transfer costs) and for cancellations after the 17th of August 2014, no refund will be possible.

Accommodation
Participants will stay at a double room in the 'Eckstein' Meeting and Education Centre, located in Baar, close to Zurich. You can reach the place directly by train from Zurich Main Train Station.
For more information please visit the webpage of 'Eckstein' Meeting and Education

Institute for Peace and Dialogue
e-mail: fhuseynli@ipdinstitute.ch