The Rumi Forum presented “How can dialogue serve as a tool of resolving protracted social conflicts?” with Mirsad “Miki” Jacevic
Synopsis:
Having worked in areas of violent conflict for over 20 years, Mr. Jacevic brings a wealth of experience on practical ways that governments, international organizations and civil society groups can transform violence and foster collaboration. As a conflict resolution expert, working on a doctorate in the area of transitional justice, Mr. Jacevic uses various tools and approaches to build bridges between communities torn by dissent and destruction. As we increasingly face the challenges of the 21st century’s internal strife, in which wars are more often fought in city neighborhood than distant battlegrounds, we need to create even more innovative solutions that will build sustainable peace. While military expenditures sky rocket, we need to seek alternative forms to transform conditions that give rise to power, war and terrorism in the first place. Dialogue is therefore an essential prerequisite to enabling millions of people to live freely and productively, yet it is an underutilized and not fully appreciated method. Inter-faith dialogue is one of the various and many forms that will be discussed during this luncheon.
Mirsad “Miki” Jacevic is deputy director for training and consultations at The Institute for Inclusive Security. In his current capacity, he oversees Inclusive Security’s training program, as well as strategic consultations with leaders from conflict areas around the globe, to help them remain focused on promoting inclusion of civil society in all stages of the peace process. He was the primary author of Inclusive Security: A Curriculum for Women Waging Peace, a highly interactive training manual based on over a decade of experience designing and leading workshops around the world. Mr. Jacevic also directs Bosnia program at Global Youth Connect, an international organization focused on promoting participation of young people in conflict prevention and resolution. Mr. Jacevic teaches at various national and international schools and universities on a range of topics, including negotiations, reconciliation, transitional justice, post conflict reconstruction and security sector reform.
Mr. Jacevic is a human rights activist and peace program specialist from Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina. During the war, he was involved in numerous projects to ease the suffering of youth and the elderly. Prior to joining Inclusive Security, he directed the Emerging Leaders Project at the State of the World Forum and managed child soldiers reintegration efforts at Search for Common Ground. He is a PhD candidate at the George Mason University’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, where he received his master’s degree. Mr. Jacevic is married to Guatemalan human rights activist Eva Morales, and they live with their two children in the Washington, DC area.