CCDS held a workshop in the framework of the PeaceProject “Personal experiences in conflict and peace building: Healing on the way to shared peace in South Caucasus” on 18-20 June 2024 in Tbilisi, Georgia. The project was made with support from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), which explores the linkages between conflict wounds, violence, and peace through conversations among professionals in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. It promotes dialogue to share lessons from communities that have invested in peace and reconciliation.

Reconciliation in post-conflict societies is complex, and discussing past trauma helps uncover taboos and untold stories. The project emphasizes personal stories from peace-building professionals and academics, offering opportunities to learn and teach more effectively. Storytelling is key, sharing the practical realities of dealing with challenges across national, cultural, and political boundaries and the project promotes that. It preserves institutional knowledge and informs policymakers, helping them adapt solutions and avoid past missteps. The meeting emphasised that understanding the impact of conflict is vital for explaining phenomena such as insecurity, cultural identity loss, polarization, and violence. Addressing current and historical experiences can heal wounds and transform individuals and communities.

This innovative project highlights peacebuilders experiences, fostering intergenerational knowledge and sharing stories with the public and decision-makers. It creates a replicable model for reflective conversation, broadening discussions and engaging local perspectives.

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