A lecture about diversity and inclusion in defense sector – Europe’s experience was conducted on August 25, 2021, by Caecilia Johanna Van Peski, master of educational and cultural psychology, expert in gender and psycho trauma studies, Lieutenant of the Kingdom of Netherlands, a member of several peacekeeping missions and holder of a Peace Ambassador title.

Ms. Van Peski started her presentation with explaining cultural psychology, its specifics and main authors writing about cultural psychology. One of the major topics of the discussion was how societies differ in Europe, as well as in other countries outside it, how they perceive hierarchy, ambiguity and social connections. Some reasons of such differences were mentioned, such as different ways of upbringing, however the fact that we can’t judge whole nations according to single cases, was duly noted.

Very important aspects such as borders between countries, or so called borders, which split nations just for political or geographical reasons was discussed, along with peacekeeping missions and their operations at different conflict sites. Ms. Van Peski talked about her experience regarding these topics and shared the challenges she saw during her service, such as gender dis-balance in peace operations and conflict resolution process.

The lecture was held in the framework of the project Youth for Pluralism and Democracy, which is conducted by the Civil Council on Defense and Security and Max Planck Foundation, with the financial support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany.   

 

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