Advanced Certificate in Conflict Transformation for Government Officials
Published on June 21, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in conflict transformation and the lead instructor for the Advanced Certificate in Conflict Transformation for Government Officials. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this course and what inspired you to create it? GUEST: Sure, I'm thrilled to be here. This advanced certificate is designed to equip government officials with the skills they need to navigate complex conflicts. Having worked in diplomacy and peacebuilding for years, I saw a need for a program that went beyond basic conflict resolution techniques. HOST: That's fascinating. Can you share some current trends in peacebuilding and conflict transformation that are particularly relevant to this course? GUEST: Absolutely. One trend is the increasing recognition of the importance of local ownership in peacebuilding processes. This course emphasizes the development of context-specific strategies and the importance of understanding the nuances of each conflict situation. HOST: That makes sense. Now, every field has its challenges—what do you find to be the most significant challenges in teaching or learning conflict transformation? GUEST: A key challenge is helping students unlearn some of the more traditional, adversarial approaches to conflict. Another challenge is keeping up with the rapidly changing dynamics of conflicts around the world. HOST: It's clear that staying current is essential. Looking to the future, where do you see the field of conflict transformation heading? What should our listeners be on the lookout for? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see a shift towards more preventive and locally-led approaches to conflict. Additionally, the integration of technology in peacebuilding efforts will likely become more prominent, offering new opportunities for engagement and collaboration. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights about the Advanced Certificate in Conflict Transformation for Government Officials. To our listeners, be sure to check out the program details to learn more about this exciting opportunity. Together, we can foster lasting peace and drive positive change.
