The project aims at developing and introducing a regional Master of Peace Studies for South-East Europe in collaboration with local universities.
The project partners are
In theformer Yugoslav region, a scientific approach to peace is still at an earlystage. With reference to the recent violent past of South-East Europe, acoordinated academic approach to peace studies, inter-cultural dialogue andnonviolent conflict resolution should be developed at at the universities ofBelgrade, Sarajevo and Zagreb. The scientific dimension of peace research wouldserve as a prerequisite and framework for the development of practical projectsand the application of scientific findings on conflict transformation. Thiswould have a positive impact to guarantee the peaceful future of the region.
Theproject includes elements of capacity building and knowledge transfer fromSwiss partners to beneficiaries in South-East Europe, as well as curriculumdevelopment and harmonization. The goal is to develop a unique and locallyoriented regional master’s program in peace studies as a tangible outcome ofinter-university cooperation. Through the project university cooperation in theregion would advance further than has been the case throughout the recent(troubled) past. This would create conditions to build a network of youngprofessionals and researchers. It would furthermore give incentive to deepenand broaden current cooperation of scientists and NGO representatives to workand collaborate on future regional peace-related projects.