The Case for Mediation Over War: Rethinking Conflict Resolution

In this talk, the speaker, with two decades of experience in international conflict resolution, argues that war is the ultimate human rights abuse and often exacerbates conflicts rather than resolves them. Drawing on examples such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Ukraine, the speaker stresses the need for early mediation, diplomacy, and addressing security concerns of all sides. Highlighting the importance of engaging with adversaries—such as negotiating with groups like Hamas and understanding Russia’s perspective—the speaker calls for a shift from supplying weapons to investing in mediation. They propose strengthening the UN’s role in war prevention to save lives and promote peace.