Third Session: Youth as Mediators and Community Peacebuilders
The third session of the 3rd Mediation Conference in Palestine examined the pivotal role of youth in advancing mediation and community peacebuilding. The session highlighted the Palestinian Network of Mediators and Community Peacebuilders, the practical experiences of participants in training activities, and the prospects of leveraging artificial intelligence to develop the skills of young mediators.
The session was moderated by Ms. Amani Aruri, Program Manager at the Representative Office of Switzerland. Panelists included:
Ms. Yasmine Alaeddin, Human Rights Activist;
Mr. Amjad Jumaa, Activist in Youth Empowerment, Peacebuilding, and Mediation;
Ms. Fathia Yasin, Educational Supervisor and Author at the Palestinian Curriculum Center.
The session examined the participants' experiences within the Palestinian Network of Mediators and Community Peacebuilders through targeted discussions focusing on:
Key features distinguishing this program from previous training experiences;
The specialized methodology of the training provided and the core competencies acquired by participants;
The direct impact of network meetings and field activities on participant perspectives regarding mediation, community dialogue, and conflict management techniques.
Furthermore, panelists discussed the active role of youth in embedding a culture of dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution within their communities, alongside the critical contribution of educators and youth activists in scaling the network's future impact across schools and local communities. This segment concluded with an inspiring message delivered by Yasmine Alaeddin, speaking as a network participant, on the vital importance of youth engagement in propagating mediation and dialogue values.
Following the panel discussion, Dr. Alaa Eddin Dweikat, Assistant Professor at An-Najah National University and Certified AI Trainer and Consultant, presented an intervention titled “Artificial Intelligence as a Personal Coach for the Young Mediator.” The presentation explored how AI tools can be integrated into the training and skill development of young mediators, utilizing emerging technology for interactive learning and professional skill building.
The session's core themes underscored the imperative of investing in youth capabilities, enhancing their leadership in spreading a culture of dialogue and mediation, and linking capacity building with digital innovation—thereby advancing peaceful dispute resolution and community peacebuilding.
This session forms an integral part of the 3rd Mediation Conference in Palestine, organized by ACT for Conflict Resolution under the theme “Mediation and Social Cohesion in Palestine: Challenges of Violence, the Role of Youth, and Horizons for Community Reform,” as part of ongoing national efforts to foster dialogue, exchange expertise, and expand the role of mediation in community peacebuilding across Palestine.
