Community Initiatives Based on Mediation Approaches to Promote Dialogue and Social Cohesion in Palestinian Society

Project Launch Date: May 1, 2026

Project Duration: May 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027 (11 Months)

Project Description

An integrated project designed to empower trained mediators to translate their skills in mediation and peacebuilding into practical, community-driven initiatives that foster dialogue, mitigate tensions, and enhance social cohesion within local communities.

The project targets 15 Palestinian mediators who previously completed the Swiss-funded Mediation Training Program. Participants will undergo a specialized 3-day training on designing and facilitating community initiatives, followed by 10 mentorship and coaching sessions to guide them throughout the design and execution phases. The participants will implement 6 community initiatives across their local areas to promote dialogue and ease local tensions. The project will culminate in a comparative research study to document lessons learned, alongside a national workshop to share outcomes with civil society organizations and mediation practitioners.

Project Goals

Capacity Building & Action: Strengthen the capacity of trained Palestinian mediators to design and implement community-based initiatives grounded in mediation and dialogue practices.

Social Cohesion: Support the execution of local community initiatives to build trust, reduce conflict, and enhance overall social cohesion.

Knowledge Generation: Generate actionable insights and document lessons learned through a comparative research study linking the Palestinian experience with similar international community mediation frameworks.