Mediation as a way to solve intercultural conflicts

The growing globalization and internationalization causes many conflicts in our societies. One possible way for solving these conflicts and for improving intercultural communication is the use of mediation. The basic idea is that a neutral third party communicates between two or more disputing parties and in that way supports the development of mutual agreement.

EEE-YFU thinks that methods of intercultural communication should be used in our society to improve mutual understanding and minimize conflicts, especially since intercultural communication, tolerance and peaceful settlement of conflicts are of growing importance in the global society we live in today.

In September 2004, EEE-YFU organized an IRS seminar to bring together young Europeans from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to discuss the possibilities of using mediation in their youth work as a possible tool for solving intercultural conflicts. The seminar took place on the Polish/German border (Slubice and Frankfurt/Oder) on September 27 until October 3. More information about the IRS seminar can be found under the topic "Activities" on this website.

The project was continued during the YES 2005 that took place from June 30th to July 4th 2005 in Germany. There, about 320 young Europeans had the chance to discuss the topic of mediation. More information about the YES seminar can be found under the topic "Activities" on this website.