Over 80 young people from four localities learned to manage conflicts through dialogue and mediation

Participants aged 17 to 33 learned about the stages of the mediation process, as well as the role of the mediator as a facilitator of constructive dialogue. Practical exercises offered them the opportunity to reflect on how these tools can be adapted to their local contexts.

The training placed a strong emphasis on developing communication skills, including active listening, emotion labeling and message reframing, tailored to specific contexts. Through case studies, participants applied these techniques in simulated conflict situations, followed by reflection sessions and analysis of their experiences.

Participants also examined different types of conflicts, sources of power and levels of conflict escalation, as well as the impact of stereotypes and cultural differences on dialogue.

“This experience was a combination of learning and self-discovery. Practice was the key element of our experience, through the prepared case studies and mediation process simulations. We had the opportunity to organize mediation processes in which all blockages, questions and objections were discussed and clarified in real time. This helped us better understand the dynamics and logic of mediation. At the same time, we realized how important flexibility is in the role of a mediator: although there is a general framework for the mediation process, each case is unique and requires an adapted approach,” said Silvia Gherciu Cucu from Orhei, 17 years.

“The sessions were very interesting. I am very glad that I was able to participate, because I believe that social cohesion is very important for peaceful and sustainable development and that what I learned will allow me to bring positive changes to my community so that we can move forward together,” said Dorofei Topală from Basarabeasca, 18 years.

Through such training, UNDP and the Government of Switzerland contribute to building a network of young people motivated to support conflict prevention and to strengthen trust-based and cooperative relationships in their communities.

The seminars were organized within the “Enhancing social cohesion in Moldova through dialogue and community empowerment” project, funded by Switzerland and implemented by UNDP and UNFPA.