Excursion to Cyprus (06.10.-11.10.2024)

The Master’s Program in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding at Osnabrück University organized a study trip to Cyprus from October 6 to 11, 2024. The journey provided 20 participating students with a profound look into the challenges of conflict resolution, the complexities of divided societies, and the power of peacebuilding.

The week began in Nicosia, where a visit to the National Struggle Museum set the stage with a deep dive into Cyprus's turbulent history. This early encounter with the island's past helped anchor participants in the historical realities that continue to shape modern-day divisions. Later, Prof. Dr. Yiannis Papadakis (University of Cyprus, Nicosia) led a captivating tour of Nicosia, illustrating both the visible and subtle divides woven into daily life.

The following day, the group engaged with key institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which offered insights into Cyprus-Turkey relations. A stop at the European Commission Representation provided perspectives on the EU’s role in Cyprus, adding layers to the understanding of the island’s current situation.

Midway through the trip, the focus shifted to grassroots peacebuilding. Representatives from the Cyprus Dialogue Forum and Home for Cooperation shared their inspiring work in bridging divides and fostering dialogue. The day’s highlight was a haunting visit to Varosha, the so-called “ghost town”, near Famagusta, which has remained unpopulated since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Accompanied by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen (Eastern Mediterranian University, Famagusta), we walked through the deserted streets and abandoned buildings, which served as a stark reminder of the enduring costs of conflict.

Academic exchanges were a crucial part of the experience. In Northern Nicosia, Mete Hatay (Peace Research Institute Oslo in Cyprus) introduced participants to the city’s layered history and present-day dynamics. At the University of Cyprus, Dr. Iosif Kovras (University of Cyprus, Nicosia) shared his insights on transitional justice, deepening the group’s understanding of memory and reconciliation in post-conflict contexts.

On the final day, participants met Turkish-Cypriot journalist Sevgül Uludağ, whose powerful stories of personal loss and reconciliation efforts highlighted the resolve needed to pursue peace. Her experiences left a lasting impact, bringing the week’s themes into sharp, personal focus.

This study trip offered a unique window into Cyprus’s intricate social landscape and the tireless efforts of those working toward a peaceful future. Participants returned with not only an enriched academic perspective but also a stronger understanding of the challenges of practical peacebuilding in divided societies.

International Study Trip to The Hague (11.07. - 12.07.2023)

From 11.07 to 12.07.2023, the international master's program in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding organized an international study trip to The Hague. Guided by the program's directors, Prof. Dr. Alexander De Juan and Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schneckener, a group of 22 national and international students eagerly took part in it.

The core purpose of this study trip was to provide students with tangible, real-world insights into the field of transitional justice. The planned itinerary included visits to the following institutions:

The International Criminal Court

The European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust)

The International Commission on Missing Persons

The International Center for Transitional Justice

During these visits, students engaged in multifaceted discussions regarding the perpetual and crucial theme of transitional justice, drawing upon diverse perspectives and numerous case studies.

In addition to these visits, participants had an opportunity to explore history at the National Monument Oranjehotel in The Hague. Known as the "Oranjehotel" during World War II this historical site served as Scheveningen prison where more than 25,000 individuals were held captive by the German occupiers, for interrogation and prosecution purposes.

Overall, the students thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this trip as they absorbed a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly guide their research endeavors and professional pursuits.

Workshop Nonviolent Communication - A Key to Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding (02.06.2023)

The international master's program in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding (MA CSP) organized a one-day workshop titled “Nonviolent Communication - A Key to Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding” on 02.06.2023 at Osnabrück University.

The workshop, facilitated by Dr. Daniela Pastoors, attracted 17 students of the MA CSP from diverse national backgrounds, including Armenia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkey and Ukraine.

The main aim of this workshop was to equip participants with a deep understanding of nonviolent communication techniques and their effective application in conflict transformation and peacebuilding. The workshop's objectives included:

- Understanding the principles and philosophy of nonviolent communication.

- Developing skills in active listening, empathy, and expressing needs.

- Learning effective strategies for de-escalating conflicts nonviolently.

- Exploring the role of nonviolent communication in peacebuilding processes.

- Self-reflection on personal communication styles for growth.

Overall, this workshop offered a learning experience to the MA CSP students, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of nonviolent communication principles.

Workshop Conflict-Sensitive Project Management (25.11. - 26.11.2022)

The master's program in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding (MA CSP) at Osnabrück University in a collaboration with the Academy for Conflict Transformation of Civil Peace Service e.V.  organized a two-day workshop on "Conflict-Sensitive Project Management" between November 25th and 26th, 2022. This workshop was attended by 18 students of the MA CSP and was held at the academy's premises in Königswinter, Bonn.

The workshop aimed to provide project management skills for peacebuilding and conflict transformation projects, covering key topics such as project management cycle, conflict sensitivity, "Do No Harm" approach and Outcome Mapping.

The workshop was a valuable learning opportunity for the students in the MA CSP, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their future peacebuilding and conflict transformation endeavors.

Study Trip to Berlin (06.07. - 08.07.2022)

From July 6th to July 8th, 2022, the master's program in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding (MA CSP) at Osnabrück University organized a study trip to Berlin with 16 MA CSP students. This trip was part of the lecture series "Practical Approaches to Peacebuilding and Conflict Management" which was offered during the summer term of 2022. The purpose of this trip was to give students a chance to gain practical experience and insights into the fields of conflict management and peacebuilding.

During the study trip, the group visited several prominent institutions in Berlin that focus on conflict management or peacebuiling, including but not limited to Heinrich-Boell-Foundation, Bread for the World e.V., the German Federal Parliament, and the Berlin Center for International Peace Operations.

Aside from visiting these institutions, the students also had an opportunity to have a delightful dinner at an oriental restaurant in Neukölln, offering a much-needed respite from the packed schedule and a chance for students to connect and exchange their experiences.

Workshop English Academic Writing and Presentation Skills (11.06.2022)

In a collaboration between the master's program in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding (MA CSP) and the Language Center of Osnabrück University, a one-day workshop was organized focused on English Academic Writing and Presentation Skills on June 11, 2022. The workshop was attended by 10 students of the MA CSP and aimed to provide them with a comprehensive overview of academic writing and speaking.

The workshop covered two sections: academic writing skills and presentation skills. In the writing skills section, topics such as the writing process, structure, academic language, and revision strategies were discussed. The presentation skills section focused on presenting in academic contexts, presentation structure, supporting presentations rhetorically, integrating slides, and stress and intonation in academic speaking.

The workshop was a valuable experience for the students of the MA CSP program, as it equipped them with the necessary language, writing, and presentation skills they will need in their studies.

New Master's programme officially opened at the Institute of Social Sciences (12.10.2021)

The newly established international master's program in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding at Osnabrück University was officially opened on October 12, 2021, in the Peace Hall of the City of Osnabrück.

Brigitte Neumann, representing the city of Osnabrück, and Prof. Dr. Martina Blasberg-Kuhnke, the previous Vice President for Teaching and Studies, extended a warm welcome to the new students, recognizing the importance of the program in the global context.

The master's program directors, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schneckener and Prof. Dr. Alexander De Juan, provided an overview of the coursework and highlighted its focus on important topics such as conflict resolution,  peacebuilding, political violence, and transitional justice.

The new international Master's program is expected to attract a spectrum of students from different countries and backgrounds, making it a vital hub for innovative thinking, academic excellence, and intellectual exchange.