The role of mediation continues to take on greater importance in navigating the world of business and as an invaluable tool in problem solving in wider society, the 21st Anniversary International Mediation Conference at Maynooth University heard today.
Addressing attendees, Peter Cassells, Executive Director of the Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention, said: “Over the past number of decades mediation has continued to evolve as an internationally recognised discipline and Ireland has remained at the forefront of its development. Mediation now plays a crucial role in many different areas, whether it is navigating the robust world of business or solving a broad range of societal issues. It can take two years to go through the courts whereas mediation can be a month or two, and the parties are more likely to continue the relationship afterwards.”
Amongst the leading international speakers at the event are Janine Geske, Distinguished Professor of Law and former Supreme Court Judge who presents on the theme of restorative justice.
Speaking on RTE radio this week, Janine Geske said: “The victim’s family may want to know exactly what happened to their loved one and to tell the offender the effect that it had on their family. They also want to hear what the offender has been doing in prison and if they are sorry. They become humans to each other and I’ve never had a victim go through the restorative process and regret it.”
A number of international speakers will address the role of restorative justice when working with high risk young people in both the education system and justice system.
The three day conference, hosted by the Edward M Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention, was formally opened by Former Irish President and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson.
The event is being attended by leading mediation experts from Ireland and overseas, drawing upon their unique experiences of mediation in business, the community, Irish justice system and international conflict zones. The programme features a diverse range of workshops including ‘From Bullets to Books to Ballots’, ‘Building Restorative Practises within the community’, ‘Mediating on Kosovo Agreement’, and ‘Music and Mediation’.
US mediation expert Michael Lang will examine the role of mediators themselves, by analysing the competencies and qualities necessary for mediation practise, as part of his workshop ‘Creativity: The 9 Attributes of Artistry’.
The conference schedule also includes a number of ‘Ted Kennedy Talks’ designed to broaden the potential application of mediation in modern society. These ‘Ted Kennedy Talks’ include “Feedback on Mediation Initiative in Response to Traveller Conflict”, “Conflict, A Great Teacher of Fleeting Wisdoms” and “Bending the Law, Keeping the Peace.”
Jane Gunn, the UK’s leading ‘corporate peacemaker and author of ‘How to Beat Bedlam in the Boardroom and Boredom in the Bedroom’ will also make a contribution. Gunn’s workshop on ‘The Magic of Conflict and the Secrets of Collaboration’ aims to coach mediators in transforming conflict into an opportunity to create new outcomes that add value rather than creating loss.
Discussing the event, Peter Cassells said: “We are delighted to welcome such a high calibre line up of international speakers and attendees to Maynooth University.
Our experts can draw upon a wealth of mediating experiences, ranging from boardrooms to conflict zones, family justice matters, global warming experts and the prison services.”
Further Information is available at here