On October 21, 2024, the Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) organised an interactive seminar at the Finnish Embassy, focusing on the role of civil society in conflict resolution.
Finnish Ambassador Pirkko Hämäläinen opened the event by emphasizing the vital role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering social cohesion. She highlighted Finland’s experience in conflict resolution, specifically discussing the role of civil society in Finland with the case of the Sámi people. DPI Senior Regional Analyst Zeynep Ardıç then provided insights into the complexities of peacebuilding in Türkiye, stressing the importance of sustained dialogue, even in the absence of an active resolution process.
Participants examined key challenges such as polarization, limited public trust, and pressure on CSOs, while also acknowledging civil society’s potential to rebuild trust and contribute to peace efforts. The discussions highlighted the importance of trust-building, activism-driven approaches, and drew inspiration from women’s and environmental movements to bridge societal divides.