Oslo Forum 20th anniversary mediation retreat puts spotlight on peacemaking amid global power competition
More than 100 prominent conflict mediators, high-level decision makers and actors in peace processes gather in Norway this week to reflect on mediation initiatives at a time of major shifts in global and regional power.
This year’s event marks the 20th anniversary of the Oslo Forum, the leading series of retreats for international mediators and peacemakers. The Forum is co-hosted by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD).
The two-day meeting offers participants a discreet, informal setting to share perspectives and assess the state of mediation and peacemaking against a backdrop of rising geopolitical competition, increasing conflict and the growing impact of climate change, social media and other factors that fuel conflicts.
“Now, 20 years on, the Oslo Forum remains as relevant as ever in times of growing uncertainty around the world,” said Anniken Huitfeldt, Norway’s Foreign Minister. “It is in our common interest to promote peaceful and stable societies and to limit the suffering caused by war.”
Among high-level participants expected to attend are Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi; Foreign Minister of Colombia, Álvaro Leyva Durán; and Karim A.A. Khan KC, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
“How to prevent, interrupt or end conflicts in a polarised world that is simultaneously under threat of climate change and riven by division is arguably the most important question of our time,” said David Harland, HD’s Executive Director.
“Mediators are at the heart of this debate and ours is the job of persevering in reaching solutions, even if others believe there is no light to be found.”
The retreat will address diplomatic developments in geopolitical hotspots and feature discussions on the war in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen and other conflict areas.
The agenda includes sessions on how to ensure the voices of all stakeholders are heard and on ways to achieve sustainable peace often based on the hard-won deals born out of military exhaustion and pragmatism.
Over the past two decades, the Oslo Forum has gone through an extraordinary journey, from a modest gathering in 2003 to a leading global retreat in Norway, complemented by regional forums.
It has served as a unique platform for constructive dialogue and the exchange of ideas among mediators and peacemakers, as well as key actors in some of the most complex and protracted conflicts around the world.
The closed-door discussions under the Chatham House Rule of non-attribution allow participants to speak openly and put forward ideas for sustainable solutions to conflicts.
Click here to read and download the full Oslo Forum 2022 report.
Click here for Seasons 1-4 of The Mediator’s Studio podcast series with prominent peacemakers.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Attendance at the Oslo Forum is by invitation only and the Chatham House Rule applies.
