Mediation is an essential tool in creating a culture of peace. It helps people face even the most difficult of circumstances and bridge human differences. The skills of mediation can apply to conflicts in the workplace, community and between nations. The process brings people together in the presence of a skilled and impartial mediator to increase understanding and work out mutually satisfying solutions. In the safe environment of mediation, each person's voice is heard, their perspectives and concerns respected, and their options clarified.
More is accomplished than just the immediate solution to a problem. Barriers that result from misunderstanding and stereotypes come down. New ways of working together are discovered. Because mediation encourages self-respect and self-reliance and helps people develop empathy and compassion for the situation and problems of others, it has the potential for transforming both the participants and the communities they return to.
With training, many people can become effective mediators and make an important contribution toward creating peaceful communities. Training provides them with an understanding of the concepts of mediation and the vital role of a mediator in action, as well as a step-by-step approach to the process and strategies that are part of the art of mediation.