On March 2nd, NATO the Security & Defence Agenda and the British Council welcomed over 250 participants to the international conference “Conflict Prevention and Resolution: the Role of Cultural Relations”.
This event brought together speakers from NATO, the EU, the British Council, and a variety of cultural organisations to discuss the pertinence of cultural awareness in conflict resolution.
Case studies from Afghanistan, Africa and the Balkans were brought before the Brussels strategic community, ranging from sport and photography to literature and the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions. Panellists discussed the perspective of integrating culture in NATO’s new Strategic Concept, as well as the need for better cultural training, new ways of dealing with local populations, and determining clear goals in how to integrate the cultural element in interventions in conflict zones.
More information on this event.