Episode 7

The power of culture in peacebuilding

Published on: 30th July, 2024

The conversation explores the role of culture in peacebuilding and the need to challenge narratives of conflict and division. The guests discuss their experiences in conflict-affected regions and the importance of empathy, healing, and resilience in creating cultures of peace. They highlight the need for education systems to promote peace and inclusion, and the importance of dismantling oppressive narratives and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities. The conversation concludes with a call to action to reform education, support cultural workers, and create spaces for dialogue and understanding.

Takeaways

  • Culture plays a crucial role in peacebuilding and can challenge narratives of conflict and division.
  • Empathy, healing, and resilience are essential in creating cultures of peace.
  • Education systems should promote peace, inclusion, and critical thinking to challenge oppressive narratives.
  • It is important to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and provide spaces for dialogue and understanding.
  • Dismantling oppressive narratives and supporting cultural workers are key steps in creating a more peaceful world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

08:17 The impact of conflict on culture

11:31 Witnessing violence and building peace

16:39 Challenging conflict-based worldviews

20:59 Weaponisation of culture and fighting back

24:47 Erasure of culture and missing voices

27:14 Measuring success in peacebuilding

31:28 Creating cultures of empathy and Ubuntu

36:39 Reforming education for peace and inclusion

38:55 Dismantling oppressive narratives

41:43 Amplifying marginalised voices

44:32 Supporting cultural workers

45:27 Conclusion

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About the Podcast

So, now what?
So, now what? Gates Cambridge
Fed up with bad news story after bad news story? So, now what? is the podcast from Gates Cambridge, a cutting-edge scholarship programme for international postgraduates at the University of Cambridge. The podcast is for anyone looking for ideas, vision and optimism about how we can practically tackle some of the world's most complex and challenging problems. Scholars from a range of different backgrounds and disciplines will share the actions they are taking to change the world for the better.

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