Stepping into a conference room in Geneva, surrounded by diplomats, academics, and activists, I realized I was no longer just a student—I was a witness to global conversations shaping the future. This opportunity came as part of my role accompanying Professor John Packer, Neuberger-Jesin Professor of International Conflict Resolution and pro bono Special Advisor to Conciliation Resources (a London-based peacebuilding NGO), on a working visit to Geneva at the end of November 2024. The programme included a meeting on diversity management and minority language issues in Syria, discussions on mediating self-determination conflicts, and participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 17th session of the Forum on Minority Issues.
Addressing minority language issues in Syria
The Berghof Foundation, a Berlin-based independent non-governmental and non-profit organization dedicated to global peacebuilding since the Cold War, played a central role in one of these events. Known for its innovative approaches to conflict transformation, the Foundation organized a workshop exploring the intricate ties between linguistic and cultural diversity and the ongoing conflict in Syria. While Arabic has historically been Syria’s dominant language, linguistic minorities—including Kurdish, Armenian, Circassian, Assyrian, Syriac, Chaldean, Turkmen, and Greek communities—have traditionally maintained their linguistic and cultural practices. However, in present-day Syria, these identities have become flashpoints of tension and even violence.
The workshop focused on how these issues, embedded in Syria's complex historical and political fabric, could be managed within its current realities. Participants explored critical policy questions, such as how educational initiatives could harmonize the differing visions of the (now former) Government of Syria (GoS) and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) while working toward a unified Syrian State. The discussion also addressed whether promoting linguistic and cultural inclusion could build confidence between divided factions, particularly in the absence of formal negotiations. Drawing lessons from other contexts, the session identified principles for addressing minority issues in peace mediation, including the potential of constitutional and legal reform, formally to recognize Syria’s cultural diversity and implement, i.a., multilingual education.
Language, identity and peace mediation
Activists at the workshop underscored the profound connection between language, identity, and belonging. They argued that the denial of linguistic and cultural rights deepens societal divisions and fuels further resistance. Their demands for recognition were not symbolic but rooted in a pressing need for survival. Above all, they championed the idea of “unity through diversity,” envisioning a Syria where its cultural mosaic is embraced as a source of strength rather than discord.
As a Canadian of Kurdish origin from Iraq, attending these discussions gave me a unique vantage point. I didn’t fit neatly into any stakeholder category, which allowed me to approach the conversations with curiosity and a broader perspective. My multilingual background — spanning Kurdish, Arabic, Syriac, and English — enabled me to engage directly and to appreciate the nuances of language and identity, while my experience with multiculturalism in Canada fostered an openness to diverse perspectives. My position as an outsider to the immediate conflict gave me the freedom to listen and reflect — a luxury not so evident for those directly and profoundly affected.
Gender and perception in diplomatic spaces
Being a young woman further shaped my experience and how others perceived me in these spaces, often dominated by men in positions of power. My lack of formal authority or direct affiliation with the conflict seemed to make me a non-threatening presence, which encouraged candid conversations with participants, particularly male leaders. This dynamic gave me an unexpected advantage: I could ask questions and explore ideas in ways that might not have been possible for someone viewed as an equal or a rival in authority.
Mediating self-determination conflicts
Over the following days, I joined meetings and discussions on mediating self-determination conflicts—an initiative jointly led by Conciliation Resources (CR) and the Tokyo-based Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF). These included a meeting at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and an intergovernmental roundtable at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva hosted by Canada’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Peter MacDougall.
The initiative, spearheaded by CR with the advice of Professor Packer, addressed the persistent complexities of self-determination conflicts, which account for half of the world’s violent conflicts today. Contrary to popular belief, most groups involved in these disputes are not seeking to establish entirely independent States, but instead aspire to preserve their cultural identities, protect their economic well-being and secure their fundamental rights and freedoms. Many simply seek more effective say over their own destinies. Recognizing these core aspirations, rather than framing the issue solely as a geopolitical or territorial dispute, is key to finding mutually satisfying and sustainable solutions.
Insights from Global conflict resolution efforts
Participants in these discussions brought insights from conflicts across the globe, including Georgia/Abkhazia, Kashmir, and southern Thailand. Their shared experiences revealed that effective mediation begins with understanding and addressing the root causes of conflict, ensuring inclusive participation, and acknowledging past grievances. The initiative also focused on developing practical tools and expertise to help stakeholders navigate these challenges and identify creative pathways toward peace.
The importance of informal diplomacy
One of the most striking realizations from my time in Geneva was how diplomacy thrives not only in formal meetings but also in informal moments—coffee breaks, dinners, and hallway conversations. These unstructured interactions often allowed for candid exchanges, where trust was built, stories were shared, and common ground emerged. In these spaces, away from the constraints of protocol, I saw the human side of diplomacy—a reminder that some of the most meaningful progress happens in the margins, where connections are formed, ideas are tested and personal relations deepened.
Experiencing the UN forum on minority issues
Finally, attending the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 17th session of the Forum on Minority Issues was an unforgettable experience that brought the institution’s work to life in a way I had never imagined. Sitting in a room where global leaders, advocates, governmental and community representatives as well as independent experts engaged in pressing challenges facing minority communities, I felt the weight of the conversations unfolding around me. On behalf of the SPF, Professor Packer delivered a short statement on the right of self-determination which resonated widely. Exploring the UN from the inside was equally exhilarating—walking its halls, passing delegates from across the world, and witnessing the quiet hum of diplomacy at work was nothing short of inspiring.
Geneva: A city of global diplomacy
The city of Geneva itself added to the experience. With its proximity of United Nations buildings, political missions, international organizations, and a buzzing civil society, the city felt like the epicenter of global diplomacy. Walking its streets, I overheard conversations in countless languages and observed delegations from around the world. Even a simple stroll through Geneva revealed layers of diplomatic history. Visiting the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Museum was especially moving, offering a profound glimpse into the humanitarian legacy rooted in Geneva. The museum’s exhibits, which chronicle the global impact of conflict and the efforts to alleviate human suffering, reinforced the city's role as a hub for peacemaking and peacebuilding. Geneva’s layout seemed to mirror the interconnectedness of the challenges being addressed within its walls. It was a powerful reminder that diplomacy and peacebuilding are not abstract ideals but lived realities, unfolding in conference rooms, corridors, and the very streets of this remarkable city.
A Transformative Educational Experience
This experience profoundly deepened my education and broadened my understanding of international law, conflict resolution, and peacemaking and peacebuilding. It was more than just an academic opportunity — it was a transformative journey that allowed me to witness firsthand the complexities of international collaboration and the human impact of public policymaking. From engaging in high-level discussions to exploring the rich diplomatic history of Geneva, I gained insights that no textbook could provide. The conversations I heard, the people I met, and the lessons I learned will stay with me forever, shaping not only my academic pursuits but also my aspirations to contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of peace and justice on a global scale. I will always look back on this experience as a defining moment in my education and personal growth, one that inspires me to think bigger, listen deeper, and act with purpose.