Rethinking Conflict

Our Emerging Leaders had a fantastic opportunity on Friday night to learn from Sarah Black.

Sarah is a Scotland-based global communications consultant, trainer, podcaster, and the founder of Athrú Communications.

She specialises in utilising Cultural Intelligence (CQ) frameworks to help leaders and teams bridge cultural differences and connect effectively.

Thank you, Sarah for and very enlightening and engaging session. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Gary gladly connected with the Atlanta Institute for Diplomatic Leadership to present his annual lecture online.

https://www.facebook.com/share/14eSgdkwtmy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We are proud to announce the 11th annual Summer Diplomacy and Leadership Institute will be June 1 - 12, 2026. This program is free to current high school Sophomores and Juniors (classes of 2027 & 2028) who are selected to participate. Students who are interested in international issues and a possible career in diplomacy are encouraged to apply. More information can be obtained and applications requested on the AIDL website at:
www.diplomaticleadership.org

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting a group of inspiring young leaders, dedicated staff, and donors from The Carter Center.

This remarkable group is deeply passionate about social justice and driven to create meaningful global change.

Throughout the week, their warmth, creativity, and energy were truly inspiring. They consistently sought out diverse perspectives, engaging deeply during challenging sessions with survivors, ex-combatants, legal experts, journalists and politicians.

We hope this past week was both meaningful and impactful for you all, offering new perspectives to take home.

It was an absolute pleasure hosting you, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

This needs no intellectual comment apart from wow!

Noah Eckstein Delivers the Senior English Address | Harvard Commencement 2026 Graduate Noah Eckstein delivers the Senior English Address, “The Pu...

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/what-can-northern-ireland-teach-us-about-ugcPost-7467570348943806464-OEY0?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAAURLtIBlUtiDuYM_J5ufK4D3dXivVA7OIY&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=whatsapp

What can Northern Ireland teach us about healing a divided America? Rethinking Conflict and The Carter Center took U.S. faith and civic leaders to Belfast to find out. | The Carter Center What can Northern Ireland teach us about healing a divided America? Rethinking Conflict and The Carter Center took U.S. faith and civic leaders to Belfast to find out.

Last night, we welcomed representatives from the Atlanta-based Carter Center to begin a six-day deep dive into political and religious healing within a contested society.

We kicked off the programme with two highly respected figures: Alban McGuinness, SDLP and the first Catholic Lord Mayor of Belfast, and renowned journalist Alex Kane, former Director of Communications for the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)

It was wonderful to hear them share their personal histories, distinct political narratives, and reflections on life both leading up to and following the Good Friday Agreement.

Thank you to both speakers for an incredibly informative evening that earned high praise from everyone in our group.

Special shout out to Ben  who celebrated his birthday yesterday with the famous Colin the caterpillar cake!

On Saturday, Rethinking Conflict travelled to Dublin for an evening reception with supporters of the Carter Center and members of the international community.

Gary joined a panel discussion featuring leadership from the Center's Peace Programs:

Vice President for Peace Programs Barbara Smith,
Senior Conflict Resolution Advisor Tom Crick, Senior Conflict Resolution Associate Dana Smiley.

The wonderful event offered a deep dive into the Center’s core values and past initiatives, including historical insights and lessons learned from Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.

My colleague and friend Dr. David Gallagher has just published a highly insightful book exploring the Irish Methodist Church's role in peacebuilding during the Northern Ireland conflict.

Having worked with David over the years on various conflict transformation and peacemaking initiatives, I highly recommend this. It beautifully captures the diverse tapestry of individuals within Irish Methodism who contributed to the historic Good Friday Agreement.

It is absolutely well worth a read!

Lovely to see you in Belfast Owen!

#northernireland #goodfridayagreement #middleeast #phoenixgeneration | Owen Kirby With conflicts around the globe surging to their highest level since WWII, Northern Ireland offers the rare example of how seemingly intractable violence can be transformed into sustained peace, however imperfect. For students from Egypt's BUC Centre for Global Affairs and the University of Central....

It has been a highly productive week for our organisation!

Our team engaged in strategic conversations spanning Jerusalem, the Carter Centre in Atlanta, Washington DC, and New York City.

We also expanded our educational outreach by delivering two lectures—one to a Wisconsin university and another to a delegation of clergy in the Carolinas.

We also have a cohort of young leaders visiting us from Atlanta on Sunday!

Stay tuned more to come!