Probably one of the professional activities we enjoy most is providing mediation training and helping to host mediation tournaments through INADR. Having the opportunity to see young leaders learn more about mediation and then practice these skills in a tournament setting is humbling and energizing.

What we have learned over the years is that is only one part of what we enjoy. Equally rewarding is seeing individuals from different countries, cultures, religions, and backgrounds work together, learn together, spend time together late at night, and develop life-long friendships. Our recent trip to Kiev, Ukraine validated that experience. We worked with university students from seven countries: India, Singapore, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Turkey, and the United States. The artificial boundaries that could have separated these individuals vanished in only a few days. At the end, the students developed connections that continue to flourish across social media.

In the journey to becoming a peacemaker, certainly the communication and mediation skills, the ability to see ourselves in context, and the ability to self-reflect are important, However, without the ability to be open to connecting with others, especially those who come from different worldviews, we are limited. We may get through the process of mediating differences, but we will never be skilled peacemakers.

To the students in Kiev and the amazing organizers of Mediate 18, congratulations! We were humbled to be a part of connecting and learning together.