In partnership with BPC, GSUM announces open applications for the academic program “Conflict Transformation across Borders.”

PUC-Rio, through the Institute of International Relations and its Global South Unit for Mediation (GSUM), invites applications for the 2025 edition of the academic program “Conflict Transformation across Borders.” The course will be conducted virtually in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts-Boston, FLACSO Ecuador, the National University of Costa Rica, and the CLAEH University in Uruguay. It will take place from June 9 to 27, 2025, with synchronous classes held from June 9 to 20, and asynchronous activities from June 23 to 27.

Applications are open until May 19. More information and the registration form are available on the PUC-Rio Continuing Education website.

Led by an international team of scholars and practitioners in the field of peace and conflict studies from Ecuador, the United States, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Uruguay, the virtual course is designed to equip participants with practical tools, knowledge, and professional connections to better understand the complexities of conflict within and across border regions. It will also explore various forms of peaceful intervention and conflict transformation. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of experts and professionals working in the areas of conflict transformation, peacebuilding, refuge, and border issues.

Topics covered will include:

• Forced migration and conflicts in host communities;

• Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants;

• Mediation with criminal groups;

• The work of Colombia’s Truth Commission with the exiled Colombian population;

• Peace processes in Colombia;

• Gender, violence, and peacebuilding.

In addition, the course will feature workshops on:

• Conflict analysis;

• Negotiation;

• Mediation;

• Project proposal writing.

Applications are open until May 19!