It might be structured or unstructured, facilitated by a third party, or non-facilitated. Dialogue is a fundamental component in the process of peacebuilding. Peacebuilding means creating a human infrastructure for relationships that are harmonious, synergistic, cooperative, respectful, and mutually beneficial. When people are divided by their differences, the patterns of relating tend to reinforce separation, fragmentation, and divisiveness. In situations of severe conflict, the lack of communication breeds mistrust, distorted views, cycles of hurt and revenge, blame, and anger.
Dialogue is a way of creating bridges across the chasms of our differences.
It generates pathways for developing trust, changing old habits of thought and action, and trying new behaviors. At IMTD we seek mobilize and engage communities affected by violent conflict, locally and internationally, to enter into the process of dialogue, and begin building the necessary bridges. Over the years we have convened numerous meetings of dialogue groups, representative of many of the large conflicts that exist within our international system. Create Safe Space. Only when people feel safe will be they be willing to go beyond debate to true dialogue, which involves touching many layers of wisdom and meaning.