English - Global Balance

30. Act2 – The role of cultural relations Switzerland
In addressing conflict: Re-establishing normality
Conference at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, Geneva
20 September 2010
A new, exciting programme of activity in 2010. Working with British Council Sri Lanka, the Pan
Intercultural Arts and UN institutions in Geneva, we highlight how cultural relations makes a
difference in conflict prevention and reconciliation.
Act2
The British Council Switzerland identified 12 young people aged 18-25 from post-conflict
regions around the world, who travelled to Switzerland in September 2010. They trained for a
week with Pan Intercultural Arts, Emmanuel Jal and Shakthi. They learned how to use
performance techniques to address conflict and are able to use what they have learned after
having returned to their own country.
On 20 September, there was a one day conference at the ICRC Museum in Geneva called
"ACT 2: The Role of Cultural Relations in Addressing Conflict: Re-establishing Normality." We
had some great speakers lined up and were showcasing examples of how cultural relations can
be used as a tool in conflict prevention and reconciliation.
On 21 September, there was an evening at the Grütli Arts Centre in Geneva with Shakthi,
Emmanuel Jal and the young people from post-conflict countries.
Emma Thompson and Emmanuel Jal are co-patrons of Act2.
Rose Bruford College worked with us to document this programme as part of a research
project.
For more information: www.britishcouncil.org/switzerland
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