Conflict Prevention and Resoution - the Role for Cultural Relations

This event, organised by the British Council in Brussels with partners NATO and the SDA on the role of cultural relations in conflict prevention and resolution drew a large and expectant crowd. The conference demonstrated how “cultural” projects on the ground were improving dialogue, and hence playing a part in both preventing conflict and healing post-conflict wounds. Initiatives in the spotlight were those attempting to re-establish forgotten traditions and preserve cultural heritage, while others focused on the arts as a way of bringing cultures together. Perhaps British Council Chief Executive Martin Davidson best summed up the British Council’s position when he said that the aim of improving cultural relations was to build trust and engagement through the exchange of ideas.