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Trainings & Workshops

Over the years, I have been honored to work with people from all walks of life and from all parts of the world.  As a teacher, trainer, advisor and mentor, nothing has been more rewarding than the human connection and bond that I have been blessed to have with so many.  Here I would like to share some of the gracious comments and testimonies I received from students and colleagues.

This foundational workshop provides participants with the essentials of peace and conflict.  The workshop is designed to resonate with various audiences including international organizations, government officials, civil society organizations and communities.  The workshop develops concise understanding of the components that make up conflicts, including the dynamics influenced by conflict’s context and relationship.  Participants learn specific tools for conflict analysis, and in the process examine their own tendencies and patterns of conflict behavior.  This is where the workshop receives unequivocal appreciation for its transformative effect.  Finally, the workshop delves into the various approaches to peaceful interventions, including cultural relevance, conflict sensitivity and ethical considerations.   The workshop is notorious for its interactive, participatory and inclusive techniques and activities.

Below is a list of some of the workshops conducted by the In peace, Amr team over the past few years:

  • Training of Trainer Workshop on teaching Peace and Conflict Studies for Iraqi University Professors. Amal Association and DanMission.  February 2020. Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq.
  • Training Workshops on Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Ethiopian Government Officials. The World Bank and Global Learning and Research Center (GLRC). December 2019- February 2020.  Dubai, UAE.
  • Training Workshops on Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Civil Society and Community Members. The One Light Institute.   July and November 2019.  Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Training Workshops on Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Civil Society and Community Members. Masriyati Association.   October 2019.  Cairo, Egypt.
  • Training of Trainer Workshop on teaching Peace and Conflict Studies for Iraqi University Professors. Amal Association and DanMission.  October 2018. Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq.
  • Conflict Analysis and Resolution training, and course directorship of a two-week course titled: “Preparing for the Rehabilitation Effort in Afghanistan,” designed for senior and middle level rehabilitation and capacity building professionals preparing to work in Afghanistan. Program on Peacekeeping Policy.  George Mason University.  May-June 2002; and February 2003.  Arlington, Virginia.
  • Conflict Analysis and Resolution training for senior and middle level rehabilitation and capacity building professionals preparing to work in Afghanistan, as part of a two-week course titled: “Preparing for the Rehabilitation Effort in Afghanistan.” The International Training Programme for Conflict Management.  Scoula Superiore Sant’Anna. March 2002.  Pisa, Italy.
  • Conflict Analysis and Resolution training for members of the Caux Scholars Program (part of the Moral Re-Armament [MRA] project). July 2001. Caux, Switzerland.
  • Conflict Analysis and Resolution skills training for Greek and Turkish Cypriot women. George Washington University.  June-July 2000.  Washington, D.C.

Tailored to the needs of different communities and organizations, this workshop provides concrete skills, supported by foundational knowledge, on examining negative emotions, attitudes and behavior during conflicts, and the benefit to self and others from resorting to non-violent and peaceful behaviors, including communication.  The workshop then provides culturally sensitive processes and techniques for effective facilitation, negotiations and mediation in different settings. Consistent with In Peace, Amr’s values and principles, this workshop is conducted in the most interactive and participatory manner, with skillfully-crafted roleplays and simulation that reflect real-life situations relevant to each workshop audience.

Below is a list of some of the workshops conducted by the In peace, Amr team over the past few years:

  • Training Workshop on Mediation for Civil Society and Community Members. Masriyati Association.   March 2020.  Cairo, Egypt.
  • Training of Trainer Workshop on teaching Peace and Conflict Studies for Iraqi University Professors. Amal Association and DanMission.  February 2020. Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq.
  • Training Workshops on Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Ethiopian Government Officials. The World Bank and Global Learning and Research Center (GLRC). December 2019- February 2020.  Dubai, UAE.
  • Training Workshops on Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Civil Society and Community Members. The One Light Institute.   July and November 2019.  Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Training Workshops on Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Civil Society and Community Members. Masriyati Association.   October 2019.  Cairo, Egypt.
  • Training of Trainer Workshop on teaching Peace and Conflict Studies for Iraqi University Professors. Amal Association and DanMission.  October 2018. Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq.

This unique workshop builds on the cumulative knowledge and experiences of the In Peace, Amr team and the invaluable contribution of former associates over the past 25 years.   Based in the teaching and training manual Say Peace: Islamic Perspectives on Peace and Conflict Resolution, the workshop provides participants with universal and foundational understanding of conflict and peace dynamics using materials from the flagship manual C.R. SIPPABIO.  At the same time, the workshop materials introduce participants to insights based in Islamic sources of knowledge, using social sciences methodologies of interpretation.  Such approach places this workshop within the humanities field and a such allows for equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills for addressing conflicts peacefully and consistently with their Islamic values and morals.

Below is a list of some of the workshops conducted by the In peace, Amr team over the past few years, followed by pictures and videos from the workshops:

  • Training on Conflict Resolution and Mediation for Muslim Communities in Europe. KARAMAH-Europe (Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights).  November 2019. Brussels. Belgium. 
  • Training Workshop on Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Muslim women community leaders. KARAMAH (Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights).  2006- Present.  Washington, D.C. 
  • Training Workshop on Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Muslim women community leaders. KARAMAH (Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights) and the Texas Muslim Women Foundation.  March 2019.  Texas. USA.
  • Training Workshop on Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Muslim women community leaders. KARAMAH (Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights) and the US Embassy in Manila.  March 2018.  Manila, The Philippines.
  • Training Workshop on Conflict Resolution in the Islamic Context. IKRAM Association.  March and August 2015, and August 2016.  Washington, D.C. USA.
  • Training Workshops on Islamic Perspectives on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution. Maldivian Democracy Network.  February 2016 and March 2017.  Male, The Maldives.
  • Training on Conflict Resolution and Mediation for Muslim Communities in Europe. KARAMAH-Europe (Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights).  October 2015. Brussels. Belgium. 
  • Training Workshops on Peace Skills, Civic Education and Active Learning to Religious and Community Leaders of the Peacebuilding Network, Imams and Quranic School Teachers as Part of the Peace through Development (PDEV) Project of USAID, IRD and SALAM Institute. September 2013-June 2014.  N’djamena, Chad; Niamey, Niger.
  • Training Workshops on Interfaith and Peace Skills for Imams and Priests in Sarh, Chad. SALAM Institute for Peace and Justice.  September 2013.  Sarh, Chad.
  • Conflict Analysis and Resolution training for community leaders and Muslim Imams. SALAM Institute for Peace and Justice.  April 2006 and May 2007.  Washington, D.C. 
  • Conflict Analysis and Resolution training for leaders and members of the Muslim community participating in the Peaceful Family Project addressing domestic violence issues. February 2001.  Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C.
  • Conflict Analysis and Resolution training workshop at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). October 2000.  Plainfield, Indiana; and March 2002.  Chicago, Illinois.
  • Conflict Analysis and Resolution training workshop for the Muslim Prison Chaplin Association. Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences.  May 2000.  Leesburg, Virginia.

The focus of these workshops is on research methods. This focus is considered in connection with three themes: 1) peacebuilding, conflict analysis and resolution, 2) gender issues, and 3) cultural considerations.  The workshops incorporate these three themes throughout their lesson plans and applied assignments by addressing qualitative, action and participatory research issues from a gender perspective, while critically using traditional research perspectives. 

Such an approach corresponds to the unique principles of conducting research in the areas of peacebuilding, conflict analysis and resolution- namely, the principles of inclusiveness, participation, and contextual analysis.  In addition, this gender-based approach to research methods establishes a foundation for reviewing cultural issues that are often fundamental to peacebuilding, conflict analysis and resolution.  Practical experience and examples are utilized extensively to illustrate theoretical concepts.

The workshops are designed for working professionals and for students at Masters or doctoral programs.  Students and participants completing these workshops will be able to:

  1. Design sound research projects relevant to the fields of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
  2. Incorporate qualitative and basic quantitative research methods.
  3. Demonstrate appreciation to, and consideration of, gender and cultural issues in their research design.
  4. Emphasize the use of participatory research approaches as crucial to the integrity of research in the areas of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
  5. Implement research designs with high ethical, professional, and compassionate standards.
  6. Conduct both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  7. Write clear and concise research reports.

Below is a list of workshops conducted in the last ten years:

  • Research Design Workshop on African-European Migration (African Voices from the Ground).  Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Addis Ababa University. March-November 2017. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Training Workshop on Research in Peace and Conflict for African Ph.D. Candidates.   The African Peacebuilders Network (APN) and the Social Science Research Council (SRC).  Fall 2012.  Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Graduate Course on Research Methods for Candidates of the Doctoral Program in Peace and Security.  University of Addis Ababa.  January 2011-October 2016.  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Training Workshop on Qualitative Research in Peace and Conflict for African Ph.D. candidates.   The Canadian International Development Research Center (IDRC) and UPEACE.  May 2011.  Addis Ababa.  Ethiopia.

This course addresses the dynamic relationship and entanglements between the state, government, political authority, and religion-based political agents. The Focus is on the changing nature of political religions and religious politics; and the role of religions and religion-based political actors in democratization and democracies.

The course aims to develop knowledge of the religious, social, cultural and political roots of terrorism in the Muslim context, providing balanced frameworks that may lead to peaceful transformation.

The course does not start with a simplistic assumption that “religion has been the cause of all conflicts”.  Instead, the course studies critically the role of religion (along with other factors, such as nationalism, ethnicity, race, class, gender, among others) in contributing to conflict causes, influencing its persisting negative and destructive dynamics,  and in peacefully resolving and transforming conflicts.  

The course will be studied from the vantage point of the field of peace and conflict studies, using frameworks and models intended to deeply analyze several case studies from different parts of the world.  The course materials and activities will culminate in an exploration of methods and processes that would advance the positive peaceful role of religion and religious institutions in various types and levels of conflicts, and which are suitable for the realities of the 21st century.

Expected outcomes of this course are:

  • To develop a holistic understanding of the dynamics of religious violent extremism
  • To develop a strong understanding of the history, dynamics and motivations of violent extremism in the name of Islam
  • To gain insights into models of religious violent extremism prevalent in students’ context
  • To develop a strong foundation for understanding and programming de-radicalization and religious violent extremism projects and programs, leading to transformation.

The following is a list of some of the courses offered on the topic:

  • Graduate Course on Religious Violent Extremism and Terrorism.  Ateneo de Manila University and University for Peace Dual Masters Programme.  August 2019. Manila, Philippines.
  • Graduate Course on Religious Dimensions in Peace and Conflict.  Wesley Theological Seminary.  2015- 2019.  Washington, D.C.
  • Graduate Course (online) on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization: Best Practices and Lessons from the World. Wesley Theological Seminary. 2016- 2018. Washington, D.C.
  • Graduate Course on Religious Violent Extremism and Terrorism.  University for Peace.  May 2017. San Jose, Costa Rica.
  • Graduate Course on Religious Violent Extremism and Terrorism.  Ateneo de Manila University and University for Peace Dual Masters Programme.  July 2016. Manila, Philippines.
  • Graduate Course on Religious Violent Extremism and Terrorism.  Institute for Peace and Security Studies Ph.D. Programme.  June 2016.  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Undergraduate Course on Terrorism in the Muslim Context: Causes, Developments and Prospects for Peaceful Transformation.  University of Winnipeg. May 2010; June 2012.  Winnipeg.  Canada.
  • Graduate Course on Religious Violent Extremism and Terrorism.  University for Peace.  2004-2013. San Jose, Costa Rica.
  • Graduate Course on Religious Violent Extremism and Terrorism.  School of Public Policy, George Mason University.  Summer 2004. Arlington, VA, USA