The Summer Institute is a unique training program designed to give foreign aid workers, government officials, and conflict resolution practitioners practical skills to complement their daily work in conflict affected areas. Participants will explore innovative methods of promoting cultural diversity with respect to public policy, community and religion, war and post-conflict environments, while expanding their knowledge and skills in a participatory and interactive learning environment. Participants in the Institute will be exposed to leading national and international professionals in the fields of public policy, conflict resolution and development.

These experienced trainers will guide participants through three separate but complementary week-long sessions which explore the relationship of religion, culture, human rights, arts and gender in peacebuilding and development work. The Peacebuilding and Development Summer Institute is one of the first academic programs specifically organized to bridge the two issues ofpeacebuilding and development.