Group Photo, IPCR 2005, Bolivia. Picture by Wendy Waters.

The 2005 Summer Institute on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution was held in Santa Cruz, Bolivia from July 16-August 5, 2005. Twenty-five students from the United States, Latin America and Europe attended the intensive three-week institute. 

The course provided a supportive learning environment that maximized interaction and skills building. In addition to the faculty-led training and guest lectures, students participated in three complex international multi-party simulations. One focused on the conflict in Colombia, led by Ms. Ana Teresa Bernal, Director of REDEPAZ. A second simulation based on Somalia was led by Mr. Alejandro Bendaña, former Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicaragua and focused on the intersection of conflict and development and the role of the international community. In addition, ACT faculty also led students in several role-plays and dialogues on community-based conflicts, public policy disputes and conflicts within Bolivia and a final simulation on Kashmir.

A core component of the course was the opportunity to conduct field research on current aspects of the conflicts in Bolivia. In four small groups, focused on land, autonomy, natural resources and political participation. The groups met with and interviewed leading civil society members, politicians, indigenous groups, business people, and students in Santa Cruz and La Paz. Each group then prepared a detailed analysis of their topic and made recommendations on possible conflict resolution processes to help improve the situation. This information has been distributed to a number of civil society leaders in Bolivia and is currently the basis of several initiatives focused on addressing the land conflicts.

In order to maximize the practical aspects of the program, ACT faculty also provided skills institutes on mediation, facilitation and negotiation techniques, communication skills, monitoring and evaluation and other topics as requested by students.  ACT also held a workshop on careers in the field of peacebuilding and conflict resolution to help students advance their professional development.

To round out the academic aspects of the course, ACT organized field trips to tour Santa Cruz, visit Inca ruins, and other natural forests. The Bolivian students organized nightly social activities from shopping and dining to listening to local bands and dancing at the hottest clubs.