The Fourth National Dialogue Conference of its kind, previously organised in 2014, 2015 and 2017, will once again bring together international practitioners, stakeholders and experts working with dialogue processes in different contexts.
Taking place on 11—12 June at the historic House of Estates in Helsinki, the Conference takes forward the discussions of past events through a range of thematic and practice-oriented sessions, while recognising also the value of networking among colleagues in the field.
This year’s themes focus on understanding the ecosystems of national dialogues and on exploring what support technology can bring to respond to the complex processes of national dialogues. These core topics will be explored through several geographic focus areas as well as in relation to other recurring themes.
More information on the conference can be found from resources.
The Conference is by invitation only.
8:30–9:00 Registration
9:00–09:40 Opening and welcoming remarks
09:45–10:45 High-level discussion: Resolving conflicts in a complex world
10:45–11:15 Coffee break
11:15–12:45 PLENARY 1: ADDRESSING COMPLEXITY IN NATIONAL DIALOGUE PROCESSES
11:15–11:35 Keynote speech
11:40–12:45 Moderated panel discussion
12:45–13:45 Lunch
13:45–15:30 Parallel thematic sessions 1
a) Where is gender in dialogue facilitation?
b) National dialogue – A role in bridging Libya’s complex transition?
c) National dialogues in Kenya as a contribution to violence prevention and sustaining peace
15:30–16:00 Coffee break
16:00–17:45 Parallel thematic sessions 2
a) What should a truth and reconciliation commission in Somalia look like?
b) Land rights in peace negotiations: The key to sustainable peace and natural resources management
c) Inside or outside of the room —and does it matter? Re-thinking strategies and spaces for youth to mobilise for peace
8:30–8:40 Opening of the second day
8:40–9:30 PLENARY 2: PEACETECH – DOES IT LIVE UP TO THE HYPE?
08:40–09:00 High-level keynote speech
9:00—10:15 Moderated panel discussion
10:15–10:45 Coffee break
10:45–12:30 Parallel thematic sessions 3
a) Reconciliation, psychosocial support and dialogue
b) National dialogue limits in the age of digital media
c) The challenge of addressing diverse demands for autonomy and self-governance in federalism negotiations
12:30–13:45 Lunch
13:45–15:30 Parallel thematic sessions 4
a) The role of regional organisations in fostering inclusive, cross-border dialogue – The case of the Lake Chad Basin
b) Peacetech in practice: How digital tools support the work of peace actors
c) The Yemeni NDC: Moving forward after four years of conflict and regional involvement
15:30–16:00 Coffee break
16:00–17:00 Closing discussion: Reflections from the conference
17:00–17:15 Closing remarks
A range of thematic and case-based background documents are produced for each National Dialogue Conference. This material serves each particular conference, but also provides to wider learning and knowledge production around the theme.
The Conference will be held within walking distance of the city centre and we can recommend a variety of options suitable for participants:
Hotel Scandic Grand Marina Katajanokanlaituri 7, 00160 Helsinki
Hotel Haven Unioninkatu 17, 00130 Helsinki
Hotelli Seurahuone Kaivokatu 12, 00100 Helsinki
Hotel Kämp Pohjoisesplanadi 29, 00100 Helsinki
Hotelli Cumulus City Kaisaniemi Kaisaniemenkatu 7, 00100 Helsinki
Hotel Fabian Fabianinkatu 7, 00130 Helsinki
Hotel Lilla Roberts Pieni Roobertinkatu 1-3, 00130 Helsinki
Sokos Hotel Helsinki Kluuvikatu 8, 00100 Helsinki
Helsinki International Airport is located 19 km north of the city centre. There is a convenient public train link as well as a bus connection running continuously from the airport to the city centre. A taxi to the city centre costs approximately 40-50 euros. Duration of travel with all aforementioned options varies between 25-30 minutes to central Helsinki.
Tickets for public transport, including trams, buses and the metro, can be purchased at ticket machines, or the driver (buses and trams only). Day tickets are available for unlimited use on public transportation for 1–7 days. They can be purchased at ticket machines, from the Tourist Information office or at the Helsinki City Transport service point at the Central Railway Station. Tram number 2 is regarded as the sightseeing tram in Helsinki, a way to travel around among the locals.
The centre of Helsinki is easily accessible by foot. Taxi stands are conveniently located throughout the centre and can be ordered either by your hotel lobby or directly by calling for example the following numbers (charges apply):
Taksi Helsinki – Tel. +358 (0)100 0700
Lähitaksi – Tel. +358 (0)100 7300
Kovanen – Tel. +358 (0) 200 6060
If you need a Schengen visa to enter European Union and Finland, please contact the Conference secretariat at johanna.korhonen@felm.org as soon as possible. The secretariat provides you with an invitation letter that should be presented in the application process.
For international travel insurance, please contact the Conference secretariat at johanna.korhonen@felm.org as soon as possible.
Helsinki is located in GMT+2.
The average daily temperature in the beginning of June stays around 14°C. Warmer days will see a beautiful 19°C high while nights can cool down to about 9°C as the lower. There is typically rain on 17 days throughout the month and therefore it is advisable to come prepared for some rain as well as cool temperatures.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute’s online weather forecasts for Helsinki can be found here:
http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/helsinki
Finland is part of the Eurozone. Restaurants and shops accept major credit cards.
Wireless internet access is available at the Conference venue – The House of the Estates – and the password will be displayed on-site. Helsinki hotels generally provide Wi-Fi to guests.
Electricity is supplied in Finland at the European norms of 230V (with a frequency of 50 Hertz). As in most European countries (except the UK), electrical plugs in Finland need two round pins. They can be the ungrounded Europlug Type C or the grounded Schukoplug Type E/F.
The emergency number is 112. This number can be reached on all phones, foreign and national.