Thematic Description

In times of conflict, peace and reconciliation become both urgent and elusive in shaping individuals, communities, and nations to return to stability and normality. The meaning of peace transcends mere absence of violence, for it is a holistic state where harmony, security, and respect are looked upon by all parties. However, achieving peace in conflictual times is often a complex process that requires more than a ceasefire or temporary truce; it demands deep-seated changes in attitudes, behaviors, and relationships among conflicting parties. Reconciliation, which is essential and fundamental to peace, is the process through which adversaries come to terms with past grievances and injuries. It enables them to move forward in mutual acceptance and respect for coexistence. Together, peace and reconciliation form a framework for healing and rebuilding communities marked by division, distrust, and trauma.

Peace, in its fullest sense, implies freedom from fear and the presence of justice, equality, and opportunity for all individuals within a community. True peace cannot exist without addressing the underlying causes of conflict, such as social injustice, economic disparity, political oppression, etc. This is where reconciliation becomes crucial. Reconciliation is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a transformative process that includes acknowledgment of wrongdoings, accountability, forgiveness, and sometimes reparation. The path to reconciliation requires building trust, creating shared stories, and fostering empathy.

In times of conflict, peace and reconciliation are of crucial significance as means for healing fractured societies. They are the foundation for building inclusive and resilient communities where all members feel respected, valued, and safe. Peace without reconciliation risks being superficial, potentially reigniting conflict when grievances remain unaddressed. Conversely, reconciliation without peace may falter if hostilities are ongoing. The synergy between the two allows peoples, communities, and societies to imagine a future beyond conflict and confrontation, but coexist in mutual understanding and respect. Thus, peace and reconciliation are both the means and the destination that encourage people to transform confrontation and conflict into opportunities for unity, development, and prosperity.

This conference will focus on the following issues:

-  Is it possible to promote peace and reconciliation in conflictual times?

-  What does peace and reconciliation mean in different cultures and civilizations?

- Can religious institutions help avoid conflicts and wars?

- What roles do traditional religions play in the process of building peace and achieving reconciliation?

- Is it possible to have coexistence in complex political situations?

- What does a just peace mean in Central and Eastern Europe?

- Can traumas affect peace and reconciliation?

-  What are the new socio-political and economic policies for the political transformation in Central and Eastern Europe?

Abstract
Please send an abstract (300 to 500 words) and a brief CV to Dr. Dawid Stelmach [dawid.stelmach@amu.edu.pl] and [cua-rvp@cua.edu] by March 30, 2025. Full paper will be due on May 20, 2025. Well-developed papers will be published by the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy in its publication series “Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Change.”

Logistics

There is no registration fee. Conference participants will cover the costs of their own travel. For accommodations contact the local conference organizer [dawid.stelmach@amu.edu.pl]. The conference will be conducted in English.

Contact

Dr. Dawid Stelmach

Adam Mickiewicz University

Poznan, Poland 

dawid.stelmach@amu.edu.pl