The 16th edition of the Oslo Forum, held on 19-20 June 2018, has once again positioned itself as a pivotal gathering in the field of conflict mediation. Co-hosted by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this year's forum was attended by over 100 eminent peacemakers, decision-makers, conflict actors, and academics from 47 different nationalities.  Our expert, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj, was among the participants invited to join this year’s event.  

Under the theme 'The End of the Big Peace? Opportunities for mediation,' the event provided a platform for critical reflections on the increasingly atomised and internationalised nature of conflicts in places such as Libya, Syria and Yemen.  Participants discussed the trend away from the comprehensive peace and power-sharing agreements of the 1990s, and what opportunities and challenges this poses to peacemakers. 

This theme resonated throughout the two days of intensive discussions, with participants emphasising the urgent need to link mediation tracks through more effective co-ordination. Track 1.5, 2 and 3 are more important than ever because formal mechanisms are struggling to produce results. Creating co-ordinated synergies between peace process actors might well be the most appropriate response to today’s fragmented conflicts.

The Oslo Forum covered a wide range of topics, including how local agreements can effectively help promote nationwide stability; creative entry points into stalled processes; prospects for peace on the Korean Peninsula; tensions in the Red Sea region; as well as the peace processes in Syria, Libya, South Sudan and Yemen.

Participants at the forum engaged in stimulating, closed-door discussions, adhering to the Chatham House Rule to ensure open and candid dialogue. The sessions, known for their informal and discreet nature, allowed for an uninhibited exchange of experiences and strategies among those actively involved in conflict resolution.

As the forum concluded, it was evident that despite the growing complexity and proxy nature of modern conflicts, mediators have various strategies at their disposal. From exploring creative entry points to forging local agreements, the path to sustainable peace, albeit challenging, is enriched with possibilities, as demonstrated in the 2018 Oslo Forum.

To learn more about this event, please review the Meeting Report at HD’s website >

To view images of the event, please visit the photo gallery on Flickr >