Scenario-Based Dialogue in Action: PeaceGame Play Session by LUGARIT

12 September 2024

On September 12, 2024, LUGARIT had the privilege of facilitating a play session of its new product, The PeaceGame, at the invitation of Hamad Bin Khalifa University's (HBKU) College of Public Policy. This session was part of the Executive Program in Development Policies and Practices – Conflict and Fragility Management (DPP-CFM), a new program aimed at enhancing participants' understanding of global conflict management, with a particular focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf regions. The program is a collaborative effort between HBKU and the Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland, with support from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).

The PeaceGame: A New Digital Facilitation Tool

The PeaceGame, a facilitation methodology for scenario-based dialogue, was recently launched by LUGARIT in beta form with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. Designed for use by researchers, policymakers, activists, and engaged citizens, it provides a platform for creating, sharing, and debating strategies for conflict resolution and development. The play session at HBKU offered participants an opportunity to engage with the platform and apply its tools to the real-world complexities of conflict.

Learning Through Play: Understanding the Syrian Civil War

The session, facilitated by LUGARIT’s Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj, Jadd Hallaj, and Obidah Alsayed Ali, brought together 15 mid-career professionals from various sectors, including development, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding. Divided into two groups, participants explored a scenario set in rural Damascus during the ongoing Syrian civil war. The session focused on four neighboring villages, each with unique challenges related to resource sharing, security, and political representation.

Through role-play, participants engaged in negotiations between local leaders, grappling with the intricate dynamics of power, trust, and survival in conflict environments. They were tasked with finding consensus on issues such as refugee returns, resource allocation, and political power-sharing.

Key Learning Objectives

The PeaceGame session provided participants with hands-on experience in using scenario-based dialogue to navigate the complexities of peacebuilding. Learning objectives included:

• Developing negotiation skills in complex environments.

• Gaining practical insights into the consequences of different strategies in conflict resolution.

• Enhancing understanding of how online platforms and participatory methodologies can aid in conflict management and community engagement.

• Identifying areas of potential agreement and disagreement in negotiations.

Feedback and Reflections

Feedback from participants indicated that the session was effective in demonstrating the real-life challenges of negotiation in conflict settings. The scenario helped participants see firsthand the intricacies involved in peacebuilding, making theoretical concepts more tangible. The session, which concluded a five-week module on conflict and fragility management, was praised for its smooth structure and clear emphasis on key takeaways.

For LUGARIT, the play session at HBKU was a valuable opportunity to test and further develop The PeaceGame. As LUGARIT continues to refine the product, it aims to expand its availability, helping more stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue for peacebuilding.

A Platform for the Future of Peacebuilding

The success of this session highlights the potential of The PeaceGame as a tool for learning and strategy-making in conflict resolution. As LUGARIT moves forward with its mission to promote peacebuilding, The PeaceGame can become a part of its toolkit, offering new ways to engage with some of the world's most pressing challenges.

To learn more about The PeaceGame, visit ThePeaceGame.com

Header Photo

Snapshot from the PeaceGame play session titled "Tradition at a Crossroads: Post-war development of villages in the suburbs of Damascus".  12 September 2024.  Photo © LUGARIT.

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