Christine M Merkel's Page

What motivated you (or your organization) to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

the conviction that human beings are capable of overcoming violence - the legacy of my forefathers - my birthplace and its history (Germany)

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself or the work of your organization (no more than 3 paragraphs)

international executive, experienced convenor of multi-stake holder dialogues; academic background as a historian and psychologist;
twenty years of experience in the field of building democracy, human rights and conflict transformation, building communities of practice, the role of culture and cultural diversity
different professional leadership roles in transnational civil society organisations, the European Union and United Nations
motivator and experienced leader of multi-lingual international teams
fluent in English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian and German (mother tongue), basic command of Arabic

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you (or your organization) have direct and significant expertise

Europe
the Mediterranean Basin/Arab Region
South Asia
Western and Southern Africa
Latin America (Columbia, Peru, Chile)

What is your current country of residence (or location of your organization)?

Germany

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

Head of the Division for Culture and Communication, German Commission for UNESCO

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.unesco.org

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.peace-counts.org

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise (or the primary sectoral areas of your organization) ?

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Civil Society, Culture, Democratization, Diplomacy, Organizational Development

Which are your primary skills areas(or the primary skill areas of your organization)?

Advocacy, Communication, Program Design, Research

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

strategies for cultural diversity as an element for developing governance

If appropriate feel free to list several of your (or your organization's) publications

Cultural Diversity - Our Common Wealth. The Essen.2010/Bellini handbook on prospects for cultural diversity. Bonn, November 2007