Pathfinder Foundation, Columbia University: Promoting home grown harmony in diversity

Professor of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University Elazar Barkan conducted a seminar on ‘Historical Memory as a Tool for Conflict Resolution’.

This seminar, organised by Columbia University in collaboration with the Pathfinder Foundation, was held in Colombo on 22 July 2011. The participants representing Sri Lankan academics and civil society organisations were identified by the Columbia University team through their previous interactions and networks in Sri Lanka.

Professor Barkan has worked extensively on using history to create harmony in post-conflict situations in various parts of the world. In addition to his scholarly work, he has organised academics and civil society stakeholders in countries from the Balkans to Israel-Palestine, to Uganda, and Kenya, and Turkey and Armenia.

During his presentation Prof. Barkan focused on these experiences and emphasised the role history can play in instigating conflict, but also in enhancing reconciliation. The seminar aimed to engage the participants to make their own observations on underlining historical issues and identifying a few action programmes which will have long standing impact on reconciliation efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka.

This exercise is expected to lead in the long run to cultural enrichment and public education. Like in other parts of the world, its goal is to help increase empathy among different groups in society. The particular content of the programme in Sri Lanka will have to be determined by local stakeholders.

This seminar is the first in a series of discussions to be held with Sri Lankan stakeholders on the subject before identifying a few initiatives for implementation.

The Pathfinder Foundation has also collaborated with Harvard University to conduct a series titled ‘Leadership Dialogues’ on six critical economic and social issues, where Harvard academics interacted with the Sri Lankan participants via videoconference facilities. Three more dialogues are expected to commence in the fall semester of Harvard University.

In addition, the Pathfinder Foundation is currently seeking to cooperate with other leading academic institutions/think-tanks in India and China to collaborate upon actionable research and analysis.