The Professional Mediation Center (CPM) at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) marked the graduation of 66 students from its three branches in Beirut, Saida, and Tripoli. These individuals, having completed rigorous training to become professional mediators, were honored at a ceremony held in the François S. Bassil Auditorium on the Innovation and Sports Campus (CIS).

During the event, CPM Director Johanna Hawari shared a poignant experience from her recent visit to Beirut. She recounted a conversation with a woman on a plane, a resident of southern Lebanon who expressed apprehension about returning home. Hawari underscored this encounter as an illustration of the challenges faced by both students and mediators. She commended their courage in championing mediation as a method for peaceful conflict resolution.

Hawari then delved into the core concept of mediation, a process dedicated to finding solutions for conflicts, whether political, familial, commercial, social, or otherwise. Emphasizing the importance of sometimes challenging but crucial meetings, she stressed that the graduates’ mission would be to guide parties toward non-violence. She viewed each mediation as a sacred space where parties could freely express their fragility and vulnerability.

Highlighting the diverse backgrounds of the 66 graduates, including professions in education, law, engineering, health, community life, psychology, and the public sector, Hawari expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNWOMEN) for providing scholarships to support the training of some students.

Hawari highlights that the Mediator Diplomas, co-signed by CPM-USJ and the Institut de formation à la médiation et à la négociation (IFOMENE) of the Institut catholique de Paris (ICP), empower graduates to practice mediation locally and internationally. They can collaborate with CPM partners and engage with an international network of experts and professional mediators dedicated to fostering a culture of harmonious coexistence.

USJ Rector, Professor Salim Daccache SJ, extended congratulations to the students for their dedication and underscored the historical significance of mediation, tracing back to 1681 with the pioneering writings of Abraham de Wicquefort. He commended the various organizations that supported the graduates in their pursuit of learning and becoming social mediators.

Addressing the new mediators, Daccache added, “Some of you seek to enhance your intellectual and professional background, while others have chosen this specialty driven by passion and intellectual curiosity. Now, you find yourselves as ministers, if not enthusiasts, of mediation, contributing to the well-being of the community. By embracing this mission, you are undertaking a priestly role of compassion, listening, and reconciliation. You are poised to become active agents and missionaries of mediation!”

During the graduation ceremony, Laetitia Maarri, a graduate of CPM-Beirut, shared inspiring words that underscored the transformative influence of mediation. She celebrated the remarkable journey within the field of mediation, emphasizing its particular relevance amidst Lebanon’s current backdrop of political, social, and economic challenges.

Roula Abou Mahdi, a graduate of CPM-Saida, highlighted the unity of women from diverse regions, cultures, and backgrounds who converged in one place. She emphasized the breaking down of barriers, the construction of trust bridges, and the stimulation of communication processes among mediators. Abou Mahdi expressed that learning mediation has been one of the most rewarding experiences, with the hope that mediation concepts, along with peace-building and justice, will permeate a world marked by turbulence, injustice, and corruption.

Elie Wakim, a graduate of CPM-Tripoli, affirmed that the new mediators would continue to collaborate closely to advance and disseminate the understanding and culture of mediation as a potent tool for conflict resolution at all levels. He added that the initial step involved individual initiative within the group to establish an agreement with the Lions Club. This initiative aimed to promote the culture of mediation and encourage its incorporation into the club’s activities and projects within society.

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Read also: Cérémonie de remise des diplômes de la promotion 2022-2023 du CPM