In an era where sustainable development and global goals dominate international discourse, stories of collaboration and shared knowledge highlight the pathways to a more equitable and harmonious future. Recently, the Global Society Institute hosted two inspiring individuals, from Israel and Palestine, at the Global Society Institute Tarifa. Over the course of two weeks, their shared insights offered a profound glimpse into life within conflict-ridden regions, the challenges they face, and the transformative potential of dialogue.
A shared journey for harmony and sustainability
The participants were from the NGO Challenge, an organisation dedicated to fostering harmony, understanding, and socio-economic resilience in one of the world’s most contentious regions. The NGO’s mission aligns closely with the pillars of sustainability, prioritising economic equality, social justice, and environmental protection. By engaging in grassroots initiatives and addressing the root causes of conflict, Challenge works to empower local communities while advocating for larger systemic change.
Their visit was part of the intercultural learning work of Rea Fraser with STRAIT UP, an association dedicated to non-formal education, to replace prejudice with understanding through storytelling and first-hand accounts. Both individuals shared powerful narratives of hope, courage, and the dangers of polarisation, particularly when extremist voices gain traction on social media platforms.
Their discussions underscored a critical concern: the role of digital spaces in amplifying hatred, disinformation, and division. While social media has the potential to be a force for unity, it has also become a tool for fostering discord. This issue is particularly pressing as humanity faces interconnected global challenges such as climate action and geopolitical instability.
Public events: Fostering dialogue and action
As part of their visit, the Global Society Institute hosted several public events that contributed to deeper engagement with the community and sparked meaningful discussions on conflict resolution and building harmony.
On 29th October 2024, the institute held an Open Space Dialogue session on the central question, How can we work for intercultural dialogue and build peace in the Mediterranean? Though one of the key participants, the Palestinian representative, had yet to arrive due to travel issues, the evening was still filled with thought-provoking discussions. Around ten individuals participated in this lively brainstorming session, where mind maps were drawn, and ideas flowed freely. The session proved to be an excellent starting point for exploring how dialogue can help bridge divides and create a shared understanding in conflict-ridden areas.
Later in the week, on 5th November 2024, the Global Society Institute hosted a Q&A session with the Palestinian representative, after the Israeli representative had already departed. The Palestinian shared his firsthand experiences of life in Palestine, recounting the complex journey he undertook to reach Tarifa and the multiple borders he crossed. He discussed a variety of topics, including the work of Challenge NGO, the experiences of refugees, and the social and political landscape in Palestine.
A group of around ten attendees listened attentively as he provided valuable insights, using personal stories, clarifying misconceptions and shedding light on the realities of the region. Throughout the session, he answered questions clearly and factually, offering a rare perspective on the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from someone actively working for change, while emphasising the importance of dialogue in bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding.
Science-driven solutions
Inspired by their visit, the Global Society Institute and Challenge have launched a pioneering collaboration: the Digital Peacekeepers project. This innovative initiative leverages applied science to counter online radicalisation, aiming to transform social media into a space for constructive dialogue.
At its core, the project will use advanced algorithms and psychological insights to identify and neutralise harmful rhetoric, offering alternative narratives that foster understanding and reconciliation. As the representatives stressed, building lasting harmony requires more than agreements on paper—it demands systemic interventions that target the cultural and informational ecosystems where conflict thrives.
The Institute envisions extracting a framework of insights and solutions from this work, drawing on the lived experiences and practical approaches from Israel and Palestine to adapt strategies for addressing global conflicts, such as those in Syria, Kashmir, and beyond. This adaptable framework aims to provide tailored solutions to different conflict zones while upholding the core principles of dialogue, collaboration and reconciliation. Exemplifying the essence of global collaboration, the project combines the expertise of organisations, activists, and scientists from diverse backgrounds to create a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of social fragmentation.
A hopeful path forward
The visit serves as a reminder of the critical importance of dialogue, especially in addressing pressing global goals such as economic equality, social justice, and climate action. Their contributions have not only deepened understanding but have also catalysed action on a larger scale.
As the Digital Peacekeepers project continues to develop, it holds the promise of transforming how societies address extremism and fostering connections in an increasingly divided world. Initiatives like this underscore the power of collective action, emphasising that a global society can only thrive when it prioritises inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
For those inspired by this story, delve deeper into the work of Challenge and the Global Society Institute to explore how individuals and organisations are shaping a more sustainable and peaceful future.