Current Programs
Technical Assistance & Capacity Building for the Secretariat for Muslims (SFM), Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Peacebuilding and Development Institute was awarded a grant in September 2011 from TetraTech ARD to implement a training and technical assistance project in Sri Lanka. PDI will be partnering with a local organization, the Secretariat for Muslims, to implement a series of capacity building workshops and trainings on research, advocacy, family mediation, and land dispute resolution.
The program builds on AU-PDI Director, Dr. Mohammed Abu-Nimer’s work over the last 5 years with the SFM and is based on findings from a SuRG supported assessment conducted in November 2010 to explore how the SFM, collectives, grassroots organizations, or government subsidiaries could be partnered with or supported in various ways to convey the concerns and needs of Muslim communities to various policy makers.
The main purpose of this program is to build the SFM’s capacity as a national-level organization that works with various Muslim constituencies in Sri Lanka to bring their concerns and needs to the public and government’s attention. The overarching goal of this technical assistance and capacity building program is to build the capacity of the SFM to effectively carry out its mission in the post-war context to effectively advocate for its Muslim constituencies.
Past International Programs
PDI's international programs span the spectrum from regional training programs in peacebuilding and development to specialized training programs in various conflict affected countries, in partnership with international, national and local agencies.
Marshall Islands Nuclear History Student Exchange
May 2006
PDI and the IPCR Program at American University hosted four Marshallese high school students in Washington, DC to spread awareness of the U.S. nuclear testing during the 1940s and 50s on their native islands. During this period, 67 nuclear tests were conducted on the islands. Students met with congressmen and presented the little known story of the Marshall Islands to graduate classes at AU during their stay. This program was the first of an annual exchange of students between the Marshall Islands and American University. (Press Release - PDF)
Georgia - Abkhazia US Study Tour: Democracy, Good Governance & Leadership Program
February 11 - 26, 2006
For two weeks in February 2006, PDI hosted 24 young leaders from Abkhazia and Georgia. The participants had backgrounds in government, law, NGOs and brought a wealth of personal experience to share with one another. This program was designed to educate participants about the American Democratic system and provide an opportunity for the participants to discuss good governance through a conflict resolution lens. Through classes, discussions, and activities, participants forged relationships and confronted issues that were perceived to be divisive.
Conflict Resolution Training for Christian & Muslim Leaders from Cote d'Ivoire
March 23, 2006
PDI held a one-day conflict resolution and interfaith dialogue training with three religious leaders from Cote d'Ivoire in cooperation with the U.S. State Department and the Institute for International Education. The participants enhanced their skills in interfaith dialogue within their communities by exploring different conflict resolution methods within the African context. (newspaper article from Cote d'Ivoire - PDF)
