Beyond Borders Scotland is working to build the tools and methods societies use to transform conflict throughout all of its projects. We work with partner organisations and experts from international governance institutions, national governments, civil society and communities from conflict-affected regions to run conflict-sensitive and culturally appropriate mediation and dialogue fellowships, with residential programmes taking place in Edinburgh, London and Traquair House in the Scottish Borders.

This strand of work aims to equip small nations with their own indigenous dialogue and mediation experts and enhance the capacity of local actors in conflict transformation on many levels. This reflects the global development of the private mediation sector in sectarian conflicts, conflict and post-conflict environments. We run programmes that not only enhance capacity but also create networks and synergies between local stakeholders and decision makers, as well as developing a research base for enhancing the role of women, youth and civil society more broadly to participate in formal and informal peace-making and peacebuilding negotiations and processes.

Beyond Borders Scotland’s expert network and senior staff is made up of experienced diplomats, mediators, academics, international lawyers, businesspeople, law enforcement and experts in international relations, human rights, diplomacy and conflict resolution. We engage with diplomatic processes in conflict mediation and peacebuilding through various channels, providing political analysis, NGO and government briefings, expert advice and public diplomacy consultancy for marginalised communities to increase their impact and access to diplomatic power.

Alongside our project work, we are very active in the fields of training, research, consultancy services, technical support and capacity-building workshops on women’s participation, conflict analysis, dialogue and mediation tools in our work. If you wish to consult our network or commission a custom-designed programme with our internationally recognized experts as an organisation or individual working in conflict transformation, please contact our Deputy Director Jessica Forsythe on jforsythe@beyondbordersscotland.com

We engage representatives and professionals from the following areas in our programming and networks:

• Civil society
• International organisations
• Government Actors
• Religious groups
• Academics
• Women’s groups
• Youth
• Trade Unions
• Political Groups
• Professionals
• NGOs
• Business
• Media
• Victims Groups
• Rural networks
• Campaigning groups
• Quangos
• Government Agencies