On May 8, 2026, the international symposium “Advancing Mediation in a Multipolar World,” promoted by RIMI with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), took place at the Filla Auditorium in the Montagnola Park in Bologna.
The event brought together experts, institutional representatives, researchers and international mediation professionals to discuss the role of diplomacy and peacebuilding practices in an increasingly multipolar world plagued by complex conflicts.
The event opened with remarks by Anna Lisa Boni, Cecilia Piccioni and Anna Cervi.
WIIS Italy is a co-founder of RIMI and contributed to the promotion of the symposium, bringing the topic of inclusive mediation and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) approach to the forefront of the debate, a approach now considered essential for building more effective, representative and sustainable peace processes.
International Mediation: A Political and Operational Challenge
The first session, dedicated to the theme “Rebooting International Mediation,” addressed the need to rethink international mediation tools in light of new geopolitical dynamics.
Speakers included Lamberto Zannier, Lara Scarpitta and Daniel Gerlach. The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination between institutional actors, civil society and multilateral organizations, while also enhancing an inclusive approach and the gender dimension in peace processes.
Considerable attention was also given to the policies of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), which are increasingly considered central to conflict prevention strategies.
Cultural Heritage, Local Actors and Innovation for Peace
The second session explored the role of cultural heritage, local actors, and excluded groups in mediation processes. Speakers such as Eva Ziedan and Marika Theros emphasized how effective peace processes must necessarily involve local communities and take into account the cultural and social dimensions of conflict.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to technological innovation and human security. Topics covered included humanitarian negotiation, digital diplomacy and the use of technologies for peacebuilding. This discussion included the participation of international experts such as Michele Giovanardi and Salvatore Vicari.
A new role for Italy?
The symposium was closed by Simone Ceresa, who raised a central question: can Italy assume a more decisive role in international mediation?
The creation of RIMI seems to point precisely in this direction. In an international system characterized by increasing fragmentation, building national mediation capacities means not only investing in peace, but also strengthening the country’s diplomatic profile.
The network’s ambition is clear: to make international mediation not a one-off intervention, but a stable strategic skill, capable of bringing together institutions, civil society and international organizations to build sustainable solutions to contemporary conflicts.
Recent Comments