Academic and Diplomatic Collaboration in Peacebuilding and Mediation
The Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE), the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Norwegian Embassy in Mexico, and the Norwegian Center for Conflict Resolution (NOREF) signed a Letter of Intent to enhance academic and diplomatic cooperation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The agreement was witnessed by Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente and UNAM Rector Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas, who emphasized the importance of fostering bridges in a global context marked by tensions, polarization, and hate speech.
De la Fuente highlighted that promoting dialogue as a peaceful conflict resolution instrument is a priority for President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.
“These are times to continue promoting peace and nurturing dialogue. These are times of unity, for prioritizing peaceful conflict resolution and finding agreements where differences exist,” he stated.
Rector Lomelí noted that public and autonomous education should contribute to shaping a critical, empathetic, and solidarity-oriented citizenry.
“Peace is a collective construction: if violence is learned, it can also be unlearned; if confrontation is reproduced, cooperation, respect, and tolerance can also prevail. In this logic, education should become a starting point that contributes to driving that political and cultural transformation,” he said.
Norwegian Ambassador Ragnhild Imerslund celebrated the shared vision between both nations and affirmed that the alliance reflects their joint commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as paths to building more just societies.
Mexico and Norway share extensive experience in mediation processes and peaceful conflict resolution.
According to Mexico’s foreign ministry, the Letter of Intent establishes cooperation mechanisms for sharing best practices in mediation, promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding processes, and organizing joint academic events.
It also consolidates Norway and NOREF’s involvement in UNAM’s Peace Culture Strategy: A University Seedbed, which aims to strengthen the university community’s role in social transformation.
The Letter of Intent was signed by Juan José Bremer, General Director of SRE’s Matías Romero Institute; Norwegian Ambassador Ragnhild Imerslund; UNAM Secretary-General Patricia Dávila; and NOREF Program Head Christian Visnes.
Key Figures Involved
- Juan Ramón de la Fuente: Mexican Foreign Minister, emphasizing the priority of peaceful conflict resolution.
- Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas: UNAM Rector, highlighting the role of education in fostering critical, empathetic, and solidarity-oriented citizens.
- Ragnhild Imerslund: Norwegian Ambassador to Mexico, celebrating the shared vision and commitment to diplomacy and dialogue.
Shared Experience and Goals
Mexico and Norway have extensive experience in peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes. The alliance aims to:
- Share best practices in mediation to enhance both nations’ capabilities in resolving conflicts peacefully.
- Promote women’s participation in peacebuilding processes, recognizing their crucial role in fostering sustainable peace.
- Organize joint academic events to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange between Mexican and Norwegian institutions.
- Consolidate Norway and NOREF’s involvement in UNAM’s Peace Culture Strategy, aiming to empower the university community in driving social transformation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main objective of this alliance? The primary goal is to strengthen academic and diplomatic cooperation between Mexico and Norway in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
- Who are the key figures involved in this agreement? The signatories include Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexican Foreign Minister; Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas, UNAM Rector; Ragnhild Imerslund, Norwegian Ambassador to Mexico; Patricia Dávila, UNAM Secretary-General; and Christian Visnes, NOREF Program Head.
- What specific actions does this alliance aim to promote? The agreement seeks to share best practices in mediation, encourage women’s participation in peacebuilding processes, organize joint academic events, and support UNAM’s Peace Culture Strategy.
- Why is this alliance significant for Mexico and Norway? Both nations share extensive experience in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, making this alliance a valuable opportunity to enhance their capabilities and foster social transformation.
