Academic and professional programs in Peace and Conflict Studies have grown in
number considerably over the last decades. These programs are key in giving students
the necessary skills and credentials to enroll in a Master’s program in conflict resolution,
work as crisis management experts, activists, mediators, etc., widen their horizons,
become active members in peace and justice-related organizations, and contribute to the
many existing peace and conflict journals. In addition to helping broaden the students’
academic horizons and increase their employment opportunities, universities in Lebanon
have the social responsibility to introduce them to the concepts of peace and justice and
provide them with the skills to act on those principles. Lebanon remains a conflict zone
with few grassroots initiatives aimed at managing its disputes. The absence of grassroots
inventiveness is the consequence of a shortage in conflict resolution trainings and
programs. The powerlessness of its youth in the face of conflict leads Lebanon to despair,
and increases both the country’s dependency on the ruling class and the rate at which
young minds emigrate. NDU is committed to building a qualified peace taskforce and to
take the lead in shaping Lebanon’s future conflict resolvers.