An international conference in three parts:

Why culture matters
Introductory Remarks by Giles Merritt, Director, Security & Defence Agenda

Clashes of culture, related to religious beliefs, ethnicity or different values often lie at the root of security problems. Can a better understanding of these fundamental issues hold the key to conflict prevention, as well as peacemaking and peacekeeping? How best can Western forces and political leaders develop more sensitive cultural antennae in security hotspots?

Speakers:
Martin Davidson, Chief Executive, British Council
Martin Howard, Assistant Secretary General for Operations, NATO

Moderator:
Shada Islam, Journalist and Senior Programme Executive, European Policy Centre


Cultural relations in conflict - case studies
Successful uses of cultural relations in conflict zones over the last 10 years have not received much media attention. This testimonial and lessons-learned session features actors in the field and tries to identify best practice in inter-cultural dialogue and understanding in conflict areas. Case studies/testimonials will be delivered from recent and current conflict areas, including Afghanistan, The Balkans and Africa. A live video link with Kabul will enable local speakers to participate in the debate.

Speakers:
Afifa Azim, Executive Director, Afghan Women's Network
Hewod Aziz Jan, Afghan student
George Gachara, co-Founder, Picha Mtaani, Kenya and British Council Global Changemaker
Yar Mohammad, Chairman, English Teachers' Association Afghanistan, Kabul University (via video link)
Professor John Sugden, Director, International 'Football4Peace' programme
Brigadier Hamza Visca, Joint Staff Post-conflict Reconstruction, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Moderator:
Anand Naidoo, Al-Jazeera English

Civ-mil cooperation: designing a cultural approach
Now that NATO has a more comprehensive approach to the planning and conduct of its operations, and is reviewing its Strategic Concept, what concrete steps need to be taken to ensure military training includes greater cultural awareness? Can improved civilian-military dialogue and a better understanding of the role of cultural relations improve security policy? What new approaches should be developed to help both civilian and military personnel in the field to bring a greater cultural dimension to their missions?

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