Can we place-make for peace-making in places still emerging from conflict? While there are war torn places where survival, all that anybody can think about, is the only priority, in others past violence has receded leaving lasting damage.
Violence hurts everyone involved - physically, emotionally and mentally.
It completely destroys trust, crucial for creating a new future together - especially when that seems impossible.
Placemaking for peacemaking in Northern Ireland over the last 30+ years has been a humbling and illuminating experience.
Helping create and hold the space for the possibility of a unified city centre in the, once, deeply divided city of Derry~Londonderry while it was still embroiled in conflict was a privilege.
What the many said was impossible turned out to be possible.
What does it take to make a placemaking for peacemaking difference, locally, nationally and internationally?
? Creating safe spaces
? Creating the conditions for healing and trust to grow.
? Creating and holding the space for a new future to emerge
This is what I do. If you're working in an intractable placemaking for peacemaking context and would like to discuss this further, I invite you to DM me for a complimentary half-hour conversation.
Written by Mary Kerrigan ? 30 January '24
Photo Credit: Eugene Coyle
#placemaking #peacemaking #leadership
Crowns up! ??