Healing Through Dialogue: Bridging Global Health, Peace, and Conflict Resolution

Explore the crucial connections between health, peace, and conflict resolution at a seminar hosted by Global Health Norway.

Bildet kan inneholde: riving.

Photo: Jebreel Abu Kmail

As the world faces increasing challenges related to health crises exacerbated by conflicts, the intersections between health, peace, and conflict resolution have never been more critical. This seminar aims to explore innovative strategies and collaborative efforts that leverage health initiatives as pathways to peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas. By bringing together experts from various fields, Global Health Norway seeks to foster dialogue and share best practices that highlight the integral role of health in conflict resolution and sustainable peace.

The seminar will:

  • explore the linkages between health and peace, demonstrating how health initiatives can serve as tools for conflict resolution and dialogue.
  • identify successful case studies where health programs have contributed to peacebuilding efforts in conflict regions.
  • promote multisectoral collaboration among health practitioners, policymakers, conflict resolution experts, and civil society.
  • enhance understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing health interventions in conflict settings.

Program:

  • 13.00: Doors open, coffee
  • 13.30: Welcome
    Hanne-Cathrin Flinstad Harbo, Dean, Medical Faculty, University of Oslo (UiO)
    Ane-Marthe Solheim Skar, Scientific Director, The Norwegian Institute for Public Health
  • 13.35: The Interconnectedness of Health and Peace: A Global Perspective?
    Scott G. Gates, Professor of Political Science, UiO/Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO)
  • 13.45: Protecting of civilans and safeguarding healtcare as building blocks for peace 
    Cathrine Andersen, Policy Director, Special representative for protection of civilians, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • 13.55: Highlighting initiatives from regions affected by conflict where health interventions have led to peace or stability
    Erik Fosse, CEO, Professor of Medicine, NORWAC
    Espen Bjertness, Professor in Community Medicine and Health, UiO
  • 14.15: Panel 1: Health as a Catalyst for Peace
    Moderator: Frode Forland, Policy Director, Global Health. Associate Professor at University of Troms?

    Our expert panel share insights on how health programs can foster dialogue and cooperation between conflicting parties:
     
    Usman Ahmed Mushtaq, State Secretary, The Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services (TBC)
    Henrik Urdal, Research Professor, PRIO 
    Espen Bjertness, UiO 
     
  • 14.50: Panel 2: Barriers and Opportunities
    Moderator: Ingvild Sand?y, UiB

    Our expert panel address the challenges faced by health professionals in conflict zones and explore innovative solutions: 

    Anne Bergh, Special Representative for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
    Dina Hovland, Midwife, Chairwoman of the Board of Medicine Sans Frontiers (MSF) Norway
    Erik Fosse, NORWAC
     
  • 15.20: Thank you and welcome to coffee and cake

Participate

The event is free and open to all. Sign up via the link below if you want to participate in person.

Go to registration

You can also follow the event via streaming. The streaming will begin when the event starts.

Welcome!

Accessibility during your visit

If you need an elevator or any other form of assistance when visiting us, please call this number upon arrival: + 47 90 13 17 55.

About Scene Domus Bibliotheca

Scene Domus Bibliotheca is the University of Oslo's dialogue and communication arena, located at The University Square in downtown Oslo. Here, you can participate in debates, conversations, and listen to exciting lectures.

Curious about what's happening here? Follow Universitetsplassen - UiO on Facebook for exciting updates.

See full program for Domus Bibliotheca here
Published Oct. 15, 2025 7:25 PM - Last modified Oct. 15, 2025 7:26 PM