Multilateralism through Negotiation and Cultural Diplomacy Education in the Levant and Africa

ongoing

MANDELA is an innovative project that emphasizes embedding skills, values, and inclusive methodologies into curricula to promote understanding, intercultural dialogue, and the inclusion of disadvantaged groups. These efforts aim to contribute to regional and global priorities that are aimed at advancing peace, democracy, and the promotion of universal human rights. MANDELA is also a pioneering cross-regional initiative under the CBHE KA2 program, bringing together HEIs from Ghana, Ethiopia, and Israel to address shared priorities in higher education. In Region 3 (IL), the focus lies on upholding human rights, quality education, democracy, and good governance as pillars of stable and prosperous societies. Initiatives promoting peace, security, intercultural dialogue, and the empowerment of women and marginalized groups are encouraged, fostering diversity, tolerance, and mutual understanding. In Region 9 (GH & ET), the emphasis extends to social and economic rights, governance, citizenship, health, youth, gender, and ensuring access and inclusion for all. MANDELA's overarching goal is to cultivate a generation equipped to champion these values and priorities, laying a foundation for intercultural collaboration and societal transformation. The project empowers academic staff through professional development, enabling them to redesign courses that instill competencies such as intercultural communication, equity, and civic values. Faculty are trained in cultural diplomacy, negotiation, conflict resolution, values and knowledge education, and the integration of human rights principles into education. An additional key feature is the implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) courses, fostering cross-cultural learning, international collaboration, and a deeper commitment to shared global values.