The Master’s thesis titled “The Role of Educational Institutions in Peacebuilding Strategies in Post-Conflict Societies – Rwanda and Afghanistan” by student “Mohammed Hassan Abdulameer” was discussed at the College of Political Science at the University of Baghdad.
The thesis states that peace cannot take root and become ingrained in the culture, values, and thinking of society except through institutions, with the educational institution being the most prominent one. This can be achieved by empowering and enhancing the ability of educational institutions to promote the values of peace, teach peace, tolerance, and coexistence, raise awareness about reconciliation and unity, encourage dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, reduce social inequality, and foster innovation and economic development through the design of advanced educational curricula, teacher training, In addition to its role in legitimizing the political system by fostering a healthy relationship between society and its institutions, the educational institution’s effectiveness in peacebuilding is enhanced by the political system’s stability and capacity. It also plays a fundamental and active role in social and political development by instilling values of citizenship, unity, raising awareness, and reducing extremist thinking, which is essential for building an inclusive democratic system that represents all components.
Despite the vital role of the educational institution in peacebuilding, it remains a challenge for post-conflict societies, especially in Rwanda and Afghanistan, where ethnic, tribal, and racial conflicts have deeply affected the educational and social infrastructure. While diversity is natural, it is the policies implemented by political systems that have reinforced negative perceptions of this diversity. The peacebuilding process in both cases serves as important models.
At the end of the discussion, the researcher was awarded a Master’s degree with a “very high distinction.” We wish all of our students success in their academic and professional lives.
