Tim Phillips, a pioneer in the field of conflict resolution and reconciliation and co-founder of Beyond Conflict, a global non-profit initiative founded in 1992, spoke at Notre Dame Law School on February 10, 2015. Mr. Phillips described the unique approach he dubs "Shared Experience," internationally recognized for its contributions to peace and reconciliation in several countries including Northern Ireland, El Salvador, and South Africa.
Based on the idea that human experience across cultures and times have important commonalities, "Shared Experience" brings together those who have gone through social and political upheaval with those facing such challenges. Addressing basic human and social needs - acceptance, inclusion, understanding - the gathered leaders discover important paths toward reconciliation.
Mr. Phillips' work with Beyond Conflict was featured in the PBS documentary “The Visionaries” and profiled in the New York Times Sunday Magazine. He has advised the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, and the Council of Europe on democracy and conflict resolution initiatives and has been a frequent speaker in national and international forums. Mr. Phillips also helped launch and serves on the Advisory Committee of the Club of Madrid, a forum for former democratic heads of state and government. He serves on the board of directors of several international organizations as well as cultural and educational institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Rose Art Museum, and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
Notre Dame's Observer provided coverage of the event, which can be read here. Co-sponsored by The Kellogg Institute for International Studies, the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, and the Nanovic Institute for European Studies.