The team at the Open Hands Initiative is excited about the upcoming Salaam Fellowship on Conflict Resolution, which takes place this October in Morocco.
Many people ask, why Morocco? At first glance, one might think that its beauty alone was a deciding factor. It is undoubtedly an “Instaworthy” locale–the iconic dunes of the Sahara, walled medinas, majestic Atlas Mountain, and picturesque riads lure travelers far and wide.
But beyond its intoxicating sights and sounds, Morocco is a close American partner and one of our oldest friends and allies. They were the first country to recognize American independence in 1786, and to this day, we have the longest uninterrupted peace treaty among all our diplomatic relations. Furthermore, Morocco is an important partner in trade and security, leading the charge against violent extremism, and encouraging religious coexistence and inclusion. The Open Hands Initiative recognizes these solid ties at the governmental level and hopes to deepen the bilateral connection between everyday people.
The continuing goal of the Open Hands Initiative is to create a platform for meaningful interaction between our program fellows. While conflict is inevitable on either side of the Atlantic, we can all learn to manage it better. Why not study it through an international lens that affords us greater perspective? In our globalized world, conflict can take many forms, and how we approach conflict resolution can be vastly different from one culture to another. Understanding how different societies face and resolve conflict can help us get along better and tackle global problems more clearly and effectively.
American and Moroccan youth already share similar aspirations as well as challenges—finding meaningful work opportunities is a major one, along with achieving social equality and more equitable civic inclusion. In that respect, there is a great opportunity to allow Americans and Moroccans to study negotiation and conflict management side by side, trading knowledge and experiences from their unique vantage points. These are skills that will bode both cohorts well regardless of which career path they pursue.
Of course, we would be remiss not to mention that Morocco is a place of innumerable treasures. Its cultural heritage and rich traditions extend well beyond its political borders. And at the same time, it’s a modern leader in Africa, ranked as the fifth largest economy on the continent. It is a bridge to the Muslim world, but also uniquely North African. It is a society geared towards innovation and sustainability, and a major economic force on the African continent.
And naturally, it’s home to glorious minarets, buzzing souks, and aromatic mint tea. What’s not to love?
Photo Credit: Ouarzazate: Sosinda| Pixabay