In the Berghof Foundation’s event to launch the paper on “National Dialogues x Digitalisation” it will explore how digitalisation shapes National Dialogues and to what extent National Dialogues may contribute to shaping digitalisation. National Dialogues are nationally owned political processes aimed at generating consensus among a broad range of national stakeholders in times of deep political crisis, in post-war situations or during far-reaching political transitions. During the event, experts and practitioners will discuss both the opportunities and risks of using digital technologies in preparing and conducting National Dialogues. Recognising that digital technologies cannot be understood solely as providing specific solutions or creating certain problems, Berghof Foundation will further reflect during the event how the implications of digitalisation on present and future conflicts could be discussed during National Dialogues.

Over the last two decades, National Dialogues have been increasingly recognised as a comprehensive tool for preventing violent conflicts and reaching inclusive political settlements. However, questions remain open on how to best integrate certain topics in the design of National Dialogues and how to meaningfully include specific societal groups. The series “National Dialogues at crossroads” aims at addressing this gap. It compiles lessons learned and recommendations on three cross-cutting issues: climate change, digitalisation, and protest movements.