DR. JOHN PAUL LEDERACH — JANUARY 9, 2025

TITLE:  THE CHALLENGE OF PEACE 2025 – Looking back across the past decades a forward to what seems emergent our discussion will look at trends, shifts in patterns, and approaches to building peace in 2025, both abroad and domestically at this quarter century moment. 

BIO:  DR. JOHN PAUL LEDERACH – Dr. Lederach is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in the fields of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. He is widely known for the development of culturally based approaches to conflict transformation; the design and implementation of integrative, strategic approaches to peacebuilding; and for carving a robust integration of the arts and social change. Over the course of his career, Lederach has garnered extensive experience working with non-governmental organizations, community-based initiatives impacted by cycles of violence, and national peace process design. He has worked extensively as a practitioner in conciliation processes in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast and Central Asia.

Lederach received his bachelor’s degree in history and peace studies from Bethel College and his doctorate of philosophy degree in sociology, with a concentration on social conflict, from the University of Colorado. He currently serves as Senior Fellow for Humanity United and Professor Emeritus of International Peacebuilding at the Joan B. Kroc Institute of International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame.