
Oliver McTernan
Program Details
11:15 - 12:30
Director and co-Founder of Forward Thinking – a UK based organization that works to resolve conflict through an inclusive dialogue and front line mediation. He is the founder of the Helsinki Policy Forum which convenes policy makers, parliamentarians, diplomats and economists from the MENA/Gulf region and Europe to analyse the challenges facing the region and to explore informed policy responses.
Prior to his present engagements he was senior advisor to the Club of Madrid, a group of former Heads of State and Government who are committed to supporting governments in transition to democracy
As a Visiting Fellow of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University, 2000-2003, he researched the failure of peace processes and the relationship between religion and conflict.
In May 2002 he initiated and participated in the first official high-level post conflict talks between NATO and the government in Belgrade.
For 25 years he was actively engaged in the East-West Dialogue aimed at promoting understanding, human rights, and lessening the risk of a nuclear confrontation during the Cold War period.
His book ‘Violence in God’s Name’ explores the roots of violence within each of the major faith traditions and the role of religion in today’s conflicts.