On August 20th, the Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) and the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network (MWMN) Turkey Group held an event in Istanbul, titled ‘Mechanisms that Create Opportunities in Peace Processes’. The event brought together representatives of civil society, academics, and experts to reflect on lessons learned from international experiences and explore their relevance to Turkey’s ongoing peace process.
The meeting opened with remarks emphasising the importance of inclusivity and designing mechanisms that can increase participation and strengthen legitimacy. Speakers emphasised that the meaningful involvement of women, young people, civil society and other stakeholders is vital for achieving sustainable peace.
Key presentations were delivered by Dr Çerağ Esra Çuhadar, a member of the DPI Council of Experts, the MWN Turkey Group, as well as an Associate Professor at Bilkent University; and Dr Ayşe Betül Çelik, an Associate Professor at Sabancı University and Head of the MWMN Turkey group. Drawing on comparative lessons from peace processes worldwide, Dr Çuhadar and Dr Çelik analysed mechanisms to conflict resolution such as inclusive commissions, observer status, consultations, referenda and confidence-building measures. They emphasised the opportunities and risks these mechanisms entail, reflecting on how such lessons could inform the design and practice of Turkey’s newly established Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy.
Participants then engaged in a dynamic discussion on the applicability of these international lessons to Turkey. Themes included the importance of striking a balance between transparency and confidentiality, the risks of misinformation, and ensuring that the Commission’s recommendations are directly linked to legislative processes. The critical importance of involving women’s organisations and gender perspectives at all stages of peacebuilding was additionally emphasised.
The event concluded with an exchange on how Turkey can embed inclusivity in its current process through drawing inspiration from the successes and shortcomings of other cases. This reinforced the urgent need to move beyond tokenism and ensure that all stakeholders, particularly women and civil society, are empowered to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes.
