RECONCILIATION FORUM

Washington, D.C., from March 18-20, 2009

Under the honorary chairmanship of Nobel Peace Prize laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, the Reconciliation Forum embarked attendees on a journey of discovery, learning how reconciliation can bridge divides, heal communities, and establish a foundation for lasting peace. Addressing ethnic and religious strife in areas such as the Middle East, South Africa, and Northern Ireland, the forum sought to spark transformative conversations about reconciliation.

Participants, including political leaders, academics, activists, and artists, engaged in profound dialogue and explored reconciliation efforts. Gorbachev examined post-Cold War Russia and its international influence. Luis Moreno Ocampo, the former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, underscored the importance of the rule of law to enable a "society of sinners" to coexist. 

Journalist Nicholas D. Kristof offered a perspective on humanitarian issues, while John Heffernan led a session on genocide, with insights from notables such as Paul Rusesabagina and John Prendergast. Ted Sorensen reminisced about President Kennedy's handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, underlining the enduring value of reconciliation. Russell Means gave a compelling talk on Native American rights, challenging societal norms and advocating for a matriarchal structure.

The forum also highlighted the ordeal of children in conflict zones, with personal narratives from survivors like Francis Bok and Ishmael Beah, whose harrowing experiences underscored the importance of acknowledging our shared humanity to avert future atrocities.

Jesse Dylan's impactful short film on global leaders was also featured, amplifying the forum's message.

The ABC Reconciliation Forum addressed the repercussions of conflict. It provided a reflective lens on the capacity for change, the potential for understanding, and the need to pursue a united path toward peace and reconciliation.