Scottish Parliament to hear from conflict resolution expert
A leading expert on conflict resolution is to speak at the Scottish Parliament as part of an international conference on mediation.
Dr William Ury from Harvard University in the United States is currently working on new relations between North and South Korea, and was a leading mediator in the Middle East, the Balkans and former Soviet Union.
He will give an insight into his 35-year career when he gives the keynote speech at the International Academy of Mediators annual conference - which is being held in Edinburgh for the first time this month.
The keynote speech, which Dr Ury will deliver at 10.15am on May 12, is free for the public to attend.
Organised and chaired by Scottish mediator John Sturrock QC, the conference aims to shine a spotlight on successful global negotiations and will look ahead to how mediators can lead the way in resolving or preventing conflicts in the future.
Deputy presiding officer Christine Grahame MSP, who will host the conference in the Scottish Parliament's Debating Chamber, said: 'It's a privilege to welcome hundreds of the world's leading experts in mediation and conflict resolution to the Scottish Parliament as part of this year's International Academy of Mediators conference.
'I am a great believer in the power of mediation and had the pleasure of seeing top negotiators in action when I visited a mediation network in Maryland. I was impressed to see how effective communication can really change people's lives for the better.
'This is an incredibly rare opportunity to get an insight into what usually goes on behind closed doors.
'It's a chance to understand what happens within crucial peace-making discussions and high-stakes negotiations, and what it takes to be a successful mediator in the modern world.'
The conference runs from May 10-12.