SEEMF

Synopsis

The South Eastern European Mediation Forum (SEEMF) is a regional network of mediators that supports and advocates the development of mediation as a conflict resolution tool in South Eastern Europe – the former Yugoslavia and Albania.

SEEMF was initiated in October 2005 by CSSP in an effort to connect all mediators and mediation organisations in the region. The purpose was to create a platform for exchange and dialogue to improve good practice, cooperation, and strengthen human relationships.

Analysis

SEEMF promotes mediation through direct activities, like trainings, conferences, and exchanges, and by interacting with local and external networks and organizations focusing on conflict resolution. It includes mediators specialized in all fields of mediation and seeks to raise awareness of the contribution mediation can make in the regional peacebuilding process by helping resolve conflicts non-violently. SEEMF seeks to advocate the legal frameworks for mediation in the individual countries.

CSSP Approach

SEEMF is sponsored by CSSP through funds from the Stability Pact Fund for South Eastern European sponsored by Germany. Additional financial support has been provided on an activities' basis by partners.

Since 2010 SEEMF seeks to gradually become financially self-sustainable and welcomes contributions from donors and through projects. CSSP is supporting SEEMF is the process of transformation.

CSSP Action

In 2009 the South Eastern European Mediation Forum adjourned the annual cycle of regional mediation conferences in order to focus on internal structures and its future development. CSSP assisted in bringing together all SEEMF country coordinators in Skopje for a strategic planning meeting. As an outcome of the meeting a strategy for the next years has been developed which foresees steps towards an independent and self-sustaining organization SEEMF.

In 2010 the cycle of an annual and regional mediation conference has been resumed. In October 2010 SEEMF realised a conference in Durres (Albania) bringing together mediation experts from Southeast Europe, from Norway, Switzerland, Germany and the UK. SEEMF is planning a conference in September 2011 in Ljubljana (Slovenia). You can find further information on the SEEMF homepage: www.seemf.eu