"A leading gathering of senior conflict mediators and peace process actors"

The OSLO forum is a process led by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue to improve practice in conflict mediation, enhance its reputation and status as a profession. In addition to an annual gathering in Oslo, the process also includes regional retreats that focus on specific issues in mediating violent conflict in Asia and Africa and other Related events.

Launched in 2003, the OSLO forum offers a unique opportunity for practicing senior mediators and key peace process actors to share their experiences in an informal and confidential setting. To the extent possible, however, material prepared for or emerging from the gatherings is shared with a wider audience.

The retreats deliberately refrain from seeking to generate specific recommendations or conclusions, but aim to stimulate debate and critically examine current practice. Through this the OSLO forum also hopes to contribute to the professional development of current and next generation conflict mediators.