Book Launch: Peacebuilding in Colombia

Join Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) and the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program for a celebration of Joan C. Lopez and Dr. Beth Fisher-Yoshida’s new book, “Peacebuilding in Colombia: From the Lens of Community and Policy.” (Routledge, 2023).

In this practical book, Joan C. Lopez and Beth Fisher-Yoshida offer an alternative narrative of youth and peacebuilding, to the popular one about youth, violence, and peacemaking. Moreover, this fills an important gap in the literature on the characteristics of peacebuilding.

During the book launch celebration, the authors will discuss their approach to research and working with community leaders in Colombia. They will reflect on community-level, peaceful responses to violent conflicts and how these have the potential to inform processes of peacebuilding in areas with similar social and historical characteristics.

This event is open to the public, and especially to academics, students, community members, and practitioners interested in the study and practice of peacebuilding in violent and post-violent contexts. Reception and book signing will follow the main program.

Watch the video below to see how the authors, who also co-teach in the NECR program, approach peacebuilding coursework in Colombia with students each summer.

This work has great merit: it speaks of peace from a "discreet and delicate" point of view, which has the advantage of incorporating a wider perspective about the meanings associated with peace and thereby uncovering overlooked community practices...it is a hymn of hope. -- Humberto de la Calle.

The authors, with this publication, make a contribution to the recognition of the victims and, above all, to their powerful and incessant search for peace. -- Pastora Mira.

For further information please contact Kjerstin Pugh (kep2137 [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu).

For additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 212-854-9666 or inquire [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu.

Please note the COVID-19 requirements for this event.

Columbia University is committed to protecting the health and safety of its community. Effective May 11, 2023, event attendees are strongly recommended to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and community guidance on indoor masking. Attendees will not be required to attest to or show proof of vaccination status or recent test results, however, are encouraged to stay home if feeling unwell or testing positive for COVID-19.

Please visit Columbia University’s Hub for Emergency Preparedness for the latest health and safety policies as they are subject to change.