Peaceful and inclusive communities begin with meaningful conversations. But creating spaces where young people can navigate differences, resolve conflict, and understand each other often requires skilled facilitators to guide dialogue with confidence and empathy.
To strengthen these skills, Pathfinders Viet Nam partnered with World Scouting through its Humanitarian Action service. With support from WOSM consultants and staff, 18 Scouts from Viet Nam took part in the organisation’s first Dialogue for Peace training for national coordinators. The training was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 10 to 12 July.
For many participants, this was more than a training course. It was an opportunity to explore how identity, culture, beliefs, and lived experiences shape the way people see one another and interact with the world. Through interactive discussions, self-reflection, and practical exercises, participants developed the skills to facilitate meaningful dialogue and transform conflict into opportunities for understanding and cooperation.
“When I came here, I thought dialogue for peace would only happen inside the workshop room, but I realised it is much more than that. It is about listening with curiosity instead of judgment, understanding before responding, and respecting different perspectives. We didn't just learn these ideas; we practised them every day, discovering that dialogue doesn't erase our differences; it helps us understand them” - Hồ Vũ Hoàng Giang , training participant
The programme explored topics including intercultural understanding, perception and bias, conflict transformation, social peacebuilding, and using dialogue to build more inclusive communities. Participants also learned how to design and lead peacebuilding initiatives that encourage respect, collaboration, and active citizenship.
The training's greatest impact will be seen in the months and years ahead. As the first nationally trained Dialogue for Peace facilitators at Pathfinders Viet Nam, these 18 young leaders will support future national training courses and mentor other young people in the National Scout Organization (NSO). By doing so, they will help create a growing network of Scouts equipped to foster dialogue, strengthen inclusion, and promote peaceful coexistence in their communities.
“This training empowered me not just as a Scout, but as a young leader. Understanding the real difference between a debate to win and a true dialogue to understand completely changed my perspective on how we approach conflicts. I am eager to bring these tools back to our youth network in Vietnam, helping young people create safe spaces for open, respectful, and empathetic communication in our communities” - Bùi Tiến Đạt, training participant
This is the value of WOSM Services. Rather than delivering one-time training, trained consultants and staff worked alongside the NSO to create a strong foundation for continued growth through peer learning and youth leadership.
This service is available to all NSOs seeking to strengthen peace education, dialogue, and social cohesion. Through the WOSM Services Platform, NSOs can request tailored support from WOSM consultants and staff to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and capacity to create lasting impact in their communities.
Made possible through funding from Messengers of Peace, supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via the World Scout Foundation, and in partnership with World Scouting.
