Courageous Conversations 2025 Pilot Programme

Developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts and the Initiative for Peacebuilding, the Courageous Conversations and Peace Leadership Student Workshops were held on 3 and 10 October for 30 students. The two full-day workshops developed students’ skills in courageous and respectful dialogue, deep listening, leadership and engaging with diverse perspectives on local and global challenges. More than 90 Faculty of Arts undergraduate and graduate coursework students applied, with participants selected based on their responses to why they wanted to join the program. Students received a Melbourne Plus credential through the People Leadership stream.

The workshops were coordinated with the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Jennifer Balint, and supported by the Office of the Dean and Initiative for Peacebuilding team, with philanthropic support from Matt and Liz Goldberg.

Reflections

The workshops were very positively received, with students particularly valuing the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, hear from researchers and peers, and participate in open and thoughtful discussions. Students reported developing greater confidence in navigating difficult conversations, as well as strengthening skills in deep listening, empathy and respectful dialogue.

The workshops also provided an opportunity for students from different backgrounds and disciplines to connect and learn from one another. Feedback highlighted the value of creating a supportive environment where students could explore complex and sometimes challenging issues, reflect on their own perspectives and develop practical approaches to leadership across difference.

The positive response to the program provides a strong foundation for its continuation and expansion in 2026. Future plans include exploring a more sustained student cohort experience on campus and opportunities to extend the program to students from university partners across the region.