Peacebuilding Perspectives Conversation Series

The University of Melbourne’s Initiative for Peacebuilding launched a Conversation Series in 2021 to hold spaces for deeper listening to Australian-based peacebuilders and discussion of important dimensions of their peacebuilding work. Since then, these conversations have expanded to include a range of peacebuilders from across Australia and the region.

In 2025, join Tania Miletic online in conversation with peacebuilders who share insights about their experience building local capacities for peace, mediation efforts, and facilitating conflict transformation globally.

Facilitating peace processes in Aceh and beyond

with Shadia Marhaban

17 November, 1–2pm

Shadia Marhaban focuses her mediation efforts on consultations for peaceful dialogues in various conflict areas. She serves as a regional consultant for Southeast Asia with the Mediators Beyond Borders International, building local capacities for peace, advocating for mediation, and facilitating conflict transformation globally.

Shadia was the only woman to actively participate and support the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) peace negotiating team in Helsinki (2005) that ended the 30-year conflict in Aceh, Indonesia. In 2003, she came to the United States as a political refugee and returned to Aceh after the peace agreement was signed in 2007. Upon her return, she co-founded the Acheh Women’s League (LINA) to oversee the implementation of the reintegration programmes for women ex-combatants and to provide training for their political participation. Since then, she has been engaged in peaceful dialogues throughout the region including Colombia, Nepal, Afghanistan, and recently the Ambazonia conflict.