How do we move beyond superficial diversity to leverage our differences and build thriving, equitable communities across lines of conflict? This was the challenge posed to changemakers across the globe who recently applied to Seeds of Peace’s GATHER Fellowship, the only programme of its kind at the intersection of social innovation and conflict transformation. SE Forum is partnering with Seeds of Peace to unite social innovators from across the globe in pursuit of conflict resolution.

A record number of applicants, more than 250 individuals from 55 countries, submitted proposals to take part in a year-long fellowship that kicks off in Sweden from March 11-16. A group of carefully selected Fellows will join together for a five-day incubator programme that includes skill building, reflection and sharing, mentorship, and meetings with Swedish parliamentarians, business leaders and investors and funders. The programme will culminate in a public pitch session where the Fellows – entrepreneurs and influencers – each share their innovative solutions in support of sustainable peace to an audience of philanthropists, business leaders, investors, and Seeds of Peace and SE Forum Board members. Keynote speaker for the event will be Jan Eliasson, former Deputy Secretary-General for the United Nations.

We are, together with Seeds of Peace, proud to announce the third class of GATHER Fellows: 16 changemakers from the Middle East, South Asia, the US and Europe who are already making a social economic or political impact. Their work varies – from developing educational video games to fighting gender violence, leading art-based trauma workshops to building affordable solar energy solutions. But they are all united in their optimism and unwavering commitment to transform conflict, despite the tensions in their regions.

“Social Entrepreneurship is an effective tool in meeting the world’s increasing social challenges and with SE Forum’s expertise in the topic combined with Seeds of Peace’s deep experience in conflict transformation we’ve created a unique collaboration that kicks off in Stockholm.” – Nicklas Wallberg, Executive Director of SE Forum