Renewing Our Minds- Ambassadors for a Better World

A two-week conference that brought together 45 young leaders and professionals from the Balkans (and beyond) to focus on identity, forgiveness, reconciliation and leadership informed by the teachings of Jesus.

Specific issues covered included: challenges faced by refugees, human trafficking, the dangers of nationalism, political engagement, development vs. aid as well as a peace negotiation simulation where participants learned about the complex nature of resolving territorial disputes and the importance of listening and understanding the opposite side in any conflict.

The Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation organizes annual gatherings such as this with the aim of fostering reconciliation in the Balkans area. The educational sessions are underpinned by a structure and activities that create relationships and friendships. The Forum and the ROM community strongly believe in the power of friendship and inter-personal relationships as a vital tool in peace-building and reconciliation.

Speakers:

Bojan Ruvarac (ROM director) & Rachel Ruvarac (ROM assistant director)

Tihomir Kukolja (former ROM director and Leadership Focus International founder)

Leo van Doesburg (ECPM political coordinator),

Anthony Cordle (long-time ROM friend and advisor; businessman, mentor, consultant),

Heather Staff (UKMP advisor on migration issues)

Marko Marina (PhD candidate in historical Christianity, University of Zagreb),

Laura Radu (European Commission Bucharest),

Alan Cutting (former pastor and Samaritan’s Purse Raising Families project coordinator),

Camilla Bocaniala (Polylogos founder and director),

Cezarina Glendenning (Church of the Nazarene pastor and Croatia country coordinator),

Marko Stupar (former ROM core team member and finance expert),

Marina Labrenz (church staff member and member of outreach to brothels),