The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution
2025-09-17 @ 7:00 pm – 2025-09-25 @ 8:30 pm
Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace & Justice at St. Paul’s College
The Mauro Institute is very pleased to be offering the first two events in a new series – The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution.
[ALSO: Save the Date – the 2025 Sol Kanee Lecture on Peace and Justice is Monday, November 3, 7:00 pm at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights]
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution are generously supported by a gift from Dr. Hersh [BSc(Hons)/70] and Arna Shefrin [DipDHyg/70; BA/71]. The Shefrin Dialogues were established to invite two (or more) leading thinkers / speakers with different views of a specific conflict to present and exchange perspectives on topical issues related to peace, justice, and conflict resolution.
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution are free and open to all. The dialogues are both in-person and available to be streamed on the Mauro Institute’s YouTube channel.
Dialogue #1 – Wednesday, September 17 | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm | Hanley Hall (Room 220) St. Paul’s College (reception to follow)
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution
Resisting the Perceived Limits of Dialogue
Middle powers such as Canada depend on the power of dialogue to create institutions and agreements with dispute settlement mechanisms designed to level the playing field with big powers. The post-war architecture of multilateralism that depended on American leadership and involvement and the willingness to underwrite the global operating system is fractured with President Donald Trump’s premise to “make America great again”. This presentation by former Canadian diplomat, Colin Robertson and roundtable discussion will consider if it can be put back together or how it should change, and what forms of dialogue that would entail.
Panelists will include Dr. Ursula Lehmkuhl and Dr. Manuel Fröhlich of Trier University, and Dr. James Fergusson and Dr. Stephan Jaeger of the University of Manitoba. The roundtable discussion will be moderated by Dr. Andrea Charron, Director, Centre for Defence and Security Studies, and Professor, International Relations University of Manitoba
Reserve your free tickets to the lecture 7:00 pm, in-person at St. Paul’s College
Livestream on the Mauro Institute YouTube channel.
Dialogue #2 – Thursday, September 25 | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm | Fr. Jensen SJ Theatre (Room 100) St. Paul’s College
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution
Leading With Compassion Amid Conflict and Violence
Deep human connection and providing service from a place of compassion is increasingly difficult in our complex and polarizing world. In our quest for peace and justice, is compassion simply a pollyannish illusion? Come, hear, and have a conversation with our panelists who have strived to bring compassion into their work in different ways. Hear their challenges and triumphs as they dared to lead with compassion in times of conflict and violence.
Panelists will include Dr. Bob Chrismas, Team Lead, Winnipeg Community Safety Team, Dr. Shauna Labman, Executive Director, Global College and Associate Professor, University of Winnipeg, and Devon Clunis, Former Chief of Police, Winnipeg Police Service, Author, and International Consultant. The roundtable discussion will be moderated by Dr. Melanie Soderstrom, Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba
The Hersh and Arna Shefrin Dialogues on Peace and Conflict Resolution are free and open to all. The dialogues are both in-person and available to be streamed on the Mauro Institute’s YouTube channel.
Reserve your free tickets to the lecture 7:00 pm, in-person at St. Paul’s College (free pre-lecture reception from 6:30 pm)
Livestream on the Mauro Institute YouTube channel.
