From Yugoslavian Judge to Global Conflict Resolution Expert: Vesna Markovic's Inspiring Story

Vesna Markovic, a former judge from the former Yugoslavia, narrates her remarkable journey from her early days in the judiciary to her impactful global work in conflict resolution. After relocating to Canada in 1997, Vesna immersed herself in conflict prevention activities in the Balkans, working predominantly with the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution.

Over the years, Vesna contributed to numerous international projects funded by entities such as the World Bank, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), where she worked as a conflict prevention specialist for 13 years.

Her efforts led to the establishment of mediation centers and the enactment of mediation laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other Balkan regions. She also helped advance mediation practices in African and Latin American countries by working on national peace infrastructures and indigenous people's rights.

Vesna elaborates on the challenges she faced, the sustainable impacts of her work, and the importance of local engagement and capacity-building in conflict resolution. Her experiences underscore the necessity of a flexible and context-sensitive approach to mediation, highlighting the transformative power of insider mediation.

This deeply personal account reflects on her profound connection with the people she worked with and underscores the lasting relationships and significant changes she facilitated globally.