About - 6th World Congress on Resilience 2024

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Welcome to the 6th World Congress on Resilience 2024

Since 2012, researchers from around the world interested in resilience have met regularly to share their research findings and discuss the promotion of resilience. The first congress was held in Paris, France, under the theme: “From Research to Practice”; the second took place in Timisoara in 2014, in Romania, under the theme “From the person to society”; The third was organized in 2016, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec – Canada under the theme: “Resilience and culture, Culture of resilience”. The fourth congress took place in 2018 in Marseille, France, under the theme “Resilience-based practices”. The most recent was held in Africa, more precisely in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on the theme: “Human Development, Sustainable Development and Resilience”. While the whole world was going through the challenging period of Covid-19, a theme on resilience and the Covid-19 pandemic was added to the program of this Congress.

This congress has evolved over time, addressing themes such as the transition from research to practice, the relationship between individuals and society, the intersection of resilience and culture, and resilience-based practices. The most recent congress, hosted in Yaoundé, Cameroon, included a theme focused on resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the global challenges of our times.

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The first congress was held in Paris, France in 2012, under the theme: “From Research to Practice”

The second took place in Timisoara in 2014, in Romania, under the theme “From the person to society”

The third was organized in 2016, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec –Canada under the theme: “Resilience and culture, Culture of resilience”

The fourth congress took place in 2018 in Marseille, France, under the theme “Resilience-based practices”.

2021 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on the theme: “Human Development, Sustainable Development and Resilience”.

This 6^th World Congress on Resilience, set to be held in Kigali, Rwanda, will explore the theme of “Resilience and Trauma: Conceptual Development, Challenges, and Perspectives.” Rwanda, with its history and remarkable recovery from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi with over one million people killed and thousands in prisons for crimes related to genocide perpetration offers a poignant example of resilience.

In the Great Lakes region of Africa, trauma has been a prevalent and enduring consequence of decades of political instability, ethnic conflicts, and genocide. This region has witnessed profound suffering and loss, making the study of trauma and resilience of paramount importance. Researchers and practitioners in the Great Lakes region who are dedicated to understanding the interplay between trauma and resilience, aiming to foster healing, recovery, and the rebuilding of societies scarred by these traumatic experiences will share the various interventions aiming to contribute to this. Furthermore, global conflicts currently happening across different continents such as war in Ukraine, war in middle east and other areas coupled with a myriad of sources, including natural disasters, public health crises, and personal adversities are making trauma an enduring and universal human experience. Never has the world needed researchers and practitioners who are dedicated to advancing the comprehension of trauma’s complex manifestations and the development of resilience strategies need to share experiences and knowledge aiming at promoting healing, well-being, and adaptability in the face of adversity than today.

Visit Rwanda

Visa issued under special arrangement

Rwandair Discounted code for the 6th World Congress on Resilience 2024

Interpeace

Interpeace International Partnering in the 6th World Congress

What is Interpeace?

In 1994, the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development launched the “War-torn societies” project to aid the international community and national actors to respond to challenges of post-war societies starting with Guatemala, Mozambique, Somaliland and Putland. The project facilitated comprehensive analyses of peacekeeping, relief and socioeconomic development to define policies and interventions tailored to each society’s context. By 2000, the War-torn societies project transitioned into an independent International Non-Governmental Organization, later evolving into an International Organization for Peacebuilding (Interpeace), expanding its scope to Rwanda, Macedonia, Ethiopia, etc.

Distinguished Keynote Speakers

This congress will feature internationally renowned keynote speakers, experts in the field of resilience, and survivors of mass violence, providing unique and inspiring insights into the theme.

Youth and Student Engagement

Plans include involving students and young researchers in the congress as the next generation of resilience scholars and practitioners, including those from worldwide especially in the East African Community. Special sessions, workshops, and competitions will encourage youth participation.

Cultural Experiences

Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Rwanda in response to trauma. Optional cultural tours or events in Kigali and its surroundings will allow participants to engage with local communities and witness firsthand examples of resilience within the Rwandan context.

Local Case Studies

The congress will highlight case studies and success stories from Rwanda, as well as other East African Community member states and the Great Lakes region, showcasing how resilience strategies have been applied effectively in the face of adversity.

Participation from High-Profile Organizations

The congress is supported by high-profile organizations bringing additional global visibility and credibility to the event and emphasizing its relevance to the local contexts.