In the May session of our Voices for Change series, we will focus on the valuable lessons learned from the experiences of countries that have navigated political transitions. This conversation will feature Former Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Dr. Edita Tahiri, and Dr. Bernadette Mutien, a researcher, academic and poet from South Africa, who will share insights on the challenges their two countries faced, and how these experiences can inspire and guide Syrians in their journey toward a more just and democratic future. The discussion will explore what Syrians can learn from these global experiences and how such lessons might be adapted and applied in the Syrian context as it seeks a path forward.
This session will not only inform but will inspire. By fostering a cross-border dialogue on resilience, civic engagement, and democratic values, we hope to encourage Syrians—inside the country and in the diaspora—to reflect on the opportunities that come with political transitions and to imagine possibilities for a future Syria rooted in justice, equity, and pluralism.
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
🕙 Time: 10-11:30 AM New York | 5-6:30 PM Damascus | 4-5:50 PM CET
🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82224498873
Register now to be part of this important conversation and help amplify the voices of change.
Speakers:
Dr. Edita Tahiri
Dr. Edita Tahiri is a prominent leader of Kosovo’s independence movement, with over 30 years of experience in foreign policy, peace negotiations, and post-conflict transitions. She has served in several positions for Kosova, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Dialogue, and a five-term Member of Parliament. As Kosovo’s Chief Negotiator in the EU-facilitated dialogue with Serbia (2011-2017), she signed the first-ever agreement between Kosovo and Serbia. Dr. Tahiri was the only woman peace negotiator in the Balkans during key international peace processes, including the Rambouillet Conference (1999). She chairs the Regional Women’s Lobby in Southeast Europe (RWLSEE) and is an active member of Women Waging Peace. She is a Fulbright Scholar and speaks Albanian, English, Croatian, Serbian, and Turkish.
Dr. Bernedette Muthien
Dr. Bernedette Muthien is a Research Fellow in the Office of International Affairs at the University of the Free State. With senior roles in academia, government, and civil society across South Africa and beyond, she is a seasoned researcher, facilitator, and poet. She has over 200 publications and presentations, many translated into 17 languages. A Fulbright-Amy Biehl Fellow at Stanford, she holds advanced degrees in Political Studies from the Universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Bernedette co-founded the African Peace Research and Education Association and serves on multiple international advisory boards focused on peace, security, and cultural rights.