UCLan Cyprus and RJ4ALL Europe marked an important milestone on October 14th, 2024, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering international collaboration in the fields of education, research, and community impact. The agreement signifies a shared commitment to advancing restorative justice practices, community cohesion, and human rights through innovative research and practical applications.
The MoU signing coincided with a highly successful joint international conference hosted at the premises of UCLan Cyprus, titled “Bringing Restorative Justice to Cyprus: Preventing & Addressing Divisive Language.” This event marked RJ4ALL’s first international conference in Cyprus and showcased the deepening collaboration between the two institutions. The conference brought together a diverse range of international and local experts to explore restorative justice within the Cypriot context, particularly in addressing divisive narratives.
Participants delved into the pressing issue of divisive language in Cyprus, discussing its roots and how restorative justice can act as a transformative tool for fostering dialogue, shifting mindsets, and promoting healing within divided communities. In addition to thought-provoking panels and discussions, the conference also placed a strong focus on engaging youth. Students from UCLan Cyprus participated in hands-on workshops that explored key topics such as hate speech, non-violent communication, and restorative justice circles. These interactive sessions empowered young people to actively engage with restorative practices, providing them with practical skills to challenge divisive rhetoric.
The MoU signing ceremony, held at UCLan Cyprus, saw the presence of Dr. Nearchos Paspallis, Head of School of Sciences and Associate Professor at UCLan Cyprus, Dr. Theo Gavrielides, Founder and Director of RJ4ALL, Dr. Lilia Psalta, Assistant Professor and Course Leader of the MSc in Forensic Psychology at UCLan Cyprus, and Sofia Sideridou, RJ4ALL Research Coordinator & RJ4ALL Europe Manager.
This MoU brings together the academic excellence of UCLan Cyprus in areas such as psychology, forensic sciences, and law with the global leadership of RJ4ALL in restorative justice and social justice. The collaboration will pave the way for research projects, certified courses, and training programmes that will benefit students, professionals, and the broader community. Both institutions are committed to creating innovative solutions to fight crime, poverty, and human rights violations through a positive, growth-oriented approach.
Source: UCLan Cyprus | Latest news (https://shorturl.at/SCveW)