Geneva, 17 September 2025 – The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), together with the Peace and Reconciliation Network (PRN), Musalaha, Healing Hearts Transforming Nations (HHTN), ONE Coaching & Conflict Management, and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), will host an interactive workshop entitled “Reclaiming Identity: A Pivotal Stage in Continued Reconciliation for Fractured Communities” at the upcoming Geneva Peace Week 2025.
The workshop will take place on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, from 15:00 to 16:30 (Room C3 (pétale 5), Conference Center, Maison de la Paix).
At the heart of reconciliation lies the question of identity: how individuals and communities understand themselves after experiencing deep injustice, violence, or displacement. This session explores Reclaiming Identity as a decisive stage in the reconciliation journey—when fractured communities either move toward healing with renewed narratives or risk reverting to entrenched division.
Participants will be introduced to tested reconciliation methodologies, including:
- Musalaha’s Six-Stage Reconciliation Model, developed over 35 years in Israel and Palestine.
- Healing Hearts Transforming Nations (HHTN)’s Identificational Confession process, a powerful tool for rebuilding identity in post-genocide Rwanda.
- Real-world case studies from Manipur (India), South Africa, and Israel/Palestine.
The interactive format combines expert presentations, participatory group work, and facilitated discussions, equipping participants with practical strategies to apply in their own contexts.
Speakers and Facilitators:
- Dr. Salim Munayer is the founder and Senior Consultant of Musalaha: A Vision of Reconciliation, an organization established in 1990 to promote reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Born in Lod, Israel, he is a Palestinian-Israeli. He holds a B.A. in History and Geography from Tel Aviv University, an M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary, and has pursued graduate studies in New Testament at Pepperdine University. He earned his Ph.D. from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (UK), where his dissertation examined “The Ethnic Identity of Palestinian Arab Christian Adolescents in Israel.”
From 1989 to 2008, he served as Academic Dean at Bethlehem Bible College, where he continues to lecture. He is also an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Additionally, Dr. Munayer serves as Regional Coordinator for the Peace and Reconciliation Network (PRN) in the Middle East and North Africa (NENA) region under the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA). Dr. Munayer has written multiple published books on reconciliation, with his most recent work “Reconciling Justice: Concepts of Justice in the Multireligious Context of Palestine/Israel”, was published in 2024.
- Bethany Serengheu is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus, specializing in Conflict Transformation, Community Development, and Organizational Health. She has lived and served in 10 countries across 3 continents, driven by a passion to see the global Church embrace reconciliation and peace.
Bethany has directed NGO humanitarian efforts focused on community-driven development and multi-level conflict transformation. As Founder of ONE Coaching & Conflict Management, she is a Certified Coach with extensive experience supporting diverse organizations—from grassroots groups to international ministries and UNHCR partners. Her academic background includes Biblical Studies, Communications, and an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies from Conrad Grebel University College. - Anke Hiestermann is a South African leader in rural community development, reconciliation, and prayer ministry. She serves as Director of Asibambisane, focusing on education and dignity-based initiatives in underserved communities, and as Director of Victorious Women in Christ, which supports rural schools impacted by gender-based violence and inequality.
Anke leads the Esther Prayer Group, a diverse interdenominational network of women committed to reconciliation in post-Apartheid South Africa. She also serves as Prayer Coordinator for the Peace and Reconciliation Network Africa, mobilizing prayer and engagement across the continent. She is based in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
- Mr. Semkhothong Haokip (via pre-recorded video) is a social worker, peacebuilder, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in community development and Christian education. He began his career in 1996 with EFICOR, later contributing to health and microfinance initiatives with PFI and AIAMED. In 2004, he co-founded the Society for Promotion of Tribal Welfare and Development (SPTWD), which established schools promoting peace and reconciliation among marginalized communities. From 2016 to 2021, Sem led Edify’s India team, supporting over 186 schools in Manipur with leadership training and Christian values. After Edify’s exit, he co-founded Sawm-Inn Education and Agritech to continue serving Christian schools and families.
Despite the destruction of 49 partner schools during the Meitei–Kuki conflict in 2023, Sem remains committed to healing divided communities through education. He holds degrees in Psychology, Social Work, and Population Studies, with additional training from the United Nations University in Tokyo. Currently, Sem serves as Planning Committee Chairman of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM). - Rev. Dr. Joseph Nyamutera (via pre-recorded video) is a Rwandan pastor, peacebuilder, and reconciliation leader with over 20 years of experience across Africa and beyond. He is the Founder and Chairman of Rabagirana Ministries, a Kigali-based organization known for advancing reconciliation, servant leadership, and community development. His healing journey led him to the Healing Hearts Transforming Nations (HHTN) initiative, now active in over 40 countries. Joseph has trained peacebuilders globally, facilitated reconciliation in schools, churches, and communities, and contributed to restorative justice efforts like Rwanda’s Gacaca courts.
He holds degrees in Theology and Organizational Leadership, and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity. Joseph also serves as Team Leader of HHTN Global and Global Coordinator for the Migration and Diaspora Network of the World Evangelical Alliance, engaging diaspora communities in peace and reconciliation.
Expected outcomes:
- A deeper understanding of the role of identity in reconciliation.
- Insights from proven methodologies in diverse conflict contexts.
- Practical approaches for facilitating identity reclamation in participants’ own communities.
The workshop aligns with the spirit of Geneva Peace Week 2025 (13–17 October), which convenes peacebuilders, policymakers, academics, and civil society actors under the theme of advancing practical solutions for peace in fragile and fractured contexts.
For more information, visit: https://www.genevapeaceweek.ch
To register for the Geneva Peace Week 2025, visit: https://www.genevapeaceweek.ch/en/register-1
Media Contact:
Bethany Serengheu
Founder, ONE Coaching & Conflict Management; Regional Coordinator, WEA PRN (Europe)
Email: [email protected]