Webinar “Collaborative Problem Solving for a Post-War Future”

How can we talk about difficult issues without losing connection? How do we start dialogue when there is trauma, mistrust, or polarized positions between the sides? And is it possible to build a shared future when each person carries their own pain and truth?

These questions were at the heart of the webinar “Collaborative Problem Solving for a Post-War Future” — an event about dialogue, trust, and the power of shared understanding.

The webinar was organized by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation in partnership with Edwards Mediation Academy (USA) and the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution (USA). It brought together international facilitators, Ukrainian mediators, and all those committed to finding points of understanding in times of profound societal challenges.

Speakers from Convergence — Mariah Levinson and Gabriel Herrera — presented their organization’s Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach, which has helped resolve deep-rooted social conflicts in the United States for many years. This method allows people with very different perspectives, identities, and interests to build trust, frame issues jointly, and develop solutions where no one feels like a loser or an outsider.

At the core of the webinar was the practice of connecting questions — simple yet powerful prompts that ease tension, spark empathy, and help participants shift from “positions” to “values.” This is not just a communication technique — it’s a way of seeing the person behind the opinion, of listening rather than convincing, of building instead of debating.

These questions help people in conflict see each other as human beings again. When logic no longer works, it’s these kinds of questions that open the door to real dialogue. Instead of debate — a circle of dialogue. Instead of arguments — openness.

Ukrainian mediator Anna Lisko shared a powerful local example — a community conflict surrounding a memorial complex. The topic was emotionally charged, with polarized positions. But through dialogue, time, trust — and connecting questions — it became possible to create a space where people not only heard, but truly listened to one another.

This example confirmed once again: the CPS approach is not only relevant in Ukraine’s context — it is essential, both during the war and in the process of rebuilding.

For anyone working with conflict, or simply wanting to better understand how to listen to truly hear and speak in ways that build — not break — we’ve gathered a selection of useful resources from the speakers:

•  What the CPS process looks like — a webinar presentation with a visual explanation of the key stages.
• Connecting questions: what they are and how to use them — a practical tool to foster trust and dialogue.
• How CPS works: approach, steps, and guidance — a concise but rich summary of the core principles and methodology.

 You can also watch the full webinar recording:

The event was organized and conducted by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation with the financial support of the European Union within the framework of the “CONSENT” Project.