inspiring multilateral dialogue
MANARA is a non-profit association established in Geneva in 2022. We aim to strengthen civil society activism with regard to universal human rights and international law. By facilitating discussion and exchange, MANARA features research and promotes initiatives to inspire the future of multilateral dialogue.
Promoting multilateral dialogue as a strategic anchor point for civil society engagement, MANARA provides research and analysis and it organizes interdisciplinary events and discussions.
MANARA addresses a general public in Geneva and beyond and invites civil society actors from different countries to reflect on questions of multilateral dialogue in general and upon initiatives from international Geneva in particular.
As MANARA facilitates exchange between experts and an interested public, we hope to provide space for encounter and to revive notions of public sphere and interest.
The word Manara is Arabic and it means lighthouse in English. Lighthouses provide orientation and help with navigation. Linking sea and land, they evoke connotations of territory and influence, of trade and the exchange of cultures and knowledge, of encounters and story-telling. Today, as the Mediterranean has turned into a mass grave, lighthouses are also a shining reminder that humanity could do much better.
Witnessing human rights violations and the disregard for UN resolutions in and around Jerusalem; researching on “humanitarian government” in the Syrian context; living in Greater Geneva through the Corona pandemic while wondering about notions of public sphere and the inspiration which might stem from active connections between on-the-ground engagement and international policy making…
All of which raised questions on the connection between the different struggles, the importance of international solidarity and a rights-based framework as shared a reference point. MANARA therefore sheds light on the link between civil society initiatives and international law and human rights through its platform, events and networks. Keep an eye on our blog for more.
Participate in our events and discussions and invite others to join!
Support us with a donation, or through your information and contacts!
Donations are most welcome via:
MANARA
IBAN: CH34 0900 0000 1608 8024 2
BIC: POFICHBEXX
Public utility is recognised by the cantonal tax administration; donations are tax deductible.
Subscribe to the Newsletter!
Contact us and support our activities!
Susanne Schmelter
Founder and Director
Susanne holds a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Göttingen and a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Marburg. Following stays in Jerusalem in 2005 and 2006, she began learning Arabic, after which she lived and conducted research in Damascus (2009–10) and in Beirut (2013–2019). Her areas of expertise include policy analysis, migration research and border regimes, humanitarianism, and civil society activism.
David Kretonic
Co-Founder and Manager
A lighting designer and photographer by profession, David is firmly rooted in Geneva’s cultural and theatrical landscape. His work has led him to travel and facilitate artistic exchanges in countries such as Brazil, India, Russia, and Lebanon. Bringing his experience to MANARA, David notably oversees the website’s compatibility and the association’s visual presentation.
inspiring multilateral dialogue
MANARA is a non-profit association established in Geneva in 2022. We aim to strengthen civil society activism with regard to universal human rights and international law. By facilitating discussion and exchange, MANARA features research and promotes initiatives to inspire the future of multilateral dialogue.
Promoting multilateral dialogue as a strategic anchor point for civil society engagement, MANARA provides research and analysis and it organizes interdisciplinary events and discussions.
MANARA addresses a general public in Geneva and beyond and invites civil society actors from different countries to reflect on questions of multilateral dialogue in general and upon initiatives from international Geneva in particular.
As MANARA facilitates exchange between experts and an interested public, we hope to provide space for encounter and to revive notions of public sphere and interest.
The word Manara is Arabic and it means lighthouse in English. Lighthouses provide orientation and help with navigation. Linking sea and land, they evoke connotations of territory and influence, of trade and the exchange of cultures and knowledge, of encounters and story-telling. Today, as the Mediterranean has turned into a mass grave, lighthouses are also a shining reminder that humanity could do much better.
Witnessing human rights violations and the disregard for UN resolutions in and around Jerusalem; researching on “humanitarian government” in the Syrian context; living in Greater Geneva through the Corona pandemic while wondering about notions of public sphere and the inspiration which might stem from active connections between on-the-ground engagement and international policy making…
All of which raised questions on the connection between the different struggles, the importance of international solidarity and a rights-based framework as shared a reference point. MANARA therefore sheds light on the link between civil society initiatives and international law and human rights through its platform, events and networks. Keep an eye on our blog for more.
Participate in our events and discussions and invite others to join!
Support us with a donation, or through your information and contacts!
Donations are most welcome via:
MANARA
IBAN: CH34 0900 0000 1608 8024 2
BIC: POFICHBEXX
Public utility is recognised by the cantonal tax administration; donations are tax deductible.
Subscribe to the Newsletter!
Contact us and support our activities!
Susanne Schmelter
Founder and Director
Susanne holds a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Göttingen and a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Marburg. Following stays in Jerusalem in 2005 and 2006, she began learning Arabic, after which she lived and conducted research in Damascus (2009–10) and in Beirut (2013–2019). Her areas of expertise include policy analysis, migration research and border regimes, humanitarianism, and civil society activism.
David Kretonic
Co-Founder and Manager
A lighting designer and photographer by profession, David is firmly rooted in Geneva’s cultural and theatrical landscape. His work has led him to travel and facilitate artistic exchanges in countries such as Brazil, India, Russia, and Lebanon. Bringing his experience to MANARA, David notably oversees the website’s compatibility and the association’s visual presentation.