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, international law and non-violent conflict regulation. 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;
– organizes interdisciplinary events and discussions;
– proposes interactive workshops for non-violent conflict transformation.
MANARA addresses a general public in Geneva and beyond, inviting 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 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 shared reference points. MANARA therefore explores the link between local and international engagement through its platform, events and networks. Keep an eye on our blog for more.
You can support MANARA by:
>> Participating in our events and discussions and inviting your friends or colleagues to join;
>> Helping us to build our blog page by sending useful information, articles, events;
>> Contributing to our growing network by sharing on social media, by word of mouth etc.
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.
To stay in touch with our activities and news, subscribe to our Newsletter.
To get in touch with us, contact info@manara-geneva.org.
Susanne Schmelter
Founder and DirectorSusanne holds a Dr.phil. in Cultural Anthropology from Göttingen University and a Master in Peace and Conflict Studies from Marburg University, Germany. Starting off with Arabic language classes in Jerusalem in 2006, she later conducted extensive research whilst living in Damascus and Beirut. Her areas of expertise include multi-level policy analysis, critical migration and border regime studies, humanitarianism and civil society activism. Consulting for various NGOs in the peace-building sector she has a focus on strategy development and knowledge management.
David Kretonic
Co-Founder and ManagerLight designer and photographer by profession, David is well anchored in Geneva’s cultural and theatre scene. This work has entailed extensive traveling and artistic exchanges with countries such as Brazil, India, Russia and Lebanon. David co-founded MANARA and he manages among other aspects the association’s accountancy and its website.
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, international law and non-violent conflict regulation. 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;
– organizes interdisciplinary events and discussions;
– proposes interactive workshops for non-violent conflict transformation.
MANARA addresses a general public in Geneva and beyond, inviting 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 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 shared reference points. MANARA therefore explores the link between local and international engagement through its platform, events and networks. Keep an eye on our blog for more.
You can support MANARA by:
>> Participating in our events and discussions and inviting your friends or colleagues to join;
>> Helping us to build our blog page by sending useful information, articles, events;
>> Contributing to our growing network by sharing on social media, by word of mouth etc.
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.
To stay in touch with our activities and news, subscribe to our Newsletter.
To get in touch with us, contact info@manara-geneva.org.
Susanne Schmelter
Founder and DirectorSusanne holds a Dr.phil. in Cultural Anthropology from Göttingen University and a Master in Peace and Conflict Studies from Marburg University, Germany. Starting off with Arabic language classes in Jerusalem in 2006, she later conducted extensive research whilst living in Damascus and Beirut. Her areas of expertise include multi-level policy analysis, critical migration and border regime studies, humanitarianism and civil society activism. Consulting for various NGOs in the peace-building sector she has a focus on strategy development and knowledge management.
David Kretonic
Co-Founder and ManagerLight designer and photographer by profession, David is well anchored in Geneva’s cultural and theatre scene. This work has entailed extensive traveling and artistic exchanges with countries such as Brazil, India, Russia and Lebanon. David co-founded MANARA and he manages among other aspects the association’s accountancy and its website.