The Mediator's Studio

Uhuru Kenyatta on using coffee breaks to advance mediation

The fourth President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, shares his unique perspectives on mediation efforts both during his tenure as head of state and within regional peace initiatives, including in Eastern DRC and Ethiopia’s Tigray region. He highlights the challenges posed by frequent changes in mediators and the importance of collaboration to build on prior progress and address root causes. As the son of Kenya’s first president, he reflects on invaluable lessons passed down from his father and on early encounters with various heads of state during his childhood. President Kenyatta also opens up about his passion for politics while candidly discussing the 2007-2008 electoral violence that shook Kenya and his leadership, and the path forward toward lasting peace. We value your opinion! Please take a moment to share your feedback by participating in our 1-minute listener survey. https://0lotay3liy7.typeform.com/to/BszSNdLf

Claire Hajaj on why talking to guys with guns is the only way

Born to a Palestinian father and a Jewish mother, Clare Hajaj grew up with an intimate understanding of how deeply divided narratives can shape lives—and conflicts. Now Executive Director of Inter Mediate, she works behind the scenes to support dialogue in some of the world’s most protracted crises. She explains how each negotiation builds on past failures and shares insights from working with political leaders in Afghanistan and Myanmar. Speaking about her recent work in Haiti, Hajaj explores the growing challenge of mediating in contexts where criminal violence, rather than ideology, holds sway. A novelist as well as a mediator, she draws compelling parallels between storytelling and peacemaking: both seek structure, emotional truth, and the hope of resolution. We value your opinion! Please take a moment to share your feedback by participating in our 1-minute listener survey. https://0lotay3liy7.typeform.com/to/BszSNdLf

Nazih Elnaggary on when to step in and when to hold back

Egyptian diplomat Nazih Elnaggary shares hard-won lessons from a career bridging fault lines across the Middle East—and now between Russia and the West. He recounts brokering compromises among Syrian opposition groups in Cairo during the early years of Syria’s civil war, and mediating political tensions in Lebanon to help form a government. Now Egypt’s Ambassador to Russia, Elnaggary explains how he builds understanding amid sharply divided worldviews to keep dialogue alive. We value your opinion! Please take a moment to share your feedback by participating in our 1-minute listener survey. https://0lotay3liy7.typeform.com/to/BszSNdLf

Kyung-wha Kang on quiet diplomacy

Former South Korean Foreign Minister Kyung-wha Kang reflects on the power of diplomacy in efforts toward peace on the Korean Peninsula. From her early days as a translator for President Kim Dae-jung to leading inter-Korean talks as Foreign Minister, she shares rare insights into moments of breakthrough—and breakdown. She recalls the emotional highs of North and South marching under one flag at the Olympics, the delicate choreography of summit diplomacy, and the deep disappointment after the collapse of US–North Korea talks. She also draws on her years working for the UN on human rights and humanitarian issues in conflict zones. We value your opinion! Please take a moment to share your feedback by participating in our 1-minute listener survey. https://0lotay3liy7.typeform.com/to/BszSNdLf

Hans Grundberg on the one rule in mediation – no lies

UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg pulls back the curtain on high-stakes mediation efforts in Yemen. He takes us inside tense negotiations in a frosty castle near Stockholm, recounts how he juggles the competing interests of international players at the UN Security Council, and explains how he steers through mounting regional crises. Grundberg also underscores the strength of behind-the-scenes teamwork and points to real progress—like the 2022 nationwide truce, the reopening of Sanaa airport, and the release of detainees. He shares candid insights into how he stays resilient and mentally grounded amid the pressure and unpredictability of armed conflict. We’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to share your thoughts in our 1-minute listener survey. https://0lotay3liy7.typeform.com/to/BszSNdLf