Jerusalem Center for Women

A Practical Experience Highlighting the Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution On Thursday, 30 October 2025, ACT for Conflict Resolution organized a mock mediation session in cooperation with the Legal Clinic at An-Najah National University, with support of the Sawasya III Joint Programme through UNDP PAPP, The session addressed a labor dispute between two parties and concluded with an amicable agreement, reflecting the essence of mediation as a tool based on dialogue, negotiation, and mutual interests. The session was attended by Mr. Mohammad Hadiyeh, Chairman of ACT’s Board of Directors, alongside the Legal Clinic team and a group of law students. This practical exercise came as a continuation of an earlier training process, as members of the Legal Clinic had received a specialized three-day training on the basics of mediation one month earlier, initiated by ACT as part of its community contribution to promoting the culture of mediation. Through this training, participants received hands-on skills in mediation, conflict management, and peaceful dispute resolution. The mock session offered students an opportunity to engage in a realistic simulation outside the traditional theoretical framework, enabling them to experience the role of the mediator, understand the stages and procedures of mediation, and practice managing effective dialogue between disputing parties. Students expressed great interest in the experience. One participant said: “This was our first participation in a practical mediation session, and we were surprised by how this method can reach fair solutions in a short time and away from judicial complications.” Another student added: “Today’s experience helped us realize the importance of mediation and the need to spread its culture in society, especially in labor disputes that may take years in court.” Several participants also emphasized their desire to join advanced mediation programs in the future, noting that the experience boosted their confidence in applying legal skills in a practical, real-world context. This session is part of a wider series of initiatives through which ACT seeks to promote the culture of mediation in Palestine and empower the younger generation with advanced tools to resolve conflicts fairly and constructively—contributing to a society grounded in dialogue and peaceful solutions.