Rethinking Spaces for Dialogue
A Symposium at the Oslo Opera House
On May 14, 2025, the Oslo Opera House became a stage for global voices rethinking how space can empower dialogue, dignity, and peace. Snøhetta and Norad hosted a symposium as part of the UN Women, Peace, and Security Focal Point Network – marking the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325.
From architects and diplomats to artists and activists, each speaker shared powerful perspectives on how the design of our shared spaces can foster inclusion and resilience.
Speakers and contributors included:
- Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, Architect and Co-founder of Snøhetta, Norway
- Ilwad Elman, Peacebuilder and Director of Programs & Development, Elman Peace, Somalia
- Kjersti Fløgstad, Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center, former Secretary General of UNICEF, Norway
- Daniel Proietto, Dancer, Actor, Choreographer, Know Nation
- Thania Paffenholz, Founder of Inclusive Peace, researcher, mediator, and thought leader for inclusive dialogue, Switzerland / Kenya
- Chandra Roy – Indigenous lawyer from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, specializing in the rights of indigenous peoples, with experience working at the United Nations
Watch the recorded symposium here:
