Dr. Laura Villanueva

• 2020 Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia. Dissertation title : Local to Global Peace: Japanese Civilians Actively Working for Peace  
• 2005 MS. Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia.
• 1997  BA.  Bachelor of Art in International Relations. Department of International Affairs. Lewis & Clark College. Portland, Oregon. Working Group: Zones of Peace

• Sustainable development and peacebuilding
• Satoyama studies and peacebuilding
• Integrative power in peacebuilding frameworks and practice
• Local as a global catalyst for transnational peacebuilding networks
• Harmony-building in human networks and post-conflict reconciliation

• English (native)
• Spanish (native)
• French (limited working proficiency)
• Japanese (limited working proficiency)

• August 2024: Summer School: Ecosystems of History, Memory, and Reconciliation

Role: Course Director & Lecturer
Description: Co-organized by Satoyama for Peace: Ecosystems for Peace and Reconciliation (S4P:EPR) and the Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies (JCRS), this summer program was designed for young scholars and professors from Waseda University. The course explored historical narratives, memory practices, and reconciliation processes through a transdisciplinary approach.

• July 2024: Religious Freedom and Reconciliation Diploma

Role: Course Director & Lecturer
Description: The Government of Antioquia commissioned the Satoyama for Peace: Ecosystems for Peace and Reconciliation (S4P:EPR) to design and implement a nine-month diploma program (2023–2024) serving Colombian religious leaders. In collaboration with the Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies (JCRS), the program was successfully concluded on July 4, 2024.

• 2018: Territorial Peacebuilding Academic Practicum

Role: Course Director & Lecturer
Description: Designed, developed, and led an academic practicum integrating virtual coursework with field-based experiential learning. Conducted through Asociación Tejiendo Territorio para la Paz (Tejipaz) and Club Deportivo Santa Ana in the Municipality of Granada, Antioquia, Colombia, this program provided students from the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice with structured academic instruction and hands-on experience in community-driven peacebuilding.

• 2008–Present: Experiential Peacebuilding Education

Role: Educator & Program Developer
Description: Developing and teaching experiential learning programs for diverse human networks, including both peaceful and conflict-affected communities. The pedagogy is rooted in harmony-building practices and participatory education.

• September 2024: Invited Participant – "Imaginer la Paix" International Meeting for Peace

Description: Invited to participate in the "Imaginer la Paix" International Meeting for Peace, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Paris, held from September 22 to 24, 2024, in Paris, France. Cathedral, symbolizing hope and resilience.

• July 2024: Adoption of the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation

On July 4, 2024, Colombia’s first Religious Ecosystem for Peace and Reconciliation (RE4PR) achieved a historic milestone with the adoption of the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Latin America. This marked the first official endorsement of the document on the continent, reinforcing a commitment to religious freedom, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. The signing took place at the conclusion of the online diploma program, "Religious Freedom as a Human Right and the Role of Religion in Reconciliation Processes," highlighting the growing recognition of religion’s role in fostering social healing and coexistence.

• July 2024: Graduation of the Religious Ecosystems for Peace and Reconciliation (RE4PR)

Historic Milestone: The world’s first cohort in Religious Ecosystems for Peace and Reconciliation (RE4PR) graduated, marking a milestone in the field of religious peacebuilding. This pioneering model, developed by Satoyama for Peace: Ecosystems for Peace and Reconciliation (S4P:EPR), evolved from a diploma course for Colombian religious leaders into a global initiative. Commissioned to S4P:EPR by the Government of Antioquia and implemented in collaeboration with the Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies (JCRS), the nine-month program (2023–2024) graduated over 100 participants, setting a new standard for religious ecosystems in peace and reconciliation.

• June 2024: Panelist & Co-Organizer – 2nd International Summit on Nonviolence Caicedo

Description:  Satoyama for Peace: Ecosystems for Peace and Reconciliation (S4P:EPR) co-organized the 2nd International Summit on Nonviolence in collaboration with the civil society of Caicedo, Colombia, with support from the Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies (JCRS). A virtual hub at Dublin City University further amplified the summit’s reach. As a panelist, I represented S4P:EPR at this landmark event on June 11, 2024. The summit celebrated Caicedo’s 21-year journey as Colombia’s first nonviolent municipality, fostering global dialogue on the transformative power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and nonviolence. National and international peacemakers convened to exchange insights and strategies, strengthening the movement for sustainable peace.

• May 2024: Invited representative – May for Life Commemoration in Caicedo (Colombia)

Description: Participated  in the Day of Life Commemoration in Caicedo, Antioquia, in May 2023. This event honored the legacy of Guillermo Gaviria Correa, former governor of Antioquia, and his peace advisor, Gilberto Echeverri Mejía. May includes a commemoration with  academic, artistic and citizen mobilization activities in favor of the right to life in all its manifestations and, especially, the value of nonviolence as a way of life and a practical method to transform everyday conflicts.

• April 2024: Keynote Speaker – Closing Keynote at CALAS (Mexico)

Description: Delivered the keynote address, "Identidades y Ecosistemas – Reflexiones sobre identidades en tensión: crisis económica, violencia y paz en América Latina," at  the Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies (CALAS) in Guadalajara. The lecture explored the interplay between economic crises, violence, and peace in Latin America, examining shifting identities within these contexts. The event brought together scholars and practitioners to discuss regional transformations and reconciliation efforts.

• February 2024: Presenter –  Doshisha University (Kyoto, Japan)

Description: Delivered a presentation on the development of "Satoyama for Peace: Ecosystems for Peace and Reconciliation (S4P: EPR)" at Doshisha University. The session focused on S4P: EPR’s innovative approach to fostering peace and reconciliation through ecological and human-nature harmony, highlighting collaborative efforts, real-world case studies, and the role of ecosystems in social healing.

• August 2023: Keynote Speaker – 4th Annual IARS World Conference  (Kibuye, Rwanda)

Description: Delivered a keynote address titled "The Hölderlin Model for Holistic Reconciliation in War and Peace" alongside Professor Martin Leiner at the 4th Annual IARS World Conference on Reconciliation. The conference, held from August   1–5, 2023, in Kibuye, Rwanda, gathered approximately 80 participants to discuss innovative approaches to reconciliation.

• June 2023: Presenter – Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies (JCRS) 10-Year Anniversary.

Description: As the founder and director of Satoyama for Peace: Ecosystems for Peace and Reconciliation (S4P:EPR), I delivered a launch  presentation on the Fifth Pillar of JCRS, expanding the center’s framework by highlighting the critical role of ecosystems in long-term reconciliation processes. As part of this milestone event, I also signed the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation alongside representatives from all JCRS pillars, reinforcing a collective commitment to advancing global peace and reconciliation.

• May 2023: Signing of Memorandum of Understanding for Memory and Reconciliation – Antioquia, Colombia

Description: Spearheaded this groundbreaking partnership, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)between the Government of Antioquia, the Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies (JCRS), and Satoyama for Peace: Ecosystems for Peace and Reconciliation (S4P: EPR) at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany. This academia-government ecosystem collaboration is designed to strengthen memory and reconciliation processes in Antioquia’s communities over the next three years. It plays a pivotal role in advancing the third axis of the Public Policy of Peace, Nonviolence, and. Reconciliation: Protection, Justice, Memory, and Reconstruction of the Social Fabric.

• May 2023: Panelist – International Summit for Nonviolence Caicedo 2023  (Colombia)

Description: Invited by the Government of Antioquia, participated as a panelist at the International Summit for Nonviolence in Caicedo, Colombia—the country’s first officially recognized nonviolent municipality. Engaged in high-level discussions with global leaders, exploring strategies to advance nonviolence, reconciliation, and conflict transformation in affected regions.

• May 2023: Judge – Prize for Peace, Nonviolence, and Reconciliation (Colombia)

Served as one of five judges for the Premio Guillermo Gaviria y Gilberto Echeverri a la Paz, la Noviolencia y la Reconciliación, representing the Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies (JCRS). Assessed nominees' contributions to peacebuilding and nonviolent conflict resolution, culminating in the award presentation at the International Summit for Nonviolence in May 2023.

• August 2022: Research Presentation – International Association for Reconciliation Studies (IARS) Conference. Washington, D.C.

Presented research on "Women as Reconciliation Actors: Umm Salamah’s Consultation as a Pivotal Event in Early Islamic Reconciliation Processes." The study explored Umm Salamah’s role as a key reconciliation figure, emphasizing her contributions to early Islamic peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

• October 2019: Panelist. Transforming Lives (Framework of PaZiempre). (Colombia)

Participated in a discussion on creative processes for reconciliation and capacity-building in Bogotá's prioritized peace strategy territories. Hosted by the High Council for the Rights of Victims, Peace, and Reconciliation, Mayor’s Office of Bogotá.

• June 2018: Panelist. International Encounter of Collective Reparation Experiences. (Colombia)

Plenary session: "(Collective) Reparation as a Scenario for the Construction of Peace." Brought together survivors, international organizations, and government representatives to discuss peacebuilding through reparative justice. Hosted by the Unit for the Victims Assistance and Reparation (UARIV).   

• November 2018: Joint Presentation. "About the Troubles and Joys of Co-Authorship: A Collaborative Reflection from Peace and Conflict Writers." 

Shared experiences as the first InnPeace Fellows, reflecting on co-authoring a chapter in Local Peace Communities: Facing a National Peace. Hosted by InnPeace – Research Center for Peace and Conflict, University of Innsbruck.

• December 2017: Invited Lecturer. Capital Cities Meeting

Lecture on the Colombian Peace Agreement from a comparative perspective, fostering an exchange of good practices for peacebuilding. Hosted by the Ministry of the Interior of Colombia and the Internal Articulation Group for the Policy of the Victims of the Armed Conflict (GAPV).

• November 2017: Invited Lecturer & Trainer. "Women, Peacebuilding, and the Moral Imagination." 

Provided training for women victims of armed conflict engaged in peace initiatives. Hosted by the Women’s Secretariat, Mayor’s Office of Medellín, and UARIV.

• November 2017: Invited Lecturer. "Civil Society in Peacebuilding and Women as Agents of Change." 

Delivered a lecture for public officials. Hosted by the Secretariat of Social Inclusion, Family, and Human Rights, Mayor’s Office of Medellín.

• September 2017: Representative & Founding Member – Kroc School’s International Day of Peace

Represented Tejipaz  and led efforts to introduce Tejipaz’s campesino-grown coffee by showcasing the link between economic empowerment and peacebuilding. Crafted the motto "Shaping a Better World One Cup of Coffee at a Time," reflecting Tejipaz’s commitment to sustainable peace in  Colombia. The event highlighted the power of collaborative action in advancing reconciliation, dignity, and social transformation.

• May 2017: Presenter. California Consensus on Peace through Technology (CalCon). 

Presented Satoyama for Life APP, a digital initiative fostering a Middle East–Japanese human network, designed for sustainability and replication in other people-to-people programs. Hosted by the USD Kroc School of Peace Studies.

• February 2015: Invited Participant – Practitioner’s Retreat on Religion and Conflict Transformation

Participated in an advanced retreat focused on "Improving Practice through Intervision and Arts-Based Approaches," bringing together practitioners engaged in conflicts with religious dimensions. Hosted by the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the retreat fostered interdisciplinary dialogue on innovative peacebuilding methodologies.

• November 2012: Presenter – Institut d'Études Politiques de Lille (Sciences Po Lille)

Presented Satoyama for Peace as a practice-based peacebuilding model and its ongoing development at the conference "Redefining Peace: Many Ways to Speak About Peace." Hosted by the Master’s program in European and International Careers – Conflicts and Development, Sciences Po Lille.

• October 2012: Invited Participant – New Challenges for Catholic Peacebuilding Conference

Invited to join Catholic leaders from some of the world’s most conflict-affected regions to explore new approaches to peacebuilding. The conference, hosted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in Rome, facilitated high-level discussions on the evolving role of the Church in conflict resolution and reconciliation.

• October 2012: Workshop Co-Designer & Facilitator. "Inter-Gender Ministry: A Path to Peacebuilding and Collaboration." 

Co-developed and co-led a three-day workshop for religious missionaries on interfaith peacebuilding. Hosted by the JPIC Commission USG/UISG, Rome.

• April 2012: April – Facilitator. Seminario Arcivescovile, Fermo, Italy

Designed and led a three-day program to enhance communication and collaboration between newly arrived African refugees and the local seminary community—the first initiative of its kind in Italy. Hosted by the Seminario Arcivescovile, Fermo.

• Villanueva, Laura. Local to Global Peace: Japanese civilians actively working for peace. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation; George Mason University, 2020.
• Villanueva, Laura., et al.,‘Rural Human Networks in Granada: The Challenges of Sustaining Peace Infrastructures in a Post-Agreement Phase’ Susan Allen, Landon Hancock, Christopher Mitchell and Cecile Mouly [eds.] Confronting Peace: Local Peace Communities and Post- Agreement Problems. [Basingstoke & New York; Palgrave/Macmillan; 2020] Manuscript submitted for publication.  
• Villanueva, Laura. “Harmony-Building in Japan and Its Implications for Mediation : Harmony-Building in Japan and Its Implications for Mediation.” Perspektive Mediation 16, no. 4 (2019): 221–26. https://doi.org/10.33196/pm201904022101External link.
• Villanueva, Laura, ‘Harnessing legitimacy through networks Civilian-led, closed virtual communities as a new type of zone of peace,’ Hancock, L., & Mitchell, C. (eds) (2018). Local peacebuilding and legitimacy: interactions between national and local levels. London, [England]; Routledge.
• Villanueva, L. (2015, March). Reflections on Practice Through Intervision and Arts-Based Approaches.  S-CAR News. 9(2). Retrieved from https://activity.scar.gmu.edu/newsletter-article/reflections-practice-through-intervision-and-arts-based-approachesExternal link
• Villanueva, L. (2015, October). Reconciliation from the Bottom Up: Experiences from San Carlos and Granada. S-CAR News. 10(2). Retrieved from https://activity.scar.gmu.edu/newsletter-article/reconciliation-bottom-experiences-san-carlos-and-granada

• Executive Director (2014–2020), Center for Peacemaking Practice, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University, USA.
• Founding Member & Advisor, Territorial Peace (2016–2023), Tejiendo Territorio para la Paz (Tejipaz), Colombia.
• Co-founder & Peace Adviser for the Daret Salam Peace Office (2017–Present),  (Peace Circuit), Syria.
• Peace Adviser (2017–Present), Asociación de Víctimas Unidas del Municipio de Granada (Asovida), Colombia.
• Peacebuilding Practitioner (2007–Present), Peace Field Japan (PFJ), Tokyo, Japan.
• Peacebuilding Practitioner (2007–Present), Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project (KEEP), Japan.
• Dialogue Center Staff (2007–2009), Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project (KEEP), Japan.
• Project Management & Research (2004–2005), Gernika Gogoratuz Peace Research Centre, Spain.

Dean’s Fellow for Practice 2014 – 2018

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia.       

S-CAR Advisory Board 2018-2019 Scholarship Recipient

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia. This scholarship recognizes excellence in leadership, research, publications, and service