Tenets
The values, principles, and methods that guide the Nansen dialogue approach.
The Nansen Dialogue Approach is deeply rooted in a set of values that reflect our ideals as a Human Rights and Peace Center. These are the core beliefs that shape everything we do.
We recognize the inherent dignity, worth, and interconnectedness of all individuals. Recognizing shared humanity also creates moral responsibility towards others.
We are committed to behaviour that reflects the dignity of every person. Respect does not depend on agreement, but on acknowledging others and understanding their perspectives as part of a shared human experience.
We try to understand and appreciate the experiences, feelings and concerns of others, making a conscious effort to see the world from their perspective - without judging, while respecting the integrity of ourselves and of the other person.
We have confidence in the process, and we believe in each person's capacity to make decisions that serve both themselves and their communities. We assume that others act with genuine intentions and in good faith, being aware that trust always comes with a risk.
We affirm that every person is entitled to the same fundamental respect, rights, value and opportunities, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances.
We commit to avoiding harm in all forms - physical, verbal, or psychological, while actively seeking justice and peace through peaceful means. We emphasise compassion, restraint, and responsible actions.
We recognize that every individual has inherent worth and deserves to be treated with respect simply by virtue of being human.
Standards rooted in our ethical foundation, guiding our actions and decisions, and upheld to the best of our ability.
Grounded in self-awareness, respect for and trust in others, recognising them as experts in their own lives. In dialogue, humility means accepting that one's truths are not universal, staying open to others' realities, and listening respectfully without interrupting or giving unsolicited advice.
Expecting dialogue participants to take responsibility for their words and actions, acknowledging their impact, and being accountable for their choices. It involves addressing harm or missteps through questions, while fostering honesty and learning.
Recognising others' humanity and lived truths, expressed through empathetic listening rather than critique or interruption. Ensuring that people feel seen and heard, without necessarily agreeing.
Encouraging participants to speak for themselves, supporting autonomy and clear ownership of their views, enabling them to act, believe in their own abilities, and take initiative. Sometimes beyond their comfort zone.
Actively ensuring that all participants can take part meaningfully, regardless of background, status, language, or confidence. Creating conditions where different voices are welcomed, respected, and given equal space.
Aligning actions with dialogical values, and practising what one preaches. Fostering trust through consistency and self-awareness, and demonstrating that facilitators also remain in a continuous learning process.
Encouraging truthful and authentic expression. Fostering an environment that supports open and undistorted communication, grounded in good faith, and maintaining transparency regarding roles, objectives, and limitations.
Accepting and allowing the presence of differing views, values, and expressions without dismissing or shutting them down. Creating space for disagreement and diversity of thought while maintaining respect and constructive engagement.
Acknowledging that meaningful depth develops over time. Allowing others the space to articulate their thoughts fully, while giving oneself time for reflection and processing. Letting go of a degree of control in service of the dialogue.
Embodying genuine curiosity means accepting that we do not fully know what we assume about others and their experiences. This helps us ask non-leading, dialogical questions and challenge taken-for-granted assumptions.
Meeting both others' worlds and one's own inner world with openness. True openness demands self-reflection and discipline, including the ongoing recognition of when we are not fully open. Openness requires honesty and transparency.
A dialogue facilitator is aware of and tries to follow the principles above as guidelines, realising that you may not be able to cover them all. These methodological guidelines bring the principles to life in practice.
Remain authentic to yourself while staying impartial towards the specific situation. Set aside personal opinions so they do not influence the process. Stand with all participants equally, not by agreeing, but by giving each person the same attention and space.
Through focused attention, patience, and observation. Manage impulses and reactions so they do not influence the dialogue. Resist the urge to intervene prematurely, allow silence, remain present through difficulty, and intervene intentionally with questions that serve the process.
Allow dialogue participants room to be themselves - without pressure, judgment, or interruption - responding with patience, understanding, and kindness, especially when they express something difficult or become emotional.
Be fully present and attentive to participants, their interactions and their concerns. Support the process without directing it. Adapt to what emerges without losing structure or purpose, and gradually step back to let the group take ownership.
Including challenging ones, to help participants go deeper into the roots and layers of what they are saying and feeling. Such questions clarify meaning, deepen reflection, make implicit ideas explicit, and support inclusion.
By being fully present and attentive to both spoken words and underlying meaning. This includes noticing tone, emotion, pauses, and silence while suspending interpretation and remaining aware of how contributions influence the group's process.
Ensure a level of safety that enables participants to share openly. The facilitator's role is to hold the space: remain present, uphold core values and principles, and consistently maintain the set ground rules even when dialogue feels challenging.
Clearly explain your role and objectives. The facilitators are responsible for the process and should use that authority with confidence when needed. Authority requires confidence without arrogance and sturdiness without rigidity.
Intentionally, to convey authority, patience, encouragement, and calm. The absence of speech allows reflection, self-awareness, attentive listening, and time to formulate thoughts before speaking.
Through the topics you decide to delve into and the questions you ask. When appropriate, offer a summary at the end of a public dialogue to create space for diverse experiences and acknowledge each individual's contribution.
Refrain from facilitating topics where you cannot remain multi-partial. Be attentive to your own reactions and emotional triggers that may affect your ability to maintain authority. Continuously monitor your body language.