The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII) will develop strategies to meet the challenges posed by Brexit and escalating conflicts at its annual conference, which began in Louth today.

Internationally renowned Professor Carrie Menkel-Meadow made a morning presentation on “Mediating in a World of Serious Conflicts”.

This afternoon, conflict resolution expert Ashok Panikkar will speak on “Brexit and its implications for the field of Conflict Resolution”.

Sabine Walsh, MII president, said: “In the past year, the world has become a more contentious place with xenophobia and nationalism on the rise. In Ireland industrial relations have deteriorated and the challenges posed by Brexit will lead to more conflict.

“Traditional approaches to dealing these new and emerging challenges are not working. As mediators we are striving to change the yes/no, right/wrong and in/out thinking that has been a feature of both Brexit and the current US election. Mediation provides an alternative and effective approach. We need to change the dispute resolution culture and this weekend we will be setting out to do just that.”

Ms Walsh also welcomed Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald’s announcement that the Mediation Bill will soon be published.

She said the legislation “will promote mediation as a viable, effective and efficient adjunct to court proceedings” and could “divert many family, civil and commercial disputes from our courts”.

The MII conference continues this afternoon and tomorrow.