For John M. Haynes, our teacher and friend, in memento
»There is this general idea, that conflicts bring forth only winners and losers. In case  one wins, the other is necessarily losing. The mediator helps that the involved parties can acknowledge that there is a possibility (in almost any case) to solve the problem to the satisfaction of both sides, i.e., that both sides can win.« 
John M. Haynes 1998

Mediation
Mediation as a helpful approach to conflict resolution for private and public disputes is spreading rapidly in several areas, including family, social work, education, business, employment and environmental issues. In addition, it spreads more and more in public administration, in social institutions, for environmental projects and in intercultural and political conflicts. 

Mediation and
We become testimony to a paradigm shift from a culture of litigation to a culture of negotiation, affecting professional identities of judges, lawyers, social workers, military, etc. A new consulting profession of mediators, but changes as well as adjustments in laws are evolving. 
This development is an expression of a new social competence of civilians: conflicts should no longer be resolved by power, which often ends in a destructive way, but constructively and future-oriented.
Mediation is both, an efficient method to deal with conflicts and to exercise and take social responsibility and participate in the community; it promotes a treasured democratic attitude.
The latest developments around the world call for the necessity to administer mediation also in the political arena.

Mediation and Democracy
he conference will introduce mediation as a helpful method to utilize a democratic stance: incorporating responsibility and participation of citizens in relevant decision-making processes.

The conference will have 3 main topics:

• Mediation as an important element in democracy
• Political mediation in Austria
• Mediation in international disputes

Field examples will be the process of Vienna Airport Mediation, and Negotiations for minority rights of Native Indians in Mexico and their demand for more autonomy.