How the University of Aberdeen should respond to international conflict was the subject of in-depth debate at a groundbreaking event on campus last week.
A University Assembly was held on Friday, 14 February which saw more than 30 delegates, comprising both students and staff, discuss possible University responses to international conflict.
The Assembly, held at King’s Pavillion, was announced last year following discussions in Senate around conflict issues and the encampment on Elphinstone Lawn to seek input and guidance from students and staff on this challenging issue facing the University and our community.
During the half-day event, which was hosted by Professor Jo-Anne Murray, Vice-Principal (Education), delegates heard from speakers Claire Hajaj, a specialist in conflict and post-conflict dynamics, and Professor Paul Gready, Co-Director of the Centre for Applied Human Rights (CAHR) at the University of York.
Dr Rebekah Widdowfield, Vice-Principal for People & Diversity at the University of St Andrews, facilitated a broad-ranging discussion for delegates in the final session.
Professor Jo-Anne Murray commented: “The University Assembly was a very special and positive event which allowed students and staff to express their views on how we can respond to international conflicts and what we can do to address them at a local level.
“The delegates participated in a constructive way to discuss a very challenging and sensitive topic, sometimes with opposing views but always with the aim of finding common ground and it was pleasing to see the emergence of actions the University can take forward.”
A report summarising the outcomes of the Assembly, and proposed next steps, will be published shortly, with a review on progress in a year’s time.
The Assembly format originated in Ireland as a form of participative democracy to provide real insights into complex issues. The model has also been applied, including at Aberdeen, in the form of Climate Assemblies. Professor David Farrell, University College Dublin, provided expert guidance in designing the event based on his experience of delivering and researching the Irish Citizens’ Assembly model. Although he was unable to attend the event, he provided valuable advice to delegates on creating a ‘safe space’ within which views can be shared via a recorded video message.
Nick Edwards, Assembly Co-Lead, Deputy Director of People, said: “International conflicts affect all of us in many ways and social media brings it into our homes in a way that was not possible before.
“The Assembly format encourages all participants to express their views and help to shape the University’s response. For me, the strength of this approach is allowing members of our community to directly engage in discussions on these important topics, and I hope it is an approach we can refine and use again in the future.”
A key part of the Assembly was the involvement of students in the design, delivery and support of the event over several months.
Christina Schmid, Student President, Aberdeen University Students’ Association, said: “The Assembly was an important event, and it was encouraging to see students at the heart of its planning and delivery. We’ve always believed it’s crucial that students' voices are not just heard but genuinely respected and valued in these discussions—not just as a token gesture.
“We’re pleased that the University is taking this approach and is open to collaboration, allowing for a lively and meaningful discussion. This event and the next steps will give everyone the opportunity to share their views and have a direct influence on the University’s response to international conflicts.”