How Listening Shapes Peacemaking and Global Communication: A Conversation with the Nobel Peace Center

Listening is a fundamental tool for learning from one another and fostering a more inclusive and harmonious world. By truly hearing and understanding others, we lay the groundwork for effective communication and peacemaking. When we actively listen, we validate others’ experiences and perspectives, which builds trust and empathy. This creates an environment where differences can be explored constructively rather than defensively.

For insights on how to hone our peacemaking abilities, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center, Kjersti Fløgstad.

Kjersti shares the inspiration behind the “Power of Dialogue Project” and the book that was born from it, Those Who Listen, Change the World. Kjersti also offers timely tips on how to convert discourse into dialogue.

Original Air Date Wednesday, July 02, 2025

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Meet Our Guest:

How Listening Shapes Peacemaking and Global Communication A Conversation with the Nobel Peace Center

Kjersti Fløgstad is the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, where she focuses on using the Nobel Peace Prize to inspire peace through dialogue, a principle central to many laureates’ work. With a background spanning NGOs and business, Fløgstad was Secretary General of UNICEF Norway (2000-2011) and chair of Care Norway’s board. She later worked as a business consultant specializing in sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility before joining the Nobel Peace Center in 2020, following a role at DNB, Norway’s largest bank.

The Nobel Peace Center published a small book of significant importance, entitled Those Who Listen, Change the World, about the power of dialogue.

Kjersti Fløgstad — Peacemaking Through Listening:

The history of the Nobel Peace Center. {2:49}
Those Who Listen, Change the World includes 8 simple, yet challenging principles. {6:09}
Listening builds trust in relationships when we disagree with others. {11:32}
It is crucial to create safe spaces for people to talk about their differences. {18:01}

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