Astronomy as a tool for peace and diplomacy: experiences from the 
Columba-Hypatia project

Fragkoudi, Francesca

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Astronomy as a tool for peace and diplomacy: experiences from the Columba-Hypatia project

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Fragkoudi, Francesca
Computational Structure Formation, MPI for Astrophysics, Max Planck Society;

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Citation

Fragkoudi, F. (2020). Astronomy as a tool for peace and diplomacy: experiences from the Columba-Hypatia project. CAPJOURNAL - Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal; International Astronomical Union (IAU), Paris, France, (27), 14-19.

Cite as: https://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-0006-853C-1

Abstract

Science, and astronomy in particular, can be used for the benefit of society and for achieving the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). In this article we present the Columba-Hypatia project, a flagship Astronomy-for-Peace project,
whose goal is to use the vision of the cosmos that astronomy imparts us with, to promote peace and diplomacy in
post-conflict regions (SDG 16: Peace Justice and Strong Institutions) while also empowering women to be leaders in STEM
and in the peace-building process (SDG 5: Gender Equality). The project is a joint endeavour by GalileoMobile and the
Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) that takes place on the divided island of Cyprus. Columba-
Hypatia brings together children and educators from the separated communities of Cyprus to inspire them to be curious
about science, while using astronomy as a tool for promoting meaningful communication, a feeling of global citizenship
and a Culture of Peace and Non-violence. We describe the successes and challenges faced by the project in order to serve
as an example of implementing Astronomy-for-Peace projects in other post-conflict regions.