Fellowship launched to develop a new model for conflict resolution

The Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship 2013 will launch today, bringing together the brightest social entrepreneurs from across Europe and North America to develop a new model for conflict resolution by harnessing the power of social entrepreneurship.

Firoz Ladak, executive director, Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, said: “We want to create a network of entrepreneurs who not only have the tools to develop successful businesses that deliver sustainable social impact, but are committed to improving relations between the Jewish and Muslim communities.

“The Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship bridges the gap between business and the charity sector, providing entrepreneurs with the freedom and financial rigour to explore innovative ways to drive social change.

"We are building a community of culturally enlightened entrepreneurs who can truly change the world. This practical approach sets a new standard for conflict resolution.”

The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation runs this program in partnership with Judge Business School and Kings College, Cambridge.

The Fellowship opens its doors to individuals looking to improve society through a business-driven approach.

It provides social entrepreneurs with guidance on the fundamentals of growing successful enterprises, while also fostering inter-faith collaboration between the Jewish and Muslim communities.

Through an intensive two-week program at Cambridge University, the program helps change-makers to develop their organization and strengthen their social impact. It achieves this through a combination of theoretical teaching, tailored coaching and peer-to-peer learning.

But this unique initiative goes beyond business education. It gathers participants mainly from Jewish and Muslim communities and trains them to navigate across cultural differences with input from the humanities and experiential dialogue.

Since its creation in 2009, the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship has developed a community of nearly 100 leaders across the world.

Each year the Fellowship receives more than 500 applications to take part in the course.

In 2013, applicants were whittled down to 25 selected individuals.

Ariane de Rothschild said: “By learning and doing together, the Fellows will share an extraordinary life experience. It is my hope that they join our vision and become ambassadors of social impact and dialogue, particularly among Muslim and Jewish communities.”