How do you find common ground with someone you profoundly disagree with?
At a time when political, religious, and cultural divisions seem deeper than ever, peacebuilder Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground, shares what decades of bringing people together have taught him about trust, conflict, and human connection.
In this conversation with Chip Conley, Shamil explores:
- Why being heard and respected matters more than being agreed with
- How building trust before a crisis can bridge even deep divides
- Why curiosity is more powerful than judgment
- How taking just one meaningful action can restore hope
- Why today’s breakdown may ultimately lead to breakthrough
From global conflicts to disagreements in our own communities, Shamil offers a hopeful reminder that our futures are interconnected, and that each of us can help build common ground.
Watch now to discover how connection can begin, even when we disagree.
Timestamps:
(03:50) Meet Shamil Idriss
(04:55) The Beginning of Peacebuilding Journey
(08:48) Inside the UN Alliance of Civilizations
(11:02) Why Our Futures Are Connected
(15:07) How to Build Common Ground
(19:40) What Can We Do Together?
(21:39) How Trust Is Built Across Differences
(24:07) Being Heard Matters More Than Agreement
(26:19) Curiosity Instead of Judgment
(29:10) Why Peacebuilding Is Harder Today
(32:00) The Power of Doing One Thing
(36:48) How to Hold On to Hope
(40:38) A Lifetime of Lessons
Learn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/
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