Archaeological heritage and the right to an ethical city in conflict resolution

23 mar 2026 - 19:48 CET

Within the framework of the XXIV edition of the Science and Innovation Week of the Community of Madrid, the Faculty of Social Work at the Complutense University of Madrid hosted a practical and dynamic seminar focused on developing critical thinking and ethical competence in conflict resolution.

The activity, promoted by the DRLab (Dispute Resolution Lab), brought together students in a learning experience that combined ethical deliberation with applied analysis. Through a participatory approach, the seminar invited attendees to engage with a practical case inspired by contemporary urban challenges.

Specifically, students addressed a conflict related to the construction of infrastructure in a city, where they were required to make complex decisions concerning the preservation of cultural heritage and its impact on the wider community. This exercise encouraged reflection on the balance between urban development, sustainability, and the protection of heritage assets, integrating social, ethical, and legal dimensions.

The seminar stood out for its interdisciplinary nature and for fostering key skills relevant to professional practice in areas such as social work, mediation, and conflict management. DRLab emphasized the importance of creating learning environments that allow students to engage with real-life situations, promoting informed, responsible, and common good-oriented decision-making.

Through initiatives such as this, DRLab reinforces its commitment to educational innovation and the comprehensive training of students, in line with the objectives of the Science Week to bring knowledge closer to society and promote a more critical and engaged citizenship.