As the Coventry Peace Festival gets well under way, organisers are pleased to announce that Birmingham-based independent peace-building organisation Responding to Conflict (RTC) will be awarded the Coventry International Prize for Peace and Reconciliation 2011. The award will be presented at a ceremony hosted this year by co-sponsors Coventry University, with the Prize itself designed by former student and Coventry artist Rachel Sutton.

RTC has been working since 1991 to establish itself as a leader in the field of conflict transformation; enhancing the knowledge and strengthening the skills of those living with violent conflict, to transform violence and build peaceful futures. It is a small organisation, driven by dedicated staff and the commitment of a large network of stakeholders across many countries, working together to promote peace and reconciliation.

Professor Alan Hunter, Director of Coventry University's Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies, said:

"This inspiring choice comes at a time of violence and protest around the world. It is therefore critical to identify and train effective peace-builders, who can return to areas of conflict and place themselves in positions of influence in their own communities. Responding to Conflict does this extremely well, and is therefore a worthy winner."

Responding to Conflicts' Chair of Trustees, Cliff Allum sees the award as recognition of the energy, optimism and bravery of the people associated with RTC over the years. He believes the organisation has never been afraid to take up the challenges of addressing conflict, even in areas where many could not see that change was possible.

RTC has trained practitioners from more than 70 countries and its handbook 'Working with Conflict: Skills and Strategies for Action' is acknowledged as a key resource throughout the world and been translated into eight languages.

Responding to Conflict's Programme Director, Simon Weatherbed said:

"It is a great honour to receive this Prize. Building and sustaining peace is not an easy task and requires long-term commitment. Many of the people we have worked with have continued to transform violent conflicts and countless people's lives, and in honour of these remarkable people and all who have worked with or supported Responding to Conflict, I am proud to accept this prestigious award."

The Coventry International Prize for Peace and Reconciliation is based on a partnership between the Diocese of Coventry, Coventry Cathedral, the City of Coventry (Office of the Lord Mayor), and Coventry University.

The award ceremony will take place on Saturday 12 November at 4.00pm in the Mike Goldstein Lecture Theatre, in Coventry University's Alan Berry Building (opposite Coventry Cathedral). Members of the public are welcome to attend and should arrive from 3.30pm.

For more information about Coventry University, please visit their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk