Lost in Translation, Lost in Transcultural Encounter, Lost in Transnational Encounter – Bridging the Gap: How to Build Trust and Enable a Group Dynamic of Peace

Bridging intercultural communication gaps begins not with language but with courage: the courage to confront inner divides, restore our shared humanity, and build trust across differences through empathy, shared power, and genuine curiosity.

Join us as we explore how to build trust, share power, and cultivate empathy across cultures and be part of a meaningful dialogue on transforming divides into connection.

📅 Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 
🕒 Time: 14:00 – 16:00 CET

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wsT_aK4URQ6nViRCTBe91g

Full Description:

Since late 2022, Bruno Chevolet, Solange Emílio, and Jun Maeda, guided by Andreas von Wallenberg Pachaly, have been
meeting every three months to explore what creates communication gaps between people from different cultures. Their discussions quickly revealed that these gaps are mainly not caused by insufficient foreign language skills. Instead, they often arise from psychological compartmentalization—a strategy people use to separate conflicting thoughts or emotions.

While sometimes useful, this mechanism can become harmful when it prevents individuals from acknowledging inner conflicts or fosters dishonesty and self-deception. Of course, societal differences between the cultures of the various nations and personal experiences also play a role. The group views the gap as a deep divide between individuals, one that can only be bridged through the growth of trust. Building bridges requires addressing personal anxieties when facing others and confronting the unknown or less conscious aspects of oneself.

It also involves recognizing and reversing dehumanizing processes to restore the ability to recognize the other as a human. Another central theme of the group’s work is the inverse relationship between personal power and empathy. They have been examining how sharing power, resources, and values—and cultivating curiosity—can support more respectful and non-harmful communication.

Developing a common language and strengthening the capacity to relate across differences are key goals. The purpose of the webinar is to engage IAGP members and non-members who are interested in understanding and bridging intercultural communication gaps. The webinar aims to explore methods, practices, and approaches that can help build bridges, enhance communication and relationships within IAGP, and potentially support similar efforts beyond the organization.