Which person acts as a neutral facilitator in a dispute but cannot make binding decisions?

A mediator plays the role of a neutral facilitator in a dispute, which means their primary goal is to assist the parties involved in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. Unlike other roles, such as an arbitrator or a judge, a mediator does not have the authority to impose a decision on the parties. Instead, they guide discussions, encourage open communication, and help identify common interests to foster understanding and cooperation between the disputing parties.

This voluntary process allows the parties to retain control over the outcome, as they work collaboratively to find a solution that reflects their needs and interests. The emphasis in mediation is on negotiation and consensus-building rather than on legal adjudication or enforcement of decisions, which are characteristic of other roles. As such, mediation is often seen as a more flexible and less adversarial approach to conflict resolution, making it an increasingly popular option in various disputes.