Faces of Peace

Annual Report 2008 - 2009 At the heart of our work are 300 FACES OF PEACE peacebuilders working Annual Report 2008 – 2009 around the world to help their societies build lasting peace.

2f ront co ver CREDIT: SVEN TORFINN/PANOS CREDIT: RYAN ANSON/INTERPEACE TheInterpeace mission is to reinforce the capacities of societies to overcome deep divisions and to address conflict in non-violent ways. We are rooted in lo cal realities. We believe in the wisdom of listening, the power of participation, and the strength of informed dialogue to build trust – the foundation of peacebuilding.

4 5 Interpeace

8 Interpeace Around The World 32 Interpeace Country Programmes 80 Interpeace Support 96 Senior Management Team 10 Address From 34 Africa 82 Finances 2008 98 Interpeace Local Partners 12 Address From John A. Kufuor 52 Asia 86 Public & Private Donors 100 Global Contacts 14 Address From Scott M. Weber 58 Europe & The Middle East 88 Interpeace USA 102 Be Part of Building Lasting Peace 16 Peacebuilders In Focus 66 Central America & The Caribbean 90 Interpeace Governing Council 26 How We Work 75 learning & Thematic Programmes 94 Interpeace Advisory Council

Interpeace is an international peacebuilding organization, headquartered in Switzerland with offices and programmes in 16 countries. Interpeace was created by the in 1994 to assist war-torn societies in building sustainable peace. Interpeace became independent in 2000 and today has an innovative operational partnership with the UN.

6 credit: CRD 7 WORKING WITH MARGINALIZED GROUPS ENGAGING THE POPULATION ACROSS RWANDA in Israel One of the longest running Interpeace programmes, 2008 The programme facilitates discussions within key social saw the inauguration of the Peace Centre, expansion of the groups of Israeli society normally excluded from peace dialogue clubs and the ‘Schools for debate’ initiative had efforts, to reflect on possible scenarios for a peaceful even more traction. The programme engages the Rwandan resolution to the conflict. population and key stakeholders in the search for solutions to the main peacebuilding challenges. A VISION FOR PALESTINE Working within and between the different groups in CONSOLIDATING PEACE THROUGHOUT THE Palestinian society, the programme is working to SOMALI REGION develop and promote a representative vision for the future Three local partners deliver the programme across the of Palestine. Somali Region that builds on more than a decade of experience of peacebuilding and support for institution RESEARCH AND DIALOGUE FOR building in the region. A substantial focus was on A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN CYPRUS providing technical assistance for the voter registration The ‘Cyprus 2015’ programme, in partnership with UNDP, process in Somaliland. aims to contribute to the development of constructive inter- communal engagement for the discussion and solution to ROLL OUT OF NATIONAL RECONCILIATION the Cyprus problem. PROGRAMME IN LIBERIA Building on the success of the Nimba County pilot project, SECURITY SECTOR REFORM IN GUATEMALA the programme is now rolling out across the country. In The programme in Guatemala is working to strengthen the partnership with the United Nations, the implementation capacity of civil society to engage with state institutions team is made up of eight local civil society organizations. responsible for security. CHALLENGES FOR LASTING PEACE IN BURUNDI YOUTH AND GANG VIOLENCE Disarmament of the civil population, poverty and IN CENTRAL AMERICA unemployment, elections and transitional justice were the Interpeace is helping to strengthen the capacity of the four areas that the national stakeholders identified as the governments and civil society in Central America’s priority issues for the country. The programme is working ‘Northern Triangle’ states (El Salvador, Honduras and to reinforce the capacity of Burundians to build lasting Guatemala) to develop holistic and preventative policies to peace by bringing together all groups including the diaspora address the growing problem of youth violence and youth in Europe. gangs (maras) in the region. FOCUSING ON FOUR CHALLENGES IN OBSTACLES TO PEACE IN TIMOR-LESTE GUINEA-BISSAU The promotion of individual and party interests over the As the first round of local and regional consultations come national interest, the need to conduct a historical review of to a close, the obstacles to peace that are emerging include INTERPEACE the resistance and occupation, the ineffective formal judicial lack of effective institutions, military interventionism, lack HEADQUARTERS system and the culture of impunity, and finally corruption, of citizen participation in policy making, drug trafficking collusion and nepotism, are among the main challenges to and endemic poverty. Geneva, peace in Timor-Leste. These will be the focus of the work in 2010. LEARNING AND THEMATIC PROGRAMMES Switzerland Reflective practice continues to have an important role as ACEH PROGRAMME REACHES ITS CONCLUSION learning and the sharing of best practice are an institutional The Interpeace programme in Aceh, Indonesia has come to priority. The Constitution Building Programme aims to its conclusion having helped to defuse some of the major enhance the capacities of national constitution builders, INTERPEACE REGIONAL INTERPEACE INTERPEACE REGIONAL INTERPEACE EUROPE sources of conflict. their advisors, civil society and the international OFFICE FOR REPRESENTATION OFFICE FOR EASTERN Brussels, Belgium community to design, implement and support constitution LATIN AMERICA OFFICE AND CENTRAL AFRICA building processes. Guatemala City, New York, USA Nairobi, Kenya Guatemala

Interpeace is operationally active in some of the most difficult conflict situations around the world. In 2008 90% of funding directly supported the programmes. In 2008 to 2009 Interpeace supported 15 programmes, four of which are implemented through the Interpeace is funded by contributions from governments, private foundations and individuals. United Nations. Interpeace works through local partners with over 300 peacebuilders working around the world to Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the organization has regional offices inN airobi for Eastern build lasting peace. and Central Africa, in Guatemala City for Latin America and the Caribbean and Representation Interpeace works at the request of governments, civil society, donor countries, UN agencies and Offices inN ew York and Brussels. other international organizations. Interpeace’s expenditure in 2008 was over US$ 26 million.

8 9 Interpeace was created in 1994 peacebuilder. President Kufuor to provide innovative approaches has an in-depth understanding of my to solving deep-rooted conflicts local, regional and global conflicts Given around the world. At the time, and how they are best resolved. He the international community was contributed to negotiations that halted strong commitment struggling to address the eruption of the war in Sierra Leone and reduced numerous civil wars, following the violence and political conflict in the to Interpeace, I will end of the Cold War. The UN and Ivory Coast. President Kufuor was its member states realized that while instrumental in ensuring the exile they were well-equipped to manage of the former Liberian President, continue to support international peace negotiations, they Charles Taylor, to Nigeria, preventing were less experienced with the much the country’s further plummet into the incoming more messy and confusing conflicts chaos. Additionally, as Chairperson pitting numerous non-state groups of the African Union, President against one another. Interpeace was Kufuor launched negotiations during Chairman and the created to operate in the middle the 2008 Kenya crisis that helped of such complexity and to help end that violent period. In his eight Director-General in fragmented societies to find solutions years as President of Ghana, he to their conflicts. Fifteen years on, was instrumental in the promotion this approach remains as effective and of healthier partnerships between my new function as needed as ever. the international community and I am proud to have served as Chairman developing countries in their common Chairman of Interpeace over the last nine years, effort to end poverty and promote to have witnessed the organization’s peaceful coexistence. His experience, many successes and guided it through vision and strong reputation will be Emeritus and the more difficult times. Interpeace’s a great contribution to the pursuit of founder, Matthias Stiefel, the Director- Interpeace’s mission around the world. General, Scott Weber and the dedicated The past fifteen years have seen Special staff have provided the organization Interpeace become a respected leader in with the leadership needed to navigate peacebuilding. I have no doubt . very complex challenges over the years. that the next fifteen years will be Advisor I am proud of the selection of President just as exciting. Kufuor as the new Chairman of My deep gratitude goes to Interpeace’s Interpeace. As President of Ghana, he dedicated donors that have believed in built a solid reputation as a wise and the organization over the years and can patient leader and as an instinctive wholly share in its many achievements.

Martti Ahtisaari, Out-going Chairman of the Governing Council and Laureate of the 2008

10 credit: Steve simon/panos 11 For any responsible statesman, the Interpeace’s unique hybrid structure, desire to promote a peaceful and stable working as an independent non- world continues well beyond one’s The governmental organization or in time in office. Following my two terms partnership with the United Nations, as President of Ghana, I feel a deep Interpeace adds to its peacebuilding impact. responsibility to continue promoting It is an honor to follow in the good governance, social cohesion and approach to footsteps of the 2008 Nobel Peace responsible leadership in Africa and Prize Laureate, President Martti other parts of the world. peacebuilding echoes Ahtisaari. I look forward to leading My own region of West Africa has the Governing Council and working experienced more than its share of my own and I am with Scott, Martti and other Council turmoil and tragedy over the past two members to build on the successes of decades. Civil wars have torn apart the past 15 years. I am equally excited Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, proud to join in its to work with the 300 peacebuilders Guinea-Bissau to name a few. The working throughout Africa, Asia, region is also host to some of the efforts to spread Europe, Latin America and the Middle world’s most pervasive and crippling East. The ability to interact with these poverty, keeping a region rich with these experiences to peacebuilders and share insights and cultural, human and material resources challenges is of particular interest from reaching its true potential. The other parts of the to me. people of West Africa have learned It is important that we use our first-hand that building sustainable collective experience to address the peace is a long-term process. We have world. myriad of conflicts that threaten also learned that peace is possible if peace around the world. I will work people are willing to talk and move hard to ensure even more societies, beyond their differences. communities and individuals can benefit from what Interpeace has to offer.

John A. Kufuor, In-coming Chairman of the Governing Council

12 credit: Steve simon/panos 13 Peacebuilders help those that need to A hope that their children will be able to I am very pleased change to become the architects of that grow up in a more peaceful society than change. Peacebuilders facilitate, support, they did. to present to you our latest act as a catalyst and when necessary, they This is a crucial starting point. A place prod. Peacebuilders deliberately stay Annual Report in which we from which one can begin a slow, behind the scenes and help others own painful and winding journey of dialogue, the results of the hard work of building highlight the contribution consensus-building and problem-solving peace. If they are successful, you will to overcome the main obstacles to peace most likely never know the contribution in the present. and spirit of four they made. If we truly listen to those local voices, extraordinary peacebuilders: Rare are the articles in the press about we often find a common refrain in how peacefully people may be living their message: what divides us is far less Nuria, Princess, Ghaida together and solving their problems. important than what binds us together About how many deaths were prevented and anyone who tells you otherwise is and Denis. Discretely and by course-changing decisions of leaders pushing their own agenda. and communities or about how much We have been extremely privileged over patiently, they each play an time and money was saved by a crisis averted. While infinitely more inspiring the past nine years to have benefitted from the wisdom and guidance of important part in overcoming and important to understand, such stories do not make for juicy journalism. our out-going Chairman, President Martti Ahtisaari. He is an inspiration conflict and building lasting We hope that by putting a face to to the entire peacebuilding community the complex and often dangerous and a wonderful example of someone peace in their societies. It is peacebuilding processes we are facilitating who combines amazing abilities with in Somalia, Liberia, Israel and Central tremendous humility. We are very a pleasure and a privilege to America, the reader will appreciate that fortunate to be able to continue to count peace is essentially about people and on him over the years to come as our work with them and with that we need to spend a lot more time Chairman Emeritus and Special Advisor. listening to local voices and trying to understand what they are saying. We are also very excited to welcome our their fellow peacebuilders incoming Chairman, President John A. If you listen, they will tell you that Kufuor, and to learn from his experience throughout the Interpeace building and maintaining peace is and exemplary leadership in his own considerably more difficult than waging country and across the African continent. family around the world. conflict. What can be destroyed in days We look forward to working with him may take years or even generations to to inspire new generations of leaders to They are all passionate and rebuild; there are no quick fixes. become peacebuilders and to deepen our courageous individuals and They will tell you that in a post-conflict operational impact all around the world. society, the hardest but most important We are particularly grateful to our donors we can learn a great deal from task of all is to rebuild trust: trust for continuing to believe in Interpeace that your neighbors will not seek to and our approach. Without our advance their interests by suppressing partnership with you, this work would listening to what yours; trust that the authorities are also not be possible. looking out for your protection; trust they have to say. that opportunities for employment and The final word of thanks will always advancement will not be arbitrarily be reserved for our local peacebuilders. blocked to you because of who you are; They are on the front lines of peace in other words, trust that you will be able every day, working against the grain and to shape your future. behind the scenes, putting themselves at risk to build peace in their society. For They will tell you that everyone, no their commitment and perseverance, we matter how moderate or polarized they should all be grateful. They are the true may be in their politics or closed-minded faces of peace. in their positions, shares a universal hope.

Scott M. Weber, Director-General

14 credit: Steve simon/panos 15 Working in some of the world’s most PEACEBUILDERS IN FOCUS challenging places, four of our peacebuilders share with us their insights, motivations and hopes for the future.

16 CREDIT: PANOS 17 Based in Nairobi, Kenya, What can we learn from the We spoke with Nuria Somali Region? Nuria is part of the Interpeace about her work and It is no secret that the Somali Region Regional Office team for has not had a functioning central the situation in the government for close to eighteen Eastern and Central Africa. years. Yet life goes on, and the peace Somali Region. process continues. I think the power She is focusing her efforts of local communities to affect change What does it mean to you to live in a is one of the more relevant lessons on gender mainstreaming in peaceful society? from the Somali Region. If we can the three regions that make Peace is when one can explore his or successfully support local initiatives her full potential as a human being and provide them with the resources up the Somali Region – without the threat of intimidation or they need to move the peace process forward, we can make real progress. Somaliland in the northwest, violence. I’m optimistic that one day, we will reach that objective in the This peace needs to be locally owned, Puntland in the northeast Somali Region. not forced upon Somalis by the international community. and South-Central Somalia. What is the situation like in the The objective of this aspect Somali Region? You’ve been working in the field of peacebuilding for more than fifteen of her work is to integrate It varies from region to region. years. From where do you draw Generally speaking, our operations inspiration for this difficult task? women more effectively in the in Somaliland and Puntland are progressing. In South-Central I always think back to one of my Pillars of Peace Programme, Somalia, the security situation favourite quotes, “Vision without is precarious. Though I’m based action is merely a dream. Action Interpeace’s flagship in Nairobi, I travel frequently to without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the peacebuilding programme the region to attend forums, visit our partner organizations and world.” As a peacebuilder, I get in the Somali Region, and meet with government agencies. satisfaction from making progress My main objective is to increase step by step, by joining a vision with to bring women into the the participation of women in the the right actions. democratic and peacebuilding decision-making processes processes. We do this mainly critical to peacebuilding. through advice and strategies to enhance participation and decision- Women face particular making opportunities. challenges due to the Somali Would you say that security is the patriarchal society. main challenge you face? It is certainly a big challenge, but not the only one. Overcoming male prejudice is my primary challenge. In the Somali patriarchal society this is difficult. But more and more I am seeing that Somalis know that women can make a difference in the peace process. It is simply a matter of encouraging women to get involved and participate. NURIA ABDULLAHI ABDI

18 CREDIT: SVEN TORFINN/PANOS 19 Born and raised in Liberia, How do you know whether or not In a recent you’re making a difference? Princess is a dedicated and conversation with Sometimes it’s hard to tell, since the peacebuilding process is such a passionate peacebuilder. Prior Princess she talked long-term process. Firstly, we do not about the challenges claim ownership of what emerges from to her work with Interpeace, our work but attribute all gains to she faces and what local communities. We often use the Princess worked for a number metaphor of “blank sheets” to describe she sees for the the facilitation role we play while of years as a social worker and future of Liberia. the local people fill in the sheets and drive the process. Secondly, the fact researcher. On the back of the First of all, as a member of the that local communities are gradually peacebuilding community, what does adopting and utilizing dialogue as success of the Nimba County peace mean to you? opposed to violence to settle disputes gives me a sense of fulfilment in terms Reconciliation Project, For me, peace means living with the of transforming lives and communities. complete assurance that my country Each day, I try to achieve this, because Princess is actively working to and I will never have to experience I know that it starts at personal level, violence and war ever again. For too then spreads to society and eventually implement the Platform for long, life in Liberia was dominated the West African region as a whole. by constant terror, hunger, disease Dialogue and Peace (P4DP) and total anarchy. Nobody wants to go back to that. Additionally, for me, What is the situation like in programme in Liberia. The peace means living in an environment Liberia now? where one can reach his or her Obviously we are still facing some P4DP seeks to bring together potential without fear. problems economically, unemployment is high. But for me, if you look at the members from all levels of What’s the hardest aspect of your job? past five or ten years, the situation has greatly improved. Jobs are being society to discuss the In the current phase of the P4DP created, and Liberia is benefiting from programme in Liberia, we are a lot of international goodwill, and we obstacles for peace on a collaborating with eight civil society are very appreciative of that. I guess organizations. This requires a lot of what you learn from war is that it takes national and local level from attention, effort and engagement very little time to destroy, but a lot more from our side to provide them the time to rebuild. It’s a work in progress their own perspective. support they need to achieve their and I’m optimistic for the future. missions. But it is a rewarding process, as you have to take into account everyone’s perspective, Is there anything else you would like remain impartial and do what’s best to say to others? for the process of building lasting Yes, simply that working on this project peace. One thing that has been really to help rebuild my country has changed exciting about our programme so far my life. Being given the opportunity has been the public support of the to participate in this momentous Liberian government in our efforts. undertaking motivates me every day to remain impartial and contribute to the peace process in Liberia. For me, peace is priceless, and I’m doing everything I can to make sure that Liberia never has to experience war again. PRINCESS-CALVINA COLEMAN

20 credit : sando moore 21 Ghaida has been working and you don’t want to leave anyone We caught up with out. Our objective is to reach out to with Interpeace since Ghaida during her marginalized groups, so the idea of excluding anyone is painful. 2005 on building lasting busy schedule and We are also working very hard to initiate dialogue with opinion leaders peace in Israel. As part had the chance to and policy makers. This has been very talk about her work difficult but not without success. of the Base 4 Discussion In 2007 our group met with the in Israel. former Prime Minister of Israel, (B4D) programme, she is Ehud Olmert as part of the Future Vision project. working to bring previously What does peace mean to you? It’s justice on a national level. It means marginalized groups into equal rights for all involved. Above all, What do you think has been the most peace is cooperation and freedom. significant realization for you during the peace process. Her focus your time as a peacebuilder? If you want to succeed in building Could you tell us a little more about peace, you have to include not only has been on Palestinian Arab the Future Vision project? the key decision-makers, but also citizens of Israel. Prior to her Yes, as part of the B4D programme, those at the local level and those Future Vision focused on reaching who were previously marginalized. involvement with Interpeace, out to the Palestinian Arab citizens of Peace must be owned by all groups Israel. Some feel that the peace throughout society, especially those Ghaida was active in a process has failed because it did not who historically have had the least include the views and the opinions influence. In addition, I think it variety of peacebuilding of several marginalized groups. Our is clear now that the international objective with this project has been to community must become more activities and was a member ask the Palestinian Arab community proactive in its support for peace of Israel what their geopolitical vision in Israel. of the International is for any future peace settlement. What are your hopes for the future? Women’s Commission. What has been the hardest thing I just want my children to be able to you’ve faced in your time as a lead a normal life. They should be peacebuilder? able to go to Tel Aviv or Ramallah to I would have to say that the biggest see friends and have a drink without challenge has been figuring out how being in a constant state of worry. to get the community to bring to That is what I hope for, and that is the surface its varying views and what I am working towards. craft it into a joint vision. There are so many ideas and points of view,

GHAIDA RINAWI-ZOABI

22 credit: panos 23 Working from Guatemala, What do you think others should take Denis shared his away from this programme? Denis is coordinating research views with us on Educating and caring for our youth is everyone’s responsibility. Youth activities across El Salvador, youth violence and gangs and the violence they create his hopes for are merely a manifestation of other Honduras and Guatamala problems, of inequality, of poverty, a brighter future. of a highly marginalized and vitally aimed at understanding and important part of society. preventing youth violence. We’ve asked all of our peacebuilders the same questions – what does peace How do you measure success? mean to you? The programme, known as It’s in the little things. It’s inspiring A formal definition might talk about to see people’s interest grow in POLJUVE, or Public Policies the absence of dissension, war and what we have to say and the results violence. But for me peace means of our research. I think society is for the Prevention of Youth much more, it means social justice, coming around to the view that this equality and a balance in the power is a social problem rather than a Violence, is an umbrella relations within society. security problem. After all, security measures have not done much to stem the violence. The bottom line programme that provides What do you see as your greatest is that poverty and insecurity affect challenge in the POLJUVE everyone, not just the marginalized support to local organizations programme? sectors of society where it originates. in these countries that I think the hardest thing is to get society and governments to want to strengthen civil understand the root causes of youth What aspect of this programme do violence. So far, governments have you think would be most useful in society’s capacity to confront been responding with a very strong other countries? enforcement and policing strategy, We need to include youth in the this issue. often resorting to violence and democratic process, we need to give extrajudicial actions. In my view this them a voice and the real possibility misses the whole point. We should to help build a better society. In many be focused on a prevention strategy countries around the world, youth as the root causes of this violence is a make up a sizable proportion of the lack of education and overwhelming population. Trying to rebuild and poverty. This is not a security heal the wounds of violence without problem, it’s a social problem. the participation and support of youth is a futile process.

DENIS MARTINEZ

24 25 We help societies address the most fundamental How we work issues that make or break the peace, help them to solve these differences through constructive dialogue and create home grown solutions for a more peaceful future.

26 CREDIT: CENAP 27 Excluding groups or individuals It gives institutions lasting legitimacy from the process of peace can deepen and helps individuals and groups In focus: Core principles their resentment and give them an remain engaged in the long and arduous opportunity to undermine the process process of building lasting peace. innovative from afar. Inclusion, however, begins partnership Long-term commitment of peacebuilding to build bridges of understanding and with UN communication and draws all parties Building lasting peace takes time. Interpeace supports UN peacebuilding into a process of change. This, in time, The road to peace is bumpy, long, operations in the field with an enables the society collectively to unpredictable and anything but innovative partnership. move towards ownership of solutions, straight. Support of local efforts must moderation and compromise, diluting be patient, adaptable and consistent. An operational focus extremist discourses. There are no short-cuts or quick- The JointP rogramme Unit for United fixes. External engagement, often In addition, engagement of a wide range Nations/Interpeace Initiatives (JPU) understandably hoping for quick of actors helps to compress vertical was created in 2005 from an agreement The “how” of sustainable, Interpeace believes it must bound. Local actors are better placed fixes, must be persuaded to ensure space (the distance between authorities between UNDP and Interpeace. The PUJ peacebuilding be locally owned. Interpeace operates to have long-term commitment to predictability and long-term and the population). Involving all now works as an operational unit of the on the understanding that if people peace-partnerships based on respect financial commitments. Otherwise, Conflict tears apart the fabric parties in the peacebuilding process, the Swiss operational centre of UNOPS. of societies. Mistrust colors all feel that the peace belongs to them, for the lead role that the local partner identification of issues and the design sustaining peacebuilding processes Working with an operational budget relationships, including those between they are most likely to take personal must assume in the design and and implementation of solutions, helps becomes impossible. of US$ 4 million and a team of 61 the people and their leaders. In such responsibility for protecting it and implementation of the peacebuilding to build a democratic relationship in Interpeace puts the local people in the peacebuilders in 2009, the JPU is contexts, even small problems can preventing its collapse. strategy. Conflict can seldom be society and between governments and driver’s seat—allowing them to dictate supporting the United Nations by escalate into wide-scale violence. resolved by local parties alone: their constituencies. For engagement how their society reshapes Local ownership international support, expertise and to be meaningful it is essential that collaborating with UNDP-PAPP in the Due to the perceived urgency of itself and moves forward. To these In a context of weak institutions and funding are also part of the equation. participation is taken seriously and Middle East, UNDP-ACT in Cyprus, and conflict environments, top-down ends, Interpeace works with local pervasive mistrust, the legitimacy This requires long-term meaningful and that local voices are heard and taken UNMIL in Liberia. technical solutions are often favoured partners who involve all sectors of of solutions will determine their sustained partnerships between local into consideration. society in identifying key issues and over holistic approaches that reflect the An approach that addresses success. Legitimacy comes from broad and international entities. common solutions. complexity of the situation. the ‘how’ of peacebuilding involvement in setting priorities and a Early on, Interpeace seeks to strengthen Building trust In post-conflict countries, everything is This process is not only focused on for UN programmes in sense of ownership of the process. the capacity of a local partner team Conflict parties almost always have a urgent, everything is controversial and tangible progress on conflict issues but the field Building local ownership begins by or organization to take the lead in a long history of interaction and may resources are scarce. It is precisely in also the intangible reconstruction of The PUJ uses research-based, participatory ensuring that priorities are determined peacebuilding process. Interpeace’s role live in close proximity to each other. such situations that broad consensus- society (building trust, relationships, dialogue strategies to help societies locally and not imposed through evolves over time to become a long- Restoring, healing and restructuring building is needed to ground etc.). This holistic approach to identify, agree and deliver against shared outside agendas. It ensures that term and supportive partner to the the relationship between conflict parties compromise in a wider dialogue and rebuilding society and institutions takes goals and actions to build lasting peace. local concerns, which are often local team. The local team implements and building trust is at the core of trust-building process. How this process time and long-term commitment. fueling the conflict, are at the center a strategy that engages national building sustainable peace. is managed and how groups are engaged Interpeace puts as much importance on The JPU supports the field of peacebuilding. stakeholders to take an increasing is critically important to the success of Interpeace helps conflict parties and the ‘how’ of building lasting peace as operations of the UN ownership of the programme. That divided communities re-establish trust peacebuilding efforts. Interpeace assists in creating spaces ‘what’ is done in the process. The PUJ provides support by: and processes in which consensus- ownership is what confers legitimacy through collaborative identification of The following questions can help • Designing joint peacebuilding building and dialogue can take place. If and sustainability to the process. problems and the implementation of to ascertain the quality of a strategies with UN local offices; local people and groups participate in solutions to common concerns. To do peacebuilding process: Engagement of all groups defining the problem, they can begin to so, trust and communication must be • Identifying and training key local How were the priorities determined? take ownership over the solutions. Interpeace supports processes that built between those who hold power capacities; Who was involved? How much do engage all groups that have an influence and those with less power. Local ownership decreases the • Implementing field initiatives the main groups feel ownership of the in making or breaking the peace. likelihood of a return to conflict. When Trust cannot be imposed, imported or through local teams; and process and its results? How broadly are Ensuring that all relevant groups are people are able to participate in shaping bought. It is built slowly and reluctantly • Bringing the expertise from the the solutions considered legitimate? involved in the process of building their future and are able to voice their through collective engagement and Interpeace programmes. Interpeace supports a peacebuilding concerns, they may develop a weighted peace, including marginalized women commitment to a common vision. and youth, extremists, minorities, and approach which is holistic, long- interest in ensuring that peace lasts. If Building trust is the most difficult the diaspora, assures legitimacy and term and reflective. It places major they own the peace, they will defend it aspect of peacebuilding but the most ownership of the agreed upon results. value on ‘how’ decisions are made, as their own. crucial. More than the revitalization of ‘how’ priorities are determined, and In addition, local ownership ensures the Excluding key groups undermines infrastructure or the economy, trust is ‘how’ the peace process is managed sustainability of peacebuilding efforts. legitimacy and creates spoilers. One the intangible ingredient that helps to to ensure decisions are contextual External interventio