From Last Mile to Lasting Peace: Strategies for engaging populations beyond state reach in health, humanitarian, and peace initiatives

An estimated 195 million people live under the control of non-state armed groups, facing complex, multidimensional needs—from health and basic services to security and economic stability. For populations residing on the margins of state authority, structural barriers often prevent international organizations and NGOs from delivering essential programs to high-risk populations. These constraints mean that, for global health actors and humanitarian mediators, such populations frequently represent “white spots” from which threats to global health security can emerge.  

Overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted effort, including local engagement, which can enable relations of trust and a culturally informed understanding of power dynamics. Experiences from implementing health programs in such settings have shown to not only improve health outcomes, but to positively impact peace making. 

How can organizations within International Geneva—each with diverse mandates but overlapping operational footprints—navigate these spaces? What lessons can be learned from those who have found ways to solve problems in challenging environments? How can health interventions lay the groundwork for sustainable peace?

This panel brings together senior experts from the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue to explore these critical questions. Drawing on experiences garnered in accessing last mile pockets for health interventions, the discussion will delve into practical strategies for collaboration, the role of funding in fostering cooperation, and prospects for greater synergies between the fields of peace making and global health.

Speakers

• Clancy Rudeforth - Director, Humanitarian Mediation Programme, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue 
   
• Constance Videmont - Project Manager, Central African Republic, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
   
• Mohammad Nabi Ebrar – Country Lead, Afghanistan, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

Interpretation

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Live streaming

All events during Geneva Peace Week will be available on-site and online.

Main organiser

• Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue