Trustbuilding from the table to the streets: Inclusive Strategies for Sustainable Peace

When moving from conflict to peace, why is it important to look at trustbuilding, who is the focus of trustbuilding, and which strategies are effective?

Most of the time, when we think about peace processes and confidence-building, we think about it in the context of track 1 & track 1.5 levels. We see peace treaties being signed and then repeatedly see the implementation process fail, often due to the fact that the population has not been included in the process and does not feel a connection to it. How can such trust and confidence in the process be built outside of the room, in parallel?  Having a multi-track approach in building trust and confidence is not just nice-to-have but a necessity to secure buy-in and ensure the sustainability of the peace process.

How do you ensure the dynamics and needs of the community level are truly represented at the negotiation table?  How can insider and faith-based mediators, who operate on different levels of society, contribute to such a vertical integration and a multitrack approach in peacebuilding processes? How are they able to practically build trust, be it among conflict parties, as well as in the process itself? What are some lessons learnt of this localised approach to  trustbuilding at community level?

Speakers in this session will bring together a variety of perspectives, looking at ‘the toolbox’ of trustbuilding, the design of mediation processes, engagement with institutions, and the role of insider mediators. Examples from across several continents will be brought in.

Introduction

• Helga Schmid - Former OSCE Secretary General

Speakers

• Hilde Deman - Executive Director, Search for Common Ground Brussels
• Darcy Bizongwako - Project Manager, Centre d’Alerte et de Prévention des Conflits (CENAP)
• Hind Kabawat - President and founder of Tastakel Women Organisation
• Elisabeth Lothe - Senior Advisor, Section for Peace and Reconciliation, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Moderator

• Rachel Gasser- Senior Advisor, Berghof Foundation

Interpretation

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Live streaming

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

Main organiser

• Search for Common Ground

Co-Organizers

• Berghof Foundation 
• Interpeace