From Conflict Analysis to Peacebuilding Impact: Lessons from the People's Peacemaking Project

This report presents key messages and findings from the People’s Peacemaking Perspectives (PPP) project. They are relevant not only to European Union (EU) actors working in or on conflict-affected and fragile states and the peacebuilding community, but to anyone who recognises the importance of conflict analysis and is striving to do – and use – it more effectively.

The People’s Peacemaking Perspectives (PPP) project was a joint initiative implemented by Conciliation Resources and Saferworld, in close collaboration with a number of local actors and organisations, some of them established partners. These relationships were central to the project’s success. Over 18 months we conducted 18 studies across a range of contexts. All sought to reflect the perspectives of those most closely affected by conflict through participatory approaches.

Beyond research and analysis, PPP sought to build the capacity of local actors to articulate their needs, views and ideas to decision makers and created opportunities for this to happen; through advocacy training, in-country meetings with national and European Union (EU) officials, as well as by bringing local actors to Brussels and other EU capitals for face-to-face meetings. In so doing, we aimed to raise awareness among local actors that their views and ideas are legitimate and to convey to policymakers the need to listen to local voices. We sought to ensure that these contacts and channels of communication will continue beyond the project.