peacebuilding

As we look toward the next eight decades—or even the next five years—we wonder how to remain brave and constant amid deep partisan divides, ongoing horrors of war, racism, xenophobia, and an environment in crisis.

As the world faces high levels of violence and more active armed conflict than at any point since World War II, FCNL advocates successfully lobbied to protect critical funding for international peacebuilding.

At a school in Ukraine, four-year olds learn not to touch any of the colorful debris in their backyards. In a rural community in Zimbabwe, farmers and cattle risk their lives going out to graze.

Peacebuilding at the community level helps create sustainable change for a brighter future. 

These dedicated efforts from FCNL advocates were crucial in protecting funding for peacebuilding programs that prevent conflict and atrocities worldwide. They worked together to educate Congress on the cost-effectiveness of peacebuilding, share the stories of peacebuilders working around the world, and amplify the impact of critical programs that prevent violence and heal communities.

The Climate-Conflict-Displacement Nexus

The compounding effects of climate change, violent conflict, and forced migration are having a profound impact on communities around the globe. 

FCNL’s peacebuilding team spoke with Enass Muzamel, a Sudanese pro-democracy activist and human rights defender coordinating efforts to support women and girls facing the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

As we look toward the next eight decades—or even the next five years—we wonder how to remain brave and constant amid deep partisan divides, ongoing horrors of war, racism, xenophobia, and an environment in crisis. Being still during some of our most trying times has enabled us to hear, recalibrate, and think deeply, instead of being strictly reactionary.

Studies have shown that peacebuilding and conflict prevention is not only effective but is also cost-efficient. The Institute for Economics and Peace found that every dollar invested in peacebuilding “carries a potential $16 reduction in the cost of armed conflict.” However, U.S. support for this work has been persistently underfunded.

Congress came to an agreement last weekend to keep the government running for 45 more days. Now, they have just over six weeks to pass spending bills that protect and invest in key peace and justice programs.