Peacebuilding in Practice

Peacebuilding is conducted by nonprofit groups across the world. These peacebuilders work in diverse settings to help mitigate and end violence. They help create partnerships, mediate dialogues, and have laid the groundwork for some of the most significant peace accords in history.

The Charity & Security Network has collected the stories of these peacebuilders to showcase how the wide range of work they do can positively impact the world. The interviews and videos below are just a small cross-section of the range of work being conducted by peacebuilders every day.

Additional resources on Peacebuilding can be found here

Interview with Tuija Talvitie, Moderated by Kay Guinane

(Approx. 17 minutes)

Peacebuilding Operations, Management and Security- Tuija Talvitie, CMI

Tuija Talviti, Executive Director of the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI), gives an in depth view of the expertise and skill required to run effective conflict reduction programs. Tuija discusses how CMI focuses on engaging with all stakeholders and uses careful monitoring to ensure programs are successful in the short and long term.

Tuija also offers glimpse into the procedures CMI uses to ensure the safety of staff working in complex environments. Through security protocols, local partners and on-the-ground monitoring, CMI ensures its “people come first” principle.

Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in Columbia- Chic Dambach

Chic Dambach, a career peacebuilder and former President of the Alliance for Peacebuilding discusses how Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) are producing powerful outcomes in Columbia. In his interview with Melanie Greenberg, the current President and CEO of the Alliance for Peacebuilding, Chic shares his first-hand experience of seeing how the Columbian government has used DDR to help individuals to leave rebel movements, lay down arms and become reintroduced into society.

Additional Resources:

Interview on DDR in Columbia with Chic Dambach, Moderated by Melanie Greenberg

(Approx. 14 minutes)

Interview with Chic Dambach, Moderated by Melanie Greenberg (Approx. 15 minutes)

Peacebuilding Expert- Chic Dambach

Melanie Greenberg, President and CEO of the Alliance for Peacebuilding interviews Chic Dambach, a career peacebuilder and former President of the Alliance for Peacebuilding. Chic discusses how he got started in peacebuilding, from his days in the Peace Corps to his instrumental role in bringing peace during the Ethiopia and Eritrea border war.

Chic also talks about the creation of the term peacebuilding, and the importance of groups working together toward a common goal of peace.

Additional Resources:

Interfaith Peacebuilding

This interview, conducted by Rick Love, Executive Director of Peace Catalyst International, highlights the value of religion and peacemaking. Interviewees Adam Estle, Executive Director of Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding and his long-time friend, Usama Shami, discuss the unusual circumstances that brought their respective church and mosque together in Phoenix, AZ and how they believe that understanding between religions is vital to peace around the world.

Adam and Usama go on to argue that the interpersonal relationships that are fostered by peacebuilding are vital in bringing peace to the Middle East.

Additional Resources:

Interview with Adam Estle and Usama Shami, Moderated by Rick Love (approx. 40 minutes)