How can we ensure that the discussions about peacebuilding reach beyond the UN headquarters to the national and local level? Harriet Lamb, International Alert, emphasizes the need to expand partnerships to unusual actors, facilitate local exchange, and engage the public to reduce violence and build sustainable peace.

The UN frameworks provide the international community with a central focus on the world’s most burning issues. It is however a challenge to transform these principles into practical action on the ground and make a difference in people’s lives. Harriet Lamb, International Alert, discusses how sustainable peace and a reduction of violence can only be achieved by placing a strong focus on the importance of working together for collective solutions.

Unusual partnerships and engaging the public

To build sustainable peace, it needs the whole of society. Exchange on the local level must be facilitated to reach comprehension of differing perspectives and positions to break down the barriers that might hold violence in place. Consequently, partnerships must be expanded to unusual actors, such as the private sector and the security forces. Peacebuilding further needs the backing of the public to realize its full potential. The public therefore needs to understand what peacebuilding means and how its effectiveness can prevent and reduce violence.