Can Inclusive Peace Processes Work?

Too often, peace processes only include dueling parties—leaving women; religious, indigenous, and ethnic groups; youth; and survivors of violence excluded from critical discussions that shape the future landscape of a country. Yet, sidelining their voices often results in a resurgence of conflict and fails to achieve comprehensive or sustainable peace. The U.S. Institute of Peace and Conciliation Resources hosted a discussion on overcoming challenges to inclusive peace processes and negotiated settlements. This event furthered policy conversations supported by evidence-based research on inclusion in peace efforts conducted by Conciliation Resources. The research draws on case studies and local perspectives with local partners from Colombia, Bougainville and Nepal. The event explored how inclusion is negotiated in war to peace transitions, common barriers to and trade-offs between inclusion and stability, and types of external and internal support that have been effective. The findings reflect upon strategies used by different groups, in particular women and other marginalized groups, to influence these processes. Speakers: Nancy Lindborg President, U.S. Institute of Peace Rosarie Tucci Director, Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace Zahbia Yousuf Senior Advisor, Peace and Transition Process, Conciliation Resources Sophia Close Senior Advisor, Gender and Peacebuilding, Conciliation Resources Deepak Thapa Director, Social Science Baha Kathmandu, Nepal Rosa Emilia Salamanca Director, Institute for Social and Economic Research and Action (CIASE) Bogota, Colombia Esra Cuhadar JR Senior Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace Jennifer Marron Peace Process Advisor, Bureau of Conflict Stabilization and Operations, Department of State