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Over the past years, KOFF members have experienced and examined what it means when the space for civil society shrinks. At the same time, many organizations and individuals around the world have adapted old and developed new strategies and approaches to continue their work for peace, against all odds. The upcoming roundtable will highlight the creative, persistent, and innovative ways in which civil society «makes space» for peacebuilding.

December 1, 9:30am

read the synthesis

What can we learn from previous peacebuilding projects to make our work more effective in the future? Are we devoting enough (safe) space and time for self-reflection within the peacebuilding sector? Are we creating opportunities for sharing experiences and recommendations with our peacebuilding peers?

Read more in our November edition!

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The care economy - which predominantly relies on women's work - is in a constant state of crisis. This is a barrier to political participation for anyone active in this economy. This booklet explains how socio-economic barriers, and care-work in particular, hinder women's participation in political and peace processes and offers recommendations on how Swiss policy can address this problem and thus increase the potential of its Women Peace and Security agenda.

Read the booklet (en, de, fr) and register for the Virtual Conference “Centering Care in Women, Peace and Security” ( 21 September 2021, 1.45pm-4.45pm).

What efforts are Swiss peacebuilding organizations making to promote peace and security in Switzerland and abroad?

Read this issue to learn more about current initiatives, as well as the remaining challenges and opportunities.

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What are the biggest hurdles we currently face regarding mis/disinformation? What impact can digital technologies make in promoting peacemaking and preventing conflict?

In the third KOFF roundtable of 2021, panelists from four areas of peacebuilding discussed the challenges of mis/disinformation and ways forward - the discussion is reflected and summarized in this synthesis.

read the synthesis

How does Switzerland advocate for peace? Who determines peace policy? What has changed in recent years? What priorities should Switzerland set in its future peace policy in the future? And how does the Swiss candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council play into this?

These and other questions came up at a KOFF Roundtable in May 2021 - the discussion is reflected and summarized in this synthesis.

read the synthesis

When addressing migration in peacebuilding, not only people on the move are relevant, but also people who are affected by some sort of negative migration outcome or involuntary immobility. There is great need for regular migration routes, for a broadened ability to migrate, and for a decriminalization of migration in general.

This was discussed in a KOFF Master Class back in February 2021. The conversations, insights, and concepts that were brought up during the Master Class, are critically reflected in this article.

Read the critical reflection

The fourth episode of the KOFF Ton-Träger sheds light on the promotion of a culture of nonviolence and peace (CNV&P) during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Three peacebuilding experts are discussing the concept of CNV&P, its relevance for their peacebuilding work, and the challenges and opportunities arising from the pandemic for their engagement at the community and multilateral level as well as in the digital sphere.

listen to the podcast

East Africa is rich in resources and very diverse, but it is still adversely affected by conflicts and instability. Inter-communal and pastoral conflicts, cross-border rebel insurgencies, or violent security-force repression are a reality for several East African countries. Nevertheless, local civil society organizations and their Swiss-based partners are committed to building on the potential for peace that the region has to offer.

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This policy brief summarizes the findings of a joint learning process on peacebuilding and migration, facilitated by KOFF – the Swiss Platform for Peacebuilding, and the resulting web toolbox on migration in peacebuilding. It highlights the relevance of a systematic and strategic engagement with migration in peacebuilding, showcases some practical examples and points to areas that need further investment and attention from the peace policy sector.

policy brief | web-toolbox