Local peacebuilders are the backbone of lasting peace in communities, and supporting their welfare and efforts is essential. This core message emerges strongly from a session held at the 5th African Philanthropy Conference in July 2024, which inspired this paper, Fostering Peaceful Communities: What Role Can Philanthropy Play?
The nature of local peacebuilding varies significantly based on context. It can involve addressing youth unemployment, rebuilding infrastructure, or combating food insecurity, among other challenges. Philanthropic support must, therefore, embrace this complexity, honour local peacebuilders’ perspectives, and recognise their central role in cultivating conflict-free communities. One session participant noted, “Supporting this work means starting where communities are.”
This support requires a shift in approach:
- Providing accompaniment to local peacebuilders rather than funding projects.
- Creating spaces for local peacebuilders to share their stories and experiences.
- Investing in their well-being and care, acknowledging their work’s emotional and physical toll.
- Breaking down thematic divides that artificially compartmentalise their efforts.
- Rethinking how funders listen to and engage with communities and how they assess impact.
This paper is a collaborative effort by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), African Youth Action Network (AYAN), Coalition for Action on 1325 (CoACT), Unyoke Foundation, and Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace (PSJP).
We invite your feedback and encourage further dialogue on the intersection of local peacebuilding and philanthropy. Send your thoughts to chandrika@global-dialogue.org.