Partnering for peace
Conciliation Resources welcomed partners from across our global programmes to London in February for a three-day workshop to discuss the way we, and other peacebuilding organisations, understand and practice partnerships. 
 
Collaborative partnerships are at the heart of the way Conciliation Resources works. We believe in genuine, two-way partnerships, characterised by mutual support and learning. We work with a diverse range of partners, including peacebuilding NGOs and networks, local civil society and women’s organisations and academic institutions, offering long-term support to strengthen their peacebuilding work. 
 
Froilyn Mendoza, Head of the Teduray-Lambangian Women’s Organisation in the province of Maguindanao in the Philippines, took part in the workshop:

"Working with Conciliation Resources has given me invaluable skills and confidence. It has provided me, and other indigenous women, with a platform to actively participate in the peace process."

During the workshop, Conciliation Resources’ staff and partners, evaluated their experiences of working together, and discussed what makes an effective partnership. The workshop also brought together policymakers from the UK Government, and practitioners and researchers from other peacebuilding organisations for an event at the British Academy. This was a chance to share and discuss what works well in peacebuilding partnerships, and what challenges different organisations face. 
 
Teresa Dumasy, Director of Policy and Learning at Conciliation Resources said:

"This was a rare and exciting opportunity for us to have such a diverse group of longstanding partners and friends together from around the world. It was a chance to really evaluate how we can align our partnership aspirations with our day-to-day practice."

The workshop is part of a longer study into how international NGOs, civil society organisations and networks partner in conflict contexts in the pursuit of peace. The aim is to have a better understanding of how these partnerships can best support conflict resolution and peacebuilding. 
 
The research is funded by the UK Department for International Development as part of a broader research programme Conciliation Resources is undertaking, alongside Saferworld and International Alert.