In the last few years we have seen new forms of diplomacy emerging with local people playing prominent roles, and a new commitment to talk to groups previously seen as ‘beyond the pale’. The ‘Arab Spring’ has re-awakened the world to the potential of non-violent strategies and people’s power. Our growing field of peacebuilding is contributing to these changes, showing real determination and innovation. In this foreword to our newly published 2010–2011 work review, Executive Director Andy Carl reflects on recent peacebuilding developments and the contribution that Conciliation Resources makes.

The idea of human relations taking centre stage was prominent at a recent meeting of people from the seven different conflict contexts in which Conciliation Resources primarily works. As part of a Governance and Transparency Fund project, dozens of local partners and our staff joined together to exchange experiences and share learning on what works well and what's less effective when it comes to preventing violence and building peace.

Thirty-eight countries have signed up to a ‘New Deal’ for engagement in fragile states, which includes a commitment to prioritise five peacebuilding and statebuilding goals. Sophie Haspeslagh, our Policy Analyst, has been closely involved in the process leading up to, and at, the Busan High-Level Forum where these commitments were made. Here, she reflects on some of the things she has learned from the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding and offers some thoughts as to where it might go next.

There are significant challenges to peace prospects In East and Central Africa. With the African Union and United Nations’ recent joint declaration to launch a regional military strategy against the Lord’s Resistance Army, added to public attention focusing on calls for an escalation of force, we share our local partners' concerns that the response must centre on the protection of civilians. Lessons must be learnt from the past.