Five Key Insights from the Progress for Peace Initiative

The Progress for Peace Final Report was created in 2024 by Navona Strategies for a client who is a major funder in the peacebuilding field. The report offers a comprehensive look at the peacebuilding sector's current state and identifies strategies for fostering evidence-based practices to reduce armed conflict globally. Here are five major takeaways from the report:

1. Defining Success in Peacebuilding

One of the most significant challenges in the field is the lack of shared definitions and metrics for success. Stakeholders highlighted the need for clear and inclusive frameworks to define peacebuilding efforts. A unified language can enhance collective learning and data-sharing, making it easier to measure and replicate successful interventions across diverse contexts.

2. The Importance of Flexible and Sustained Funding

The report underscores the scarcity of funding as a major barrier. Short-term and rigid funding structures hinder peacebuilding initiatives' adaptability and long-term impact. Stakeholders advocate for flexible funding models that allow for experimentation and adaptation, emphasizing that sustained investment in grassroots and local organizations is crucial for effective conflict resolution.

3. The Value of Evidence-Based Practices

There is a consensus on the importance of evidence-based approaches. However, participants stressed the need to expand the definition of "evidence" to include community-driven insights and qualitative data. Traditional metrics often fail to capture the nuanced realities of conflict-affected regions. Empowering local communities to contribute to and define these metrics is a step toward more inclusive and effective peacebuilding.

4. Centering Local Voices

Effective peacebuilding hinges on the inclusion of local actors, particularly women and youth. Their unique perspectives and lived experiences are vital for developing sustainable solutions. Trust-based relationships with communities and participatory approaches ensure that interventions are contextually relevant and locally owned.

5. A Holistic, Systems-Oriented Approach

The complexities of modern conflicts demand a holistic approach that addresses root causes like socioeconomic inequalities, governance issues, and social cohesion. By integrating peacebuilding with related fields such as health, education, and environmental sustainability, stakeholders can create more resilient and comprehensive strategies.

Moving Forward

The Progress for Peace Initiative serves as a call to action for funders, practitioners, and policymakers to embrace evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable peacebuilding practices. Collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to flexibility will be vital for achieving long-term global peace.