Inclusive Mediation and Conflict Prevention: The Finnish Model
Väyrynen, Tarja; Lehti, Marko; Féron, Élise; Koopman, Sara (2018-03-02)
Väyrynen, Tarja
Lehti, Marko
Féron, Élise
Koopman, Sara
Valtioneuvoston kanslia
02.03.2018
Julkaisusarja:
Publications of the Government's analysis, assessment and research activities 16/2018This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-287-519-8Tiivistelmä
This research showed how supporting the work of local women peace actors in conflict zones within innovative Finnish collaborative framework enhances Finland’s comprehensive crisis management capacity. The study demonstrated that in Finland, there is a productive, trust-based coexistence and cooperation between the strong Finnish NGO actors that focus on mediation and peacemaking and the Finnish state. The project examined inclusive mediation, the role of local women’s organizations in conflict resolution, and the work Finnish NGOs that focuses on mediation and peacemaking and that is supported by the Finnish state. It consisted of two complementary case studies, namely Burundi and Colombia, and examined the role of local women’s NGOs in different phases of the mediation and conflict resolution continuum, from prevention to post-conflict peace accord implementation and reconstruction. It studied how such organizations contribute to comprehensive, sustainable, inclusive and participatory peace processes. It also identified the ways in which inclusivity and women’s participatory engagement is present in the work of the Finnish NGOs and where are the most important entry-points to peace processes. Enhancing the Finnish way in mediation and conflict prevention requires comprehensive understanding of mediation as well as investment in preventive mediation capacity. Creating preventive mediation capacity necessitates comprehensive funding instruments where peacebuilding is supported by development interventions. The strengths of the Finnish society allow to support training and educating local mediation trainers as well as to provide IT support for local women’s groups.