Preventing the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict is a hugely ambitious task, but a more integrated, strategic and coherent approach across and beyond the UN system can achieve and sustain peace. As acknowledged by the latest round of UN reviews, this requires strengthened capacities to conduct sound conflict analysis and to translate such analysis into conflict-sensitive, politically savvy responses to violence and fragility. Failing to do so, means not only missing opportunities to contribute directly to sustaining peace, but also risking to impact negatively upon local peace dynamics.
Conflict analysis provides insights into the causes and consequences of violent conflict, the dynamics supporting or undermining peace efforts, and the needs and interests of diverse stakeholders. It provides a solid framework to engage with both volatile political situations where a conflict prevention lens is required and post-conflict settings where the consolidation of peace is the priority.
Applying an inter-agency and multi-disciplinary lens, this tutored online course builds practical skills on conflict analysis and its application towards sustainable peace.