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Too often, peace processes only include dueling parties—leaving women; religious, indigenous, and ethnic groups; youth; and survivors of violence excluded from critical discussions that shape the future landscape of a country. Yet, sidelining their voices often results in a resurgence of conflict and fails to achieve comprehensive or sustainable peace.

The U.S. Institute of Peace and Conciliation Resources hosted a discussion on overcoming challenges to inclusive peace processes and negotiated settlements. This event furthered policy conversations supported by evidence-based research on inclusion in peace efforts conducted by Conciliation Resources.

The research draws on case studies and local perspectives with local partners from Colombia, Bougainville and Nepal. The event explored how inclusion is negotiated in war to peace transitions, common barriers to and trade-offs between inclusion and stability, and types of external and internal support that have been effective. The findings reflect upon strategies used by different groups, in particular women and other marginalized groups, to influence these processes. 

Speakers:

Nancy Lindborg President, U.S. Institute of Peace

Rosarie Tucci  Director, Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace

Zahbia Yousuf  Senior Advisor, Peace and Transition Process, Conciliation Resources

Sophia Close Senior Advisor, Gender and Peacebuilding, Conciliation Resources

Deepak Thapa  Director, Social Science Baha Kathmandu, Nepal

Rosa Emilia Salamanca  Director, Institute for Social and Economic Research and Action (CIASE) Bogota, Colombia

Esra Cuhadar  JR Senior Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace 

Jennifer Marron Peace Process Advisor, Bureau of Conflict Stabilization and Operations, Department of State