COLLABORATING FOR SHARED VISION
Developing thefor Peace
The two-year development process of the Covenant and its Principles engaged thousands of stakeholders in more than 60 countries, involving 150 consultations and analysis of over 700 case studies. It brought together a broad coalition of politicians, diplomats, security and defence actors, civil society, non-state armed groups, grassroots peacebuilders, multilateral organisations, and citizens affected by conflict, for a deeply iterative process.
It was supported by 120 partner organisations and a research committee, made up of prominent experts from leading academic institutions and think-tanks, who acted as a sounding board and peer review body throughout the process to ensure the Principles are grounded in evidence. This approach was shaped by complementary data collection methods, combining cutting-edge research, expert analysis, and extensive local inputs that conveyed lived experiences of conflict and peacemaking from around the world.
The development of the Principles for Peace happened in three distinct phases.
Phase 1
Initial thematic exploration
The process began with a comprehensive evidence mapping exercise to identify shortcomings in the current peacebuilding ecosystem. This included a systematic review of scholarly and practitioner literature, in-depth case studies of past peace processes and a series of consultations in 12 countries. The goal was to develop a full understanding of the peace ecosystem and identify key challenges and practical dilemmas in the field.
Phase 2
Concept development and articulation of the Principles
As thematic exploration progressed, specific concepts began to emerge. The Secretariat (P4P) and the International Commission on Inclusive Peace (ICIP) synthesised these ideas for further discussion. Iterative consultations with various stakeholders tested the feasibility and political relevance of initial proposals. Parallel working groups led, by ICIP members and expert representatives from research and practitioner organisations ensured inclusive dialogue and validation. By the end of phase 2, a set of Principles were drafted.
Phase 3
Validating and testing the Principles
In this phase the focus shifted to consolidating the Principles and subjecting them to extensive review and feedback. This involved regional feedback and validation sessions, engagement with specific communities of practice, and considerations regarding incentives, accountability, and driving change in the international system. The aim was to explore how actors at the international, national, and subnational levels could effectively utilise the Principles for maximum impact.
Overall, the participatory nature of the process — involving diverse actors and extensive consultations — resulted in a comprehensive and inclusive framework for achieving lasting peace. It effectively bridges the gap between realpolitik and civil society, leveraging cutting-edge research, participatory consultations, and public engagement to reshape peace processes on a global scale.