about us
Who
The Principles for Peace Foundation (P4P) is an independent, agile, and trusted think-and-do tank dedicated to advancing legitimate, durable peace in a fragmenting world.
Based in Geneva, we operate at the intersection of analysis and action, supporting conflict analysis, political dialogue, and sensitive transitions where they are needed most.
Our Mission
We accompany, enable, and catalyse peace efforts that are locally and nationally owned. We offer a shared benchmark for navigating transformation and complexity: a common language to assess legitimacy, inclusion, accountability, and effectiveness, while explicitly rejecting one-size-fits-all solutions.
What Makes Us Different
We focus on the “missing middle” of peace and security: the actors with influence over power, politics, incentives, and public opinion who are too often overlooked by formal negotiations or grassroots programming. This is what we call a “grasstops” approach, working simultaneously above and below formal negotiation levels to build coalitions capable of influencing mainstream politics.
Our practice is defined by five core commitments:
1. Legitimacy first
We treat legitimacy as a strategic variable that shapes whether peace processes endure or unravel, not as a normative add-on.
2. Middle-out approach
We build coalitions that bridge grassroots realities and elite decision-making.
3. Political timing
Our analysis and engagement are iterative and adaptive, shifting in response to rapidly evolving geopolitical conditions.
4. Decision-grade evidence
We design data tools and simulations not merely to describe context, but to inform real choices and align decision-makers.
5. Discreet convening and trust
We prioritise substance over visibility, enabling sensitive conversations and early-stage ideas to develop in safe, politically attuned spaces.
How We Work
P4P activates peace ecosystems through five principal assets:
1.aligning actors around credible options for peace, security, and stability.
1. Accompaniment, coalition, and momentum-building aligning actors around credible options for peace, security, and stability.
2.leveraging the Geneva Architecture for Peace and Security (GAPS) to build understanding and confidence across conflict divides.
2. Discreet political convening and influencing, leveraging the Geneva Architecture for Peace and Security (GAPS) to build understanding and confidence across conflict divides.
3.unlocking path dependency and status quo responses within peace ecosystems.
3. Simulations, playbooks, and incubation spaces unlocking path dependency and status quo responses within peace ecosystems.
4.using the Peace Navigator and AI-enabled analysis to bridge data and decision-making.
4. Measurement, diagnostics, and course correction using the Peace Navigator and AI-enabled analysis to bridge data and decision-making.
5.offering a shared benchmark and forward-looking insights to design, measure, and enhance peacemaking.
5. Principles, standards, and thought leadership offering a shared benchmark and forward-looking insights to design, measure, and enhance peacemaking.
Our Generous Supporters
P4P’s work is made possible through the strategic support of national and local governments and private philanthropy, all of whom share a commitment to principled, legitimate, and effective peacebuilding.
We are grateful to our partners and supporters for their confidence in P4P’s role as an independent advisor and convener in complex and sensitive peace processes.
As well as Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, Frieze Family Foundation, and other generous individual and private philanthropists.
JOIN THE ACTION
Support for lasting peace
P4P offers tailored support for effective, legitimate and sustainable peace solutions.
We can accompany your peacemaking initiatives in your context, at the country-level.