Training on Sustaining Peace: the role of Geneva-based Diplomats

On July 2,  the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform in collaboration with the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, with the support of the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in Geneva, organized a training on the thematic of ‘sustaining peace’ for diplomats in Geneva. This training aimed to equip Geneva-based diplomats with the essential knowledge and tools needed to effectively promote and maintain peace in the international diplomatic arena. Over 35  diplomatic missions registered to the training, underscoring the broad interest and commitment to peacebuilding efforts within the Geneva diplomatic community.

The event began with introductory remarks by Jonas Pasquier, Deputy Permanent Representative for Multilateral Affairs at the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. He  emphasized the importance of Geneva as a hub for international peacebuilding efforts and highlighted Switzerland’s commitment to supporting such initiatives and  set the stage for a day of insightful discussions and interactive sessions designed to enhance the peacebuilding capacities of the participants.

The training covered a broad range of topics essential to peacebuilding. Sigrid Gruner from the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation delivered an engaging presentation on the United Nations peacebuilding architecture and the new agenda for peace, providing a comprehensive overview of the current frameworks and initiatives in place. This was followed by a presentation from Nicolas Florquin of the Small Arms Survey, who discussed the critical intersection of disarmament and peace, highlighting the impact of arms control on sustaining long-term peace.

Further enriching the training, representatives from the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and New York University's Center on International Cooperation shared their expertise. These sessions focused on the interplay between human rights, peacebuilding, and various international cooperation mechanisms, offering diplomats a well-rounded understanding of the multifaceted nature of peace efforts.

One of the highlights of the day was an interactive speed-dating session with the five following experts and institutions:

• Eliza Urwin, Head of Research, Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding
• Alexandre Munafò, Head of Global Engagement, Geneva Call and Elias Pock, Global Engagement Fellow, Geneva Call (Presentation on peacebuilding from the humanitarian perspective)
• Nicolas Sion, Head of Development, Fight for Humanity
• Anne-Marie Buzatu, Executive Director, ICT4Peace Foundation
• Noémi Blome, Mediation Support and Policy Unit, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

This innovative format allowed diplomats to engage directly with experts, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and contact-sharing. Participants found this session particularly valuable for building networks and gaining practical insights into the work of peacebuilding organizations based in Geneva.

The training concluded with closing remarks from Awa Dabo, Director and Deputy Head of the Peacebuilding Support Office at the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA). Mrs Dabo underscored the importance of continued collaboration and dialogue among international actors to sustain peace efforts. Dany Diogo, Geneva Peace Week Lead,  also presented on the 2024 Geneva Peace Week, encouraging participants to remain engaged and take part in this significant event.