Introduction

The HD Centre is dedicated to helping improve the global response to armed conflict. To do so, it focuses its efforts on improving and strengthening the practice of mediation. It does this mainly through contributing to the efforts of third-party mediators, as well as sharing expertise and information relevant to the management of peace processes.

The HD Centre recognizes that the practice of mediation differs widely across peace processes and is influenced by a unique set of circumstances. However, parties to negotiations confront common issues and similar dilemmas. Acknowledging this fact, and recognizing the increasing importance of skills and knowledge in managing mediation and dialogue processes, the HD Centre launched mediation support activities in 2007.