Strengthening Practice : Support to organisations

What are the HD Centre’s objectives in developing this programme?

Governments, regional and sub-regional organisations in Africa and Asia carry significant responsibilities in promoting peace and security. The African Union (AU) is called upon more and more to lead mediation and peace processes, while sub-regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have already played leading roles in their respective areas. However, organisations such as these often operate with few resources, and are therefore less likely to be able to record or learn from their experiences, develop their thinking and practice, or to learn from the successes and failures of others. 

How does the HD Centre intend to focus its work on helping governments and organisations to mediate more effectively?

The HD Centre is committed to assisting key actors inform policy positions and develop their practice. Depending on the partner, collaboration with regional organisations in Africa and Asia can include a variety of activities, such as assistance in identifying and analysing lessons from their mediation activities. This could take the form of case studies on the ways political aspects of mediation are managed, and capacity to support mediation efforts in terms of expertise, administration, finance and logistics. Debates may also be conducted within partner organisations on their approach to, and management of mediation processes.

The HD Centre may be able to assist in developing institutional capacity to engage in mediation, as was the case with IGAD. Through discussions, the HD Centre assisted IGAD in the development of its Peace and Security Strategy as well as its contribution to the AU's efforts to shape the programme of work of the 'Panel of the Wise' - a conflict prevention mechanism established by the AU's Peace and Security Council.

The HD Centre will also facilitate policy debates within its partner organisations and governments on their approach to mediation and their management of mediation processes. Thirdly, the HD Centre will assist its partners in developing institutional capacity to engage in mediation. It has already contributed to the AU's efforts to shape the programme of work of the 'Panel of the Wise'. The HD Centre will continue its engagement in discussions on the Panel of the Wise as well as discussions within IGAD on the development of its Peace and Security Strategy.