This publication consists of a series of reflection pieces from experienced mediators and policy-makers on what they see as the most pressing peacemaking challenges facing the world in 2013. It aims to serve as a resource for practitioners, stimulating debate on key issues and dilemmas surrounding mediation, challenging a number of prevailing views, and presenting new perspectives on international mediation.

The publication draws on the expertise of several prominent peacemakers in the field including Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide; Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Carl Bildt; Head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in the Philippines, Teresita Quintos Deles; and Executive Director of the HD Centre, David Harland.

In their reflections, the authors make specific proposals on who should have access to peace negotiations, how peace talks could be connected to wider processes of change, and what type of hybrid arrangements might help peacemakers resolve longstanding conflicts. The authors also discuss the advantages of keeping channels of communication open to a wide spectrum of actors in any given conflict.