Dialogue and Peace Processes

Dialogue and mediation are important tools to address conflicts in a constructive manner and avoid violence, end ongoing violence, and prevent the recurrence of violence.

A dialogue process is an open-ended discussion between the parties to a conflict that entails listening, understanding, and the sharing of perspectives.

A mediation process is more formalized. A mediator, commonly representing a neutral outside party, provides a framework for negotiations between the parties to the conflict, aimed at reaching a concrete settlement such as a peace agreement.

What does the FBA do?

• Training and advice
  FBA offers training and advice on dialogue and peace mediation. For example, FBA has held a yearly course for the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs during more than a decade. FBA also coordinates the Swedish Women’s Mediation Network, created in 2015 on behalf of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs with the aim of increasing the number of women participating in peace processes. The network consists of 15 Swedish women with extensive expertise relevant to dialogue and peace mediation, offering expert advice to peace processes globally. The Swedish Women’s Mediation Network is part of the Nordic Women Mediators.
  
  
• Research
  FBA conducts and supports international research on dialogue and peace mediation.
  
  
• Secondments
  FBA seconds personnel working within the field of dialogue and peace mediation to international peace operations that Sweden contributes to, led by the EU, UN and OSCE. Click here to see a map of where our personnel is currently deployed.
  
  
• Our partner countries
  Within the framework of Sweden’s international development aid, FBA carries out projects concerning dialogue and peace mediation in conflict-affected countries. Click here to read more about the countries where we work.

• Support to civil society
  FBA grants yearly funds to Swedish civil society organizations working to promote dialogue and debate and to spread knowledge about peace and security related issues, for example issues concerning dialogue and peace mediation.