Peacebuilding

The Issue

More countries are experiencing violent conflict than at any time in nearly 30 years.

This increase has resulted in political instability and immense human suffering, abuse of human rights and mass displacement of people. Conflict is often linked to historic divisions, but it invariably stunts development, deepens inequalities and bears most heavily on vulnerable groups. It prevents us from building a better future.

We believe that the painstaking work of building peace requires the active participation of those most affected by a conflict. Significant benefits also come from drawing on the experiences of other societies emerging from violence.

SCI is based in Northern Ireland and has a deep understanding of its peace process and the ongoing work required to ensure that peace endures. Our team also has extensive experience of supporting peacebuilding and sharing best practice from around the world. Our global experience of the role that philanthropy and community-based activism can play in peacebuilding, also informs our approach.

Areas of Focus

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Strengthening Activism

SCI is committed to providing time and space for peace building practitioners to sharpen their skills, learn from one another, and develop broad networks of support.
Primary Methods
- Mentoring
- Fellowships
- Networking & Convenings
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Supporting Philanthropy

Philanthropy offers the independence and resources to make a real difference in societies that suffer bitter divisions and violent conflict. Our team has direct experience of peacebuilding philanthropy in Northern Ireland and other parts of the globe. We build capacity within philanthropic organisations by supporting strategic planning, evaluation and the design and delivery of peacebuilding programmes. We support funders through Learning Exchanges, Study Visits to Northern Ireland and the facilitation of international gatherings on peacebuilding. We have a particular focus on the role of women in peacebuilding.
Primary Methods
- Capacity Building
- Strategic Advice & Consultancy
- Networking & Convenings
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Encouraging reflection & Sharing Best Practice

SCI recognises the importance that reflection, analysis and shared practice can make to activists. Involvement in peacebuilding can often be challenging. Committed to supporting activism, SCI organises learning visits and convenings that draw on experience from Northern Ireland, as well as hosting peacebuilding activists involved in conflicts as far apart as Iraq, the Balkans, Colombia, the Middle East and Cyprus. Members of the SCI team have also travelled to areas of conflict to work with local activists. Learning about what has not worked is often as important as sharing what is successful.
Primary Methods
- Learning Exchanges
- Fellowships
- Research, Resources & Publications
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Sustaining the peace in Northern Ireland

While immense steps have been taken towards peace in Northern Ireland through the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement (1998), there are still challenges and opportunities.
From its Belfast base SCI supports inclusive discussion, collaboration and good practice to ensure the continued success of the peace process that has safeguarded many lives over the past two decades.
To this end, SCI works to build on what has already been achieved and remains alert to issues which polarize and undermine progress. We partner with others to broker positive relationships, stimulate dialogue and advance solutions to problems which threaten to undermine the peace.
Primary Methods
- Strategic Advice & Consultancy
- Networking & Convenings
- Research, Resources & Publications

Featured Activists

We support and work with individuals seeking to build peace and contribute to a just society.

Monina O'Prey

A community activist for some 45 years, Monina is a mentor in the SCI mentoring programme equipping individuals and communities with knowledge and skills to empower their emerging leaders and activists to effect positive change.
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Gary Mason

Gary is a Methodist minister who has spent almost 30 years working in Belfast in areas at the heart of the conflict. His SCI fellowship has enabled him to respond to requests – locally and internationally – to share his insights and experiences in enabling conflict transformation.
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