Peacebuilding

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.

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.

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.