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About FriEnt

We strengthen voices.
For peace and development.

The Working Group on Peace and Development (FriEnt) brings together state, civil society and church actors at the intersection of peace and development. As a network, FriEnt unites diverse perspectives from politics, civil society and international partnerships, laying the groundwork for joint action.

FirEnt views peace and development as intrinsically connected. Both must be considered and discussed together, as they are essential preconditions for security and stability, justice, participation and sustainability. As a mediator and door-opener, FriEnt translates between different perspectives, fosters exchange and dialogue and enriches policy debates through analysis and expert insights. In doing so, FriEnt helps strengthen civilian conflict management and builld a broader capacity for peace.

FriEnt was founded in 2001 by seven state organisations, church development agencies, civil society networks and political foundations. Today, the Working Group connects national and international actors – particularly partners from the so-called Global South – and promotes equitable global partnerships.

Shaping peacebuilding collectively

Through dialogue with our members and international partners, FriEnt brings together practical experience, policy expertise and consultation. On this basis, the aim is to help shape agendas and political processes and to further develop and strengthen peacebuilding.

The FriEnt Peacebuilding Forum, expert discussions and workshops offer opportunities for in-depth exchange, networking and mutual learning. Through publications, the FriEnt newsletter and other digital formats, FriEnt makes debates and insights accessible, provides orientation and brings peace policy perspectives into the public sphere. In the coming years, FriEnt will focus its work on the following priorities and agendas:In the upcoming years, FriEnt will focus on the following work areas and agendas:

Rethinking peacebuilding

FriEnt engages with global developments and emerging challenges for peace and development. Particular focus areas include Peace & Security as well as Peace & Climate. FriEnt questions existing approaches, brings emerging issues into view and creates space for reflection – generating new impulses for peace policy and practice.

Shaping inclusive peace

FriEnt advocates for participation, diversity and equitable participation in peace processes, with a particular focus on feminist peacebuilding. Diverse experiences and bodies of knowledge are made visible and brought into political debate – particularly perspectives that have so far received too little attention.

Strengthening global partnerships

FriEnt promotes international exchange and equitable partnerships, particularly with actors from the so-called Global South. Through dialogue, experiences are shared, common challenges are discussed and different perspectives on peace and development are brought together. In this way, FriEnt strengthens global cooperation and mutual learning.

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