Innovation in Peacebuilding: Breaking Down Silos and Engaging Civil Society

The AfP 2013 Annual Conference was held April 15 to 17 in Washington, DC, and featured a Keynote Address by Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Over the course of three days, we explored the political landscape for peacebuilding in the second Obama administration, issues of the private sector in peacebuilding, new theories of change for peacebuilding and social healing, and more! The conference was attended by over 200 AfP members, and individuals from the NGO community, government officials, the private sector, and others from more than 13 countries worldwide. See below for selected notes, links and photos from the event.

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Monday, April 15 at George Mason University

Congressional Briefing: Effective Counterterrorism in a New Era Video Panel: Seizing the Global Political Moment: A View from Five International Capitals Panel: The Next Four Years: Seizing the National Political Moment Discussion: Amplifying Civil Society Voices in Policymaking Members' Business Meeting

Tuesday, April 16 at the United States Institute of Peace

Introductions and Welcome Opening Remarks: Learning from the Octopus: The Power of Adaptability in Peacebuilding, by Rafe Sagarin Audio: Part One, Part Two Presentation Summary Website: Rafe Sagarin Prezi Presentation Website: Adaptable Solutions Panel: Building Business, Building Peace: Creating Positive Forces for Change in Complex Conflict Areas Audio: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four Break-out Group Notes Summary Handout Keynote Address: Challenges for the United Nations in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, by Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Notes Discussion: Peacebuilding Perspectives on Mali: A Conversation with Building Peace Authors Video: Leymah Gbowee Notes Website: Building Peace Cocktails and Concert Bios of Art and Music Exhibit Website: Cheick Hamala Diabate Website: My Vision Storytelling Project

Wednesday, April 17 at NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Panel: Theories of Change and How They Diverge in Various Contexts PowerPoint Presentation by Libby Hoffman Panel: Innovation in Social Healing and Reconciliation Concluding Discussion: Moving Peacebuilding Theories of Change into Action