The global landscape continues to be shaped by interconnected crises. Conflict is rising, reaching levels not seen since the end of World War II, while climate shocks, economic instability, and displacement are accelerating. As these global challenges become increasingly interwoven, the impacts are far-reaching, with vulnerable communities most affected.
More than two billion people live in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS). They often bear the brunt of multiple crises, while typically contributing the least to their causes. Yet, these communities remain systematically underserved by international investment and support. What’s more, funding cuts by major donors and governments are contributing to growing inequality and fragility. An urgent shift in approach is greatly needed.
Why peace integration matters
Violent conflicts are becoming more frequent and protracted. Most humanitarian, development and peace interventions now take place in FCAS. Conflict is one of the greatest barriers to sustainable development: it hampers the safe and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance, reduces the impact of climate action, and destabilises local economies. For communities in FCAS, this makes it harder to achieve long-term stability or break recurring cycles of unrest.
Yet achieving the conditions for sustainable peace can be transformative. Applying a conflict sensitive approach to humanitarian and development interventions goes beyond meeting immediate needs or preventing escalation. It addresses the underlying drivers of conflict and instability – laying the foundations for long-term peace and shaping futures free from violence. Integrating peacebuilding approaches directly into wider sector efforts takes this a step further by incorporating measurable positive peace outcomes that strengthen social cohesion and support sustainable development.
What you will find in these papers
Our experience shows that real change is possible. By applying established peacebuilding tools and approaches, the international community can collaborate on shared goals and outcomes to support affected communities facing the consequences of complex global challenges.
As part of this work, we explore key elements and processes for successful peace integration:
- Context and conflict analysis to examine underlying economic, social, cultural, environmental and political drivers of conflict and tensions.
- Locally led solutions in which affected communities define what peace means their context and take ownership of the approach or response.
- Dialogue as a platform for building trust and understanding between different groups.
- Gender sensitive and inclusive programming to ensure fair and meaningful representation of all voices at every level.
- Skills building and tailored training co-designed with local partners to meet context-specific needs that sustain peace.
- Collaborative learning platforms to foster shared understanding and strengthen knowledge around coordinated conflict sensitive approaches for cross-sector challenges.
- Acknowledging new challenges and risks that a conflict sensitive approach can pose for non-peacebuilding organisations and partners.
Who should read these papers
These papers bring together key learning from International Alert’s work and that of our partners to highlight the critical importance of integrating peace into humanitarian and development efforts in a world of rising conflict. Together, they set out why creating the conditions for peace must be a collective global effort – and why it cannot wait.
The lessons offer guidance and support for policymakers, practitioners, implementing agencies, funders, and anyone operating in conflict-affected contexts. The insights are based on Alert’s core approaches to peace integration and three entry points with the biggest potential for positive, lasting change: humanitarian assistance, development finance and climate adaptation.
Read the practice notes to learn more about our approach and insights.
