Professional Competencies in Peacebuilding

The Study of Peace and War

What is Peacebuilding? A complex multifaceted process that  Involves

building and creating capacities to work with conflicts, tensions and stress

 Is

a dynamic evolving process : non-linear, iterative, creative, taking place at all times

 Has

need of interveners, support and encouragement

Why the need for professional competencies in peacebuilding? Dealing with vulnerable people – owe a duty of care, safe practice, can ‘do harm’ Education and training  prepares professionals to work in this complex field 

provides them with relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes

Challenges in agreeing professional competencies 

‘Peacebuilding’

is ill-defined -overlaps with conflict prevention, security, humanitarian aid, development



Little consensus on what constitutes a ‘peace professional’



Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS) in HE is interdisciplinary – can lead to fragmentation and lack of consistency



No agreement on the role of academic education in preparing students for employment in the field

Teaching and learning in peacebuiliding Academia

Influences on Policy?

Practitioner Practice Application

Research Theory Concepts The learner?

Some findings Peace and Conflict Studies in HE are ‘academic’  teach theory and its application  develop skills in critical inquiry, analysis and evaluation  build research capability  less focus on teaching practical skills and providing field experience A academic-practitioner divide exists but so too does interest and goodwill towards collaboration

Work with others and consider one or more of the following 

What are your views on agreeing professional competencies for peacebuilding professionals?



What role should Peace and Conflict Studies play in preparing students for employment in peacebuilding/ in achieving competencies?



What is the scope for greater collaboration between academics and practitioners?

Thank you!