Peacebuilding: meaning, definitions and examples

Utilize this word when talking about long-term efforts and strategies aimed at creating and maintaining peace in regions that have experienced conflict. It often involves various aspects such as reforming institutions, supporting economic development, and ensuring justice to prevent recurrence of violence.

• The United Nations has several peacebuilding missions around the world to help nations recover from conflict.
• Effective peacebuilding requires collaborative efforts from multiple stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and international organizations.

This term is suitable when referring to strategies and actions taken to prevent disputes from escalating into violent conflict. It is often used in contexts related to early warning systems, mediation, and diplomacy.

• Early conflict prevention strategies can save thousands of lives and avoid the destruction of communities.
• The organization focuses on conflict prevention by providing training in negotiation and communication skills.

Use this term when talking about the process of restoring relationships and resolving issues between opposing parties after a conflict or disagreement. The concept often involves truth-telling, justice, and mutual forgiveness.

• The reconciliation process in post-apartheid South Africa required significant efforts from both victims and perpetrators to build a unified nation.
• Reconciliation meetings aim to allow for an open dialogue and healing between the conflicting groups.

This phrase is best when discussing general efforts and initiatives to spread awareness of peace and encourage peaceful values and behaviors in society. It is broader and can include education, campaigns, and cultural activities.

• Schools play a crucial role in peace promotion by teaching students about tolerance and mutual respect.
• Peace promotion events, such as music festivals and art exhibitions, help to bring communities together and foster understanding.

This term is used mostly in international relations and post-conflict scenarios where systemic efforts are needed to sustain peace and address root causes of conflict.

• The UN has initiated a new peacebuilding mission in the war-torn region.
• Effective peacebuilding involves economic development, social reconciliation, and political reform.

This phrase is best used at a local level within communities to describe efforts to foster understanding and cooperation among different groups.

• The neighborhood meeting focused on activities to promote community harmony.
• They organized cultural festivals to enhance community harmony.

This term is used in sociology and governance to describe the connectedness and solidarity among people in a society or community.

• Policies aimed at improving social cohesion should address inequality and promote inclusive practices.
• High levels of social cohesion can lead to safer and more resilient communities.

This term is practical and often used in negotiation, mediation, and problem-solving contexts where disagreements or disputes need to be settled.

• She is an expert in conflict resolution and often mediates workplace disputes.
• Effective conflict resolution can prevent small disagreements from escalating into major issues.