Conflict Prevention for development

Violent conflict in a society reflects a failure in governance, resulting in the complete breakdown of the relationship between civil society and the state. In this context, sustainable development and poverty reduction are virtually impossible to achieve. Not only are the authorities unable to implement socio-economic development programming, but the environment―destruction of infrastructure, economic collapse, loss of life―cannot support it. At the same time, the increasing connection between conflict and global security concerns puts development progress at risk beyond the borders of the affected country, fuelling the urgency to deal with conflict and promote a culture of conflict prevention and peace.


The world takes both a preventive and a restorative approach to conflict and security. Effective international development cooperation programs that reduce poverty, inequality, exclusion, and environmental degradation help address common sources of conflict and reinforce human security, stability, and peace. In these situations, The world cannot act alone. The assets and capabilities of our diplomatic corps and our military become indispensable to a whole-of-government response to restoring security and rebuilding society.

The universal goal in this area is to help reduce the frequency and intensity of violent conflict and to increase civilian oversight, accountability, and transparency of security systems. This includes mitigating the human impact of conflict, as well as providing technical assistance to strengthen the institutional capacity of fragile states to reduce, prevent, and eliminate violent conflict.

Future programming could include integrating conflict indicators and early warning systems; support for the demobilization of former combatants; truth and reconciliation commissions; small-arms collection programs; and policing, transparency, and oversight of security institutions. Assistance in this area requires a long-term engagement beyond post-conflict recovery and reconstruction efforts. More traditional areas of assistance, such as economic growth and poverty reduction programs, democratization, good governance (including justice and security systems), and respect for human rights, must also be incorporated.