The conference concluded with a series of policy recommendations and actionable steps aimed at addressing the complex challenges discussed over the course of the event. These recommendations are intended to guide policymakers, international organisations, and local stakeholders in developing more effective and sustainable interventions in conflict-affected regions.
- Human-centred approaches: Peacebuilding and conflict-resolution policies should prioritise the emotional and psychological needs of children and young people affected by conflict, focusing on preventing cycles of violence through early intervention and comprehensive psychological support systems. Specific next steps include establishing dedicated units within governmental and non-governmental organisations to ensure that psychological support is a core component of peacebuilding efforts; and allocating funding specifically for mental health initiatives in conflict-affected areas.
- Stronger localisation of policies and interventions to the specific cultural contexts and communities they target, ensuring that they are relevant and effective. Specific next steps include developing guidelines for culturally sensitive program design and implementation; providing training for international staff on cultural competence and the importance of localisation; and promoting partnerships with local organisations that have a deep understanding of the community’s needs. This should include tackling barriers to participation for smaller local organisations, including appropriate deadlines for funding, and accessible means for applying where there is lower technical capability and/or experience of such applications.
- Enhancing collaboration and supporting innovation: Strengthen collaboration with local experts and organisations, and support innovative forms of engagement, including the use of social media and communal capacity building, to enhance the effectiveness of interventions. Specific next steps include fostering partnerships between international donors, local organisations, and technology companies to develop tools and platforms that support peacebuilding efforts; implementing training programs for local organisations on effective social media use, digital literacy, and innovative engagement strategies; and encouraging the creation of networks that facilitate collaboration and information sharing among diverse stakeholders.
- Encouraging youth participation in peacebuilding: Young people should be recognised as key stakeholders in peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts, with policies designed to facilitate their active participation and support their role as positive agents of change. This should acknowledge the role of local communities in creating these opportunities, including efforts to combat the perception of children merely as victims or threats.
- Committing to long-term sustained funding: There should be a commitment to longer-term, sustained funding for conflict prevention, mental health and psychosocial support, and community development, particularly in partnerships with local organisations. Specific next steps include encouraging donors to adopt flexible funding models that support long-term planning and capacity building; extending the duration of funding cycles to allow for sustainable program development; and ensuring that funding mechanisms are accessible to local organisations and that they are designed to support the long-term sustainability of interventions.
- Recognition of gender dynamics. In each of the conflicts we touched upon, experience of violence and trauma was highly gendered. Therefore, interventions needed to be gender-sensitive, recognising the different challenges and opportunities of interventions for different genders.