AfP’s Locally-Led Peacebuilding

AfP’s approach to locally-led peacebuilding research and evidence is grounded in the conviction that effective and sustainable peace must be driven by those closest to conflict. Through documentation and analysis of both barriers and promising practices, AfP's research seeks to bridge the persistent gap between rhetorical commitments to localization and meaningful implementation, advocating for systemic changes that shift power, resources, and decision-making authority from international actors to local peacebuilders and reflecting the principle of Adopting Subsidiarity. By sharing evidence that demonstrates both the effectiveness of locally-led approaches and the practical strategies needed to overcome entrenched structural barriers, AfP aims to equip donors, policymakers, multilateral organizations, and international NGOs with the insights necessary to mainstream peacebuilding that is responsive and accountable to local communities.

Localized Peace, Global Application Gaps, Challenges, and the Path Forward for Peacebuilding

During the 2025 Fall semester, AfP partnered with students in the American University School of International Service to produce research on two interconnected research tracks exploring critical gaps and opportunities in locally-led peacebuilding: (1) examining the perspectives of community and local leaders on what barriers exist and what changes are needed for locally-led peacebuilding to succeed; and (2) investigating how development, philanthropy, and policy leaders perceive the challenges and future pathways for locally-led approaches. Through a literature review and interviews, the students authored the following report, including recommendations for peacebuilders, funders, and international NGOs. 

Local Peacebuilder Stakeholder Mapping

AfP undertook an extensive local peacebuilder stakeholder mapping. The research identified collaboration patterns, located gaps in geographic or thematic coverage, and engaged diverse voices in policy recommendations,

Locally-Led Peacebuilding From Policy to Action

The concept of locally-led development has been gaining traction in recent years. While some progress has been made, significant cultural, operational, and policy challenges remain and require a tectonic shift in donor culture and operations to overcome existing barriers. If donors are serious about implementing locally-led peacebuilding, which is vital to reducing and preventing conflict and building sustainable peace, then donors must implement operational and cultural reforms.