Building bridges: The Berghof Foundation’s mission to prevent extremism and promote sustainable peace
- Aiyana Lacota
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
In a world increasingly beset by conflicts, the pursuit of sustainable peace remains a paramount objective aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Central to this endeavour is the work of organisations like the Berghof Foundation, which, for over five decades, has been instrumental in facilitating conflict transformation and peacebuilding across the globe.
The imperative of conflict transformation
Conflict, while inherent to societal evolution, need not escalate into violence. The Berghof Foundation operates on the principle that constructive engagement can transform disputes into opportunities for positive change. Their mission—creating space for conflict transformation—involves bringing conflicting parties together to foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and sustainable resolutions.
Recent statistics underscore the urgency of effective conflict resolution mechanisms. The United Nations reports a record number of conflicts, with associated fatalities reaching unprecedented levels. In 2023 alone, the economic impact of violence was estimated at nearly US$20 trillion, accounting for over 13% of global GDP. Such figures highlight the pressing need for comprehensive peacebuilding strategies.
Berghof Foundation's initiatives: A case study from Yemen
The Berghof Foundation's approach is exemplified in Yemen, a nation embroiled in prolonged civil war. In the village of Al-Absiyya, a local health centre's closure due to community disputes left thousands without essential medical services. Through targeted mediation, the Foundation facilitated dialogue between conflicting parties, leading to the centre's reopening in 2018. Within three months, over 1,200 patients received treatment, demonstrating the tangible benefits of locally rooted conflict transformation.
Preventing and addressing violent extremism in the Balkans and MENA
One of the Berghof Foundation's major projects, Preventing and Addressing Violent Extremism through Community Resilience in the Balkans and MENA (PAVE), was conducted between 2020 and 2023. This EU-funded research initiative sought to tackle radicalisation by investigating its root causes and resilience factors in local communities across seven countries.
The project received EUR 3 million from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme and involved 13 international partner institutions. PAVE aimed to:
· Advance evidence-based knowledge on violent extremism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the Western Balkans.
· Strengthen the capacity of policymakers and community leaders to enhance multi-stakeholder engagement in preventing violent extremism.
The project focused on four thematic areas:
· The interface between religious, political, and ethnic/sectarian extremisms.
· The interaction between religious and state institutions.
· Online and offline narratives and (de-)radicalisation.
· Transnational interactions, including their impact on European security.
Empirical research was conducted across municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Tunisia. The study incorporated qualitative and quantitative methodologies such as interviews, social media discourse analysis, GIS risk assessment tools, and statistical modelling.
A key component of PAVE was the development of policy guidelines, an interactive risk map, and online open-access training modules. These tools were designed to equip policymakers, civil society organisations, educators, and religious leaders with practical strategies for countering extremism at the community level.
Achieving sustainable peace necessitates the collective effort of the global society. The United Nations' Peacebuilding Fund has financed projects in over 70 countries, focusing on conflict resolution, community reconciliation, justice, human rights, and gender equality. Investments in peacebuilding are not only ethical imperatives but also economically prudent, with studies indicating that every dollar invested in prevention can save multiple dollars in conflict-related costs.
The path forward
The challenges to global peace are formidable, yet the work of organisations like the Berghof Foundation offers a blueprint for effective conflict transformation. By addressing the root causes of disputes and fostering inclusive dialogue, these initiatives contribute significantly to the broader goals of justice and strong institutions, economic equality, and environmental protection. Continued support and collaboration at all societal levels are essential to realise a future where conflicts are resolved through understanding and non-violence.
More information: https://berghof-foundation.org/