Berghof Foundation

26/08/2026

We were delighted to see our Head of Regional Peace Support Janel Galvanek facilitate the High-Level Ministerial event on security and migration at in Ulaanbaatar, .

Land degradation, desertification, and drought are not only environmental challenges. They can also exacerbate social and political tensions, increase insecurity, and contribute to conflict.

Addressing these interconnected challenges requires coordinated and cohesive action across sectors and levels, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Photos © United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

25/08/2026

What does peacebuilding look like in a year shaped by conflict, uncertainty and change?

Across , , and beyond, we supported locally rooted efforts to strengthen dialogue, foster inclusive recovery and create opportunities for lasting peace.

From and research to community-led dialogue and collaboration with local partners, our 2025 captures the approaches, lessons and stories that defined our work in 2025.

📖 Read our 2025 Annual Report: https://brnw.ch/21x5bKw

21/08/2026

“Peace rarely comes about in great leaps. Instead, many small steps are needed – and many courageous people.”

In a recent feature in Die Wochenzeitung - WOZ, our Senior Mediation Advisor Luxshi Vimalarajah discusses the growing importance of informal dialogue and processes as traditional peace negotiations face increasing obstacles.

While these efforts may receive less public attention, they can play a vital role in keeping channels of communication open, exploring new possibilities and creating opportunities for gradual rapprochement.

She also highlights the growing role of non-governmental mediators amid rising geopolitical tensions, with conflict actors increasingly turning to impartial third parties.

Read the full article: https://www.woz.ch/2634/konfliktdiplomatie/verhandeln-trotz-allem/!20FSKPG4E185 (in GER)

Auf der Welt gibt es so viele bewaffnete Konflikte wie nie in den vergangenen achtzig Jahren. Viel Arbeit also auch für private Vermittlungsorganisationen, die inmitten geopolitischer Umwälzungen ihre Rolle zu behaupten versuchen.

20/08/2026

Through our Insider Peacebuilders Network in , Ahmed Mohamed Jama works with communities affected by conflict to promote dialogue and support people in moving away from violence.

In one local initiative, six young men involved in conflict committed to leaving violence behind. With continued support, they have pursued opportunities in education, vocational training and employment.

Ahmed’s work demonstrates the importance of locally led and the role trusted community actors can play in creating pathways towards greater stability and resilience.

👉Read our impact : https://berghof-foundation.org/impact/insider-peacebuilder-turns-young-men-away-from-violence-somalia

19/08/2026

We delivered a practical training session with International Committee of the Red Cross Lebanon on community engagement in times of crisis as part of our project in .

The session explored how conflict sensitivity, the "Do No Harm" approach, nonviolent communication, and active listening can strengthen humanitarian engagement, minimise unintended harm, and build trust with communities.

At the intersection of humanitarian response and , these approaches help ensure that crisis responses address immediate needs while taking into account the tensions and dynamics shaping communities.

18/08/2026

When dialogue breaks the cycle of violence, communities can rebuild what conflict has taken away.

In ’s Middle Shabelle region, two communities affected by violent conflict for nearly 20 years are once again sharing grazing land, trading at a weekly market and working together to prevent escalation.

Through our Sustained Dialogue process, community members came together to address shared challenges, including drought, water scarcity and shrinking grazing land, and gradually rebuilt trust across conflict lines.

👉: https://berghof-foundation.org/impact/a-sustained-dialogue-process-brings-communities-together-in-somalia

17/08/2026

Building on our recent analysis of the intersections between , conflict, and women’s roles in across different districts in , we brought together stakeholders from to explore the local impacts of climate change on livelihoods, displacement, protection risks, and community dynamics.

The workshop also focused on practical ways to strengthen women’s participation in and peacebuilding and build community resilience. Facilitated by trainer Noor Shahab and our colleague Khanda Asaad, the training provided space for exchange, reflection, and the development of locally grounded recommendations.

Thank you to all participants for their valuable contributions and commitment to building more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful communities.

14/08/2026

What happens when climate pressures meet existing challenges around peace, security and governance?

In Episode 5 of the "Climate Crisis and Courage" podcast, we explore how a changing climate is reshaping the security landscape across , from pressure on natural resources and mobility to youth unemployment and competition over land and livelihoods.

We also look at why West Africa’s coastline is emerging as a critical climate and security frontier, and how communities, governments, regional organisations and the United Nations are working together to strengthen resilience and regional cooperation.

Listen and subscribe:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1va7mL7EnieKqSHgFI7q3z
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/west-africa-climate-change-governance-and-security/id1894833535?i=1000780446994

13/08/2026

"I learned that dialogue is the best way to resolve community conflicts. It helps build trust and mutual understanding among community members.”

As part of our with IOM Somalia, July's Sustained Dialogue (SD) sessions brought together 180 community delegates from four rural villages and four urban neighbourhoods across Jowhar, . Across separate rural and urban sessions, community elders, women and young people explored the links between climate, the environment, peace and security.

Supported by SD committee members and our Insider Peacebuilders Network, participants reflected on what positive peace means in their communities. Together, they engaged in dialogue on locally led, non-violent solutions to challenges ranging from natural resource sharing and environmental to preventing youth gang violence. Each discussion focused on peace and conflict in participants' immediate surroundings and communities.

Through our multiplier approach, SD committee members trained in mediation and environmental peacebuilding are now passing these skills on to their neighbours by leading community-led dialogue sessions. This helps communities strengthen their own capacity to resolve conflicts peacefully and sustainably.

12/08/2026

On International , we celebrate young people not only as the leaders of tomorrow, but as peacebuilders today.

In a rapidly changing information landscape, the ability to question, reflect, and engage in respectful dialogue has never been more important. Through our work, we support young people in developing critical thinking skills, navigating conspiracy narratives and , and building the confidence to participate in democratic societies.

Peace education is about more than knowledge, it's about creating spaces for dialogue, understanding, and constructive engagement. By investing in young people's skills and agency today, we're helping build more peaceful communities for tomorrow.