TransConflict is pleased to present the second Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation newsletter, showcasing the work of the GCCT and its members.

The EU’s latest proposal for the post-2015 development framework is on the right track. But, as Member States reflect on this document to adopt Council Conclusions in May, more effort is needed to spell out how a future framework can support and measure progress towards sustainable peace.

It is only by building democratic institutions that the present and future generations of Somali leaders will be inspired to continue the country’s progress towards national cohesion, tolerance, peace and unity.

Sport has often been overlooked as a form of soft power that is able to broker moments of normality within periods of conflict between ethnic or national communities and as a form of public diplomacy or social intervention.

The United National High Level Panel has a responsibility to ensure that the post-2015 Development Agenda addresses the difficult questions of peace and security by looking at the evidence of what works in conflict-affected and fragile states.

TransConflict is pleased to present a new report, entitled “Lessons In War: Military Use of Schools and Other Education Institutions during Conflict”, published by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack. 

By denying women many of their most basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan was the proverbial death-knell for progressive lifestyles of women in the country; as the shocking case of Malala Yousufzai demonstrates in the starkest possible manner.

The absence of a women’s grassroots support network or social movement is one of the key reasons women have been unable to exert more influence on the peace process in Afghanistan, meaning that any future peace settlement may lack sufficient safeguards to promote and entrench women’s voices.

The emergence of locally-initiated and supported peacebuilding initiatives by young people – acting as change agents, mentors and leaders – is fostering a new paradigm in governance, development and peacebuilding amongst pastoralist communities in north-western Kenya.

TransConflict is pleased to present a short-film – entitled ‘Budapest backwards’, by Jeroen Sebrechts – winner of the prize for ‘Best Film’ at the third Balkans Beyond Borders Short Film Festival, which recently took place in Tirana, Albania.