"Essentially, the aim should be the creation of a sustainable national infrastructure for peace that allows societies and their governments to resolve conflicts internally and with their own skills, institutions and resources."
Former Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Peace can be planned. In most cases violent escalation of conflicts can be prevented. Countries at risk of instability and civil war need mechanisms and structures for cooperation amongst all relevant stakeholders in peacebuilding. National or local peace structures create a forum for all actors and stakeholders for dialogue, consultation, cooperation and coordination.
Evidence demonstrates that peace structures work: mechanisms for peace building have been successful in Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and several other countries. Such mechanisms are inexpensive and cost-effective, compared to the costs of armed conflicts.
The International Civil Society Network on Infrastructures for Peace is an emerging movement, aiming to enhance Infrastructures for Peace (I4P). The Network plans to cooperate with NGOs and civil society actors, as well as with stakeholders as governments and the United Nations. It will support local, regional and national initiatives to build or strengthen institutional mechanisms that are based on the commitment to cooperative conflict resolution. The aim is to build international momentum and assist governments and societies to learn from these experiences.