Spotlight: Turning policy analysis into practical peacebuilding tools

ISS' latest video and policy brief are helping the UN drive its peacebuilding review forward.

Published on 21 October 2015 in Impact

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) produces practical tools for policy implementation that are backed up by sound research and analysis of the latest policy issues.

In response to the release of the United Nations (UN) peacebuilding review on 29 June, the ISS published a policy brief that presents steps member states will have to take in the next phase of the review. ISS subsequently released a short video that captures the review’s main messages.

‘The ISS video on the 2015 United Nations peacebuilding review succinctly and accurately captures the key recommendations that member states need to be aware of,’ says the UN’s Peacebuilding Support Office.

‘It will be useful in preparing the broader UN membership for participation in the intergovernmental consultations on the peacebuilding review’.

The UN peacebuilding report was written by an eminent panel of experts, nominated by the UN Secretary General, and makes a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing peacebuilding across the UN system. For the review to be relevant, member states will need to take concrete measures to implement these recommendations. This requires an unpacking of concepts, implications and instruments needed to effect change.

ISS experts will continue to develop innovative tools to assist policy makers

Amanda Lucey, Senior Researcher in the Conflict Management and Peacebuilding division at the ISS explains that ‘the video is critical for building the capacities of member states, by providing a quick and accurate overview for overstretched policy makers’.

‘African member states will now be required to formulate an African position on the review and the ISS is eager to assist this process. After all, Africa is subject to a multitude of peacebuilding and peacekeeping engagements, and so it is critical that African perspectives are enhanced.’

The policy brief and video have been well received by the UN and will be used in future meetings of member states, including the annual retreat of the Peacebuilding Commission and a high-level meeting on enhancing the cohesiveness of the peacekeeping and peacebuilding reviews.

The ISS aims to enhance peacebuilding efforts and to promote greater participation of southern and African voices on peacebuilding. ISS experts will continue to develop innovative tools to assist policy makers at a national, continental and global level. 

For more information, contact:

Amanda Lucey, ISS: +27 73 703 2515, [email protected]