Conflict transformation concept
Conflict transformation is to envision and respond to the ebb and flow of social conflict as life-giving opportunities for creating constructive change processes that reduce violence, increase justice in direct interaction and social structures, and respond to real-life problems in human relationships. John Paul Lederach - Professor of International Peacebuilding
The importance of community-based peace building and of civil society in peace processes forms a basis for our programmes.
The Institute’s conflict transformation work is based on an understanding that conflict is a natural part of societies and has the potential for both constructive and destructive change. It also builds on the premise that peace can only be achieved through the active involvement of the local communities themselves. LPI's work is carried out mainly through engagement with, and support to, civil society organisations.
Research also plays an essential role in LPI’s conflict transformation approach, both as a precondition for understanding the context of engagement and as a means for conflict transformation. While LPI's partners include a large variety of civil society organisations depending on the context of engagement in the different country programmes, the Institute puts special emphasis on engaging in work or dialogue with faith-based organisations.