The Edge of Crisis: COVID-19's Impact on Peacebuilding & Measures to Stabilize the Field

Authors: Jessica Baumgardner-Zuzik, Shaziya DeYoung, & Uzra Zeya

Publisher: Alliance for Peacebuilding

Publication date: May 2020

Abstract: COVID-19 is much more than a public health emergency. It is essentially “stabilization in reverse,” upending economies and societies, fueling division and distrust of government, and exacerbating drivers of violent conflict globally, especially in fragile and conflict-affected states. And yet, at a moment when peacebuilding is needed most, we are facing a potential systemic loss in peacebuilding capacity globally due to the disruptions wrought by the ongoing global pandemic.

This report highlights findings from April 29-May 11, 2020 survey responses of 60 AfP member CEOs, representing peacebuilding organizations across the globe. The results point to existential threats to peacebuilding efforts posed by COVID-19. Findings were further analyzed across small-scale (69%), medium-scale (14%), and large-scale (17%) organizations within participating respondents.

Contents:

1            An Emerging Existential Threat to the Field? 1

2            What Can Donors Do? 2

3            Findings 3

4            What’s Next? 5

About the Authors:

Jessica Baumgardner-Zuzik is the Senior Director of Learning & Evaluation at the Alliance for Peacebuilding.

Shaziya DeYoung is the Research Associate of Learning & Evaluation at the Alliance for Peacebuilding.

Uzra Zeya is the CEO and President of Alliance for Peacebuilding.