Doha, Qatar – January 14, 2025

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA), and the Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention jointly organized the Doha Workshop on Supporting National Prevention Efforts from January 12 to January 14, 2025, at the Mondrian hotel in Doha, Qatar. This landmark event gathered high-level policymakers, UN Peace and Development Advisors (PDAs), and experts from around the globe to advance innovative approaches to national conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Strengthening National Prevention Efforts

The three-day workshop aimed to align efforts with the Pact for the Future and the Gulf Cooperation Council's Vision for Regional Security, addressing the challenges and opportunities of contemporary global dynamics. Through interactive panels, case study presentations, and collaborative discussions, participants explored:

  • Strategies for enhancing national prevention mechanisms amidst emerging risks such as hate speech, climate-related security challenges, and disinformation.

  • Tools and techniques for conflict analysis and fostering inclusive prevention efforts.

  • Effective engagement strategies with de facto authorities in complex settings.

  • Opportunities for regional and international collaboration to support nationally-led prevention initiatives.

Key Highlights

The event featured welcome remarks by Dr. Ghassan Elkahlout, Director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, followed by an opening High-Level Panel with prominent speakers, including:

  • H.E. Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Director of International Organizations Department, MOFA, Qatar.

  • Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General, DPPA-DPO.

  • Turhan Saleh, Deputy-Director of UNDP Crisis Bureau.

  • Gautam Bhattacharyya, Ambassador of Sweden to the State of Qatar.

UN Peace and Development Advisors from countries such as Nigeria, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, and Guatemala presented case studies, reflected on lessons learned, and shared innovative practices in conflict prevention.

H.E. Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al-Thani emphasized the overarching vision for the workshop, stating: "Our collective aim must be to strengthen the resilience of countries to prevent conflict, and to create sustainable peace that reflects the will and priorities of the people who will live with its benefits."

 In his remarks Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), DPPA-DPO, highlighted the critical role of multilateral partnerships in advancing prevention efforts globally. "The Pact for the Future reinforced the need for a new, universal, and nationally-led approach to conflict prevention. The Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme stands ready to assist Member States who request the UN's support."

A Collaborative Platform for Inclusion

A key focus of the workshop was advancing the inclusion of women and youth in prevention efforts, as well as fostering partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and regional organizations. Dr. Ghassan Elkahlout, Director of CHS, emphasized the importance of dialogue in conflict prevention, reflecting on Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that Peace is the foundation of development, and dialogue is the path to peace.

Outcomes to Shape Future Peacebuilding Efforts

The workshop contributed to global discussions on the UN Peacebuilding Architecture Review and planning for Joint Programme priorities in 2025. Through collaborative dialogue and practical recommendations, the event contributed to PDAs' and other stakeholders' efforts to better support nationally-led prevention efforts.


About the Organizers

  • CHS: The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies is an interdisciplinary research institute that cuts across the traditional academic categorizations of humanities, social sciences and public policy.

  • FBA: The Folke Bernadotte Academy is the Swedish government agency for peace, security and development.

  • Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme: A UN initiative focused on building national capacities for conflict prevention.