Peace makers

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Peace makers are individuals and organisations involved in peacemaking in countries affected by war, violent conflict, and political instability. They engage in processes such as negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration – drawing on international law and norms[1]. The objective is to move a violent conflict into non-violent dialogue, where differences are settled through representative political institutions. [2]

Peacemaking occurs at different levels – or tracks as they are often referred to. High level (governmental and international) peacemaking, involving direct talks between the leaders of conflicting parties is referred to as Track 1. Tracks 2 and 3 involve dialogue at a lower level, often unofficially between groups and parties to a violent conflict, as well as efforts to address the causes and impacts of violence.[3] Peace makers are active in all three tracks – or in what is called Multi-track diplomacy.

Who are Today’s Peace Makers?

The Nobel Peace Laureates

The most prominent (and sometimes most controversial) peace makers are the Nobel Peace Laureates. 96 individuals and 20 organisations have been awarded the prize since 1901 as a recognition of their remarkable contributions to peace.

Contemporary Peace Makers on Wikipedia

Beyond the Laureates, there are many other established peace makers operating at different levels and diplomatic tracks. Some are included in Wikipedia – and they are listed here. Many do not have a Wikipedia listing – so this list should not be considered exclusive and requires further development. In alphabetical order, without prejudice to their track of operation, political affiliations, creed or nationality they are listed below.

Governmental and Inter-Governmental Peace Makers

Christopher Alexander (diplomat), Paddy Ashdown, Pampha Bhusal, Lakhdar Brahimi, Ahmet Davutoğlu, Said Djinnit, Jan Egeland, Kai Eide, Jonas Gahr Støre, Thomas Greminger, George Iacovou, Mutula Kilonzo, Ian Martin, Carolyn McAskie – see Peacebuilding Commission, Terje Rød-Larsen, Nuala O'Loan, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, Kieran Prendergast, William Ruto, Erik Solheim, Alvaro de Soto, Francesc Vendrell – see European Union Special Representative.

Non-Governmental Peace Makers

Wolfgang Dietrich, Johan Galtung, Suresh Joachim, Martin Griffiths – see Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, John Paul Lederach, David Nyheim, Kumar Rupesinghe Ek Nath Dhakal

Selected Peace Making Organisations

There are many organisations involved in peacemaking. A selected list of prominent inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations is provided here. Additions to the list are welcome.

• Centre for Conflict Resolution (South Africa)[4],
• Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (Switzerland),
• Christian Peacemaker Teams (roots in North America)
• Community of Sant'Egidio (Italy)[5],
• Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Djibouti),
• International Alert (United Kingdom)[6],
• Organization of African Unity (Ethiopia),
• Responding to Conflict (United Kingdom)[7],
• Reverend Sun Myung Moon of Universal Peace Federation,
• Search for Common Ground (United States)[8],
• swisspeace (Switzerland)[9],
• United Nations