Conflict prevention begins at home. This adaptation of the old proverb could serve as a motto for the Joint UN Development Programme (UNDP)-Department of Political Affairs (DPA) Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention, which held its first-ever “partner event” at UN headquarters on 19 June 2017.
The Programme, established in 2004, embodies an innovative approach to conflict prevention, bringing together the political and development arms of the UN to equip countries themselves with the tools to forestall conflict.
The Programme provides support to UN Resident Coordinators – typically the most senior UN representative in a country – and UN Country Teams, working to strengthen national capacities for conflict prevention, dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation. It has become an essential mechanism for UN Country Teams as they help build national infrastructures for peace. The Programme also helps guide UN engagement in responding to political crisis, radicalization and violent extremism.
