New Dialogues for Peace

New Dialogues for Peace aims to help philanthropic actors transform how they look at and engage in peacebuilding not as a singular achievement but as daily labour. 

Overview

This report has been created as a discussion document to encourage philanthropy to use its skills, knowledge, and resources to increase support for those working on the frontlines of violent conflict.

It highlights the unique characteristics of philanthropy, new avenues for collaboration and futures thinking as a way to unlock new possibilities. This report is therefore an invitation – a call to dialogue, imagination and courage. 

Download the PDF

Key takeaways

  • New Dialogues for Peace aims to help philanthropic actors transform how they look at and engage in peacebuilding.
  • Governments may wield power, but philanthropy holds a unique gift – the ability to sustain community-led initiatives and to link local wisdom with global action.
  • By resourcing generously, listening deeply, and embracing futures thinking, funders can help break cycles of fear and militarisation.
  • There are two key pathways: expanding philanthropy’s imagination through foresight and fostering dialogue that opens new avenues for collaboration.
”Futures thinking opens up transformative possibilities and offers valuable approaches, concepts, and perspectives for conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding.”

“What drives violent conflict and war? The short answer is fear. It’s not hatred, it’s fear. People do not hate each other, but people are afraid of each other…”

“I think for us here [Northern Ireland], there had to be and continues to be, a lot of single identity work before we get people into a session where they would even feel comfortable or confident to engage in dialogue with anybody else.”

Background

The report was created as a discussion document to encourage philanthropy to use its skills, knowledge, and resources to increase support for those working on the frontlines of violent conflict. It was published to coincide with the Peace Connect event, which took place in Nairobi on 13-17 October 2025.

Contact

Hanna Stähle
Head of Foresight and Innovation
hanna.staehle@philea.eu