Environmental peacebuilding training - 25-29 September 2023

Education and Training Course

Application start: 3 July 2023
Application end: 25 August 2023 (with visa 11 August 2023)
Fee: Scholarships available
Registration HERE.

UPDATE

1.   Applications from candidates requiring an entry visa to Switzerland will no longer be considered for the selection process.
2.   The online application closes on Friday 25 August at 1 pm (CEST).
3.   Only selected candidates will be notified by email on the 28th of August.

According to the United Nations, ‘‘peacebuilding aims to reduce the risk of lapsing or relapsing into conflict by strengthening national capacities at all levels for conflict management, and to lay the foundation for sustainable peace and development. It is a complex, long-term process of creating the necessary conditions for sustainable peace. Peacebuilding measures address core issues that affect the functioning of society and the State, and seek to enhance the capacity of the State to effectively and legitimately carry out its core functions.’’ In this context, environmental peacebuilding emerges as a multidisciplinary approach that recognizes the crucial role of the environment and natural resources throughout the conflict life-cycle. It aims to prevent and resolve conflicts and promote sustainable peace by addressing environmental factors. Environmental peacebuilding provides a conceptual framework that elucidates the interconnectedness between the environment, natural resources, conflict dynamics, and peacebuilding efforts.

The Geneva Water Hub and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia have joined their forces to develop a training course on “Environmental Peacebuilding” which will take place in Geneva. This course aims to comprehensively explore the theoretical foundations, legal frameworks, and challenges associated with environmental peacebuilding. Participants will delve into various aspects, including (1) the evolution, components, and different approaches employed in peacebuilding and environmental peacebuilding; (2) the significance of environmental factors in conflict and post-conflict situations; (3) the relevant legal frameworks that guide and support environmental peacebuilding; and (4) emerging challenges, issues, and the prospects of environmental peacebuilding.

Course objectives

The course on environmental peacebuilding has the following core objectives:

To introduce participants to peacebuilding and, in particular, environmental peacebuilding;
To comprehensively explore how natural resources and the environment can influence armed conflicts and vice-versa;
To assess the various components of peacebuilding, including the environmental dimensions in conflict and post-conflict situations;
Examine the legal frameworks relevant to environmental peacebuilding; and
To identify and discuss the challenges and opportunities encountered in environmental peacebuilding.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand peacebuilding and the specificities of environmental peacebuilding;
Critically assess the evolution and components of environmental peacebuilding;
Analyze the environmental dimensions of conflict and post-conflict situations;
Understand and evaluate the legal frameworks related to environmental peacebuilding; and
Explain the challenges and opportunities in the field of environmental peacebuilding.

Methodology

The training course will be interactive and will include a combination of lectures, panel discussions, case studies and group activities. The training sessions will include lectures and discussions with a wide range of experts as well as practical examples and case studies. Sessions will be designed to enhance substantive and practical knowledge exchange with peers and facilitators. Through this methodology, participants will gain a profound understanding of the conceptual, legal framework and strategies necessary for effective environmental peacebuilding.

Access to an Alumni network

All participants in our training course have access to the alumni network of the Geneva Water Hub with dedicated online and in-person events.

Audience

This training course is designed for militaries, law enforcement officers, international crisis management civilian personnel and diplomats.

Selection criteria

Master degree; at least 2 years of experience in the field of environmental peacebuilding; we welcome applications from all the regions of the world. Excellent knowledge of English.

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the training course receive a certificate of participation from the Geneva Water Hub.

Fees

We are pleased to announce fifteen scholarships to cover all costs associated with travel, accommodation, and tuition. Priority will be given to participants from the military sector or those with proven expertise in managing international crises.