Dialogue and Peace Processes

Afghan women at a meeting on dialogue and peace mediation.

Photo: UN Photo/Fardin Waezi

Conflicts exist in all countries and at every level of society. Conflict in itself is not necessarily negative, but rather an expression of differences of interest. However, when a conflict is not handled by peaceful means, it can escalate and people can resort to violence.

Dialogue and mediation are important tools to address conflicts in a constructive manner and avoid violence, end ongoing violence, and prevent the recurrence of violence.

A dialogue process is an open-ended discussion between the parties to a conflict that entails listening, understanding, and the sharing of perspectives.

A mediation process is more formalized. A mediator, commonly representing a neutral outside party, provides a framework for negotiations between the parties to the conflict, aimed at reaching a concrete settlement such as a peace agreement.

What does the FBA do?

Training and advice
FBA offers training and advice on dialogue and peace mediation. For example, FBA has held a yearly course for the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs during more than a decade. Between 2015 and 2023, FBA also coordinated the Swedish Women’s Mediation Network, created on behalf of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs with the aim of increasing the number of women participating in peace processes.
Research
FBA conducts and supports international research on dialogue and peace mediation.
Secondments
FBA seconds personnel working within the field of dialogue and peace mediation to international peace operations that Sweden contributes to, led by the EU, UN, OSCE and NATO. Click here to see a map of where our personnel is currently deployed.
Our partner countries
Within the framework of Sweden’s international development aid, FBA carries out projects concerning dialogue and peace mediation in conflict-affected countries. Click here to read more about the countries where we work.

Is there still room for dialogue in the Central Sahel?

Over the past decade, dialogue processes have been a cornerstone of national and international efforts to address the multifaceted crisis affecting the countries of the Central Sahel. Since 2020, the military has seized power in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger and radically changed the approach to solving the crisis and the role of dialogue. Is there still room for dialogue as an instrument of peace in the Central Sahel and, if so, in what form?

2025-09-30 13:14

Read our publications

The Gender-Responsive Leader's Handbook

Gender equality is both a goal and a prerequisite for sustainable peace and development. FBA’s Gender-Responsive Leadership (GRL) Initiative is designed to support leaders and managers within organizations such as the EU, UN, ECOWAS, OSCE and the African Union to fulfill their central role in enabling gender equal peace, security and development work.

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Dialogue and Peace Processes

What does the FBA do?

Is there still room for dialogue in the Central Sahel?

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