Building peace

Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) is the Swedish government agency for peace, security and development.

As part of Sweden’s international development aid, we promote peace in conflict-affected countries. We offer training and advice and conduct research in order to strengthen peacebuilding and governance. Moreover, we deploy civilian personnel to peace operations and election observation missions primarily led by the UN, EU and OSCE. The agency is named after Count Folke Bernadotte, UN’s first peace mediator.

Dialogue and peace mediation

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. Read more about FBA’s work on dialogue and peace mediation.

Leadership and cooperation

When a country is hit by violent conflict, many different actors are normally engaged in order to stop the violence. Good leadership and cooperation skills are decisive factors for all actors’ ability to contribute to solving the conflict. Read more about FBA’s work on leadership and cooperation.

Women, peace and security and youth, peace and security

The UN Security Council has repeatedly stated that the needs of women must always be considered in times of conflict, as well as women’s right to equal participation in all efforts for peace. The UN Security Council has also recognized youth as important actors for peace. Read more about FBA’s work on women, peace and security and youth, peace and security.

Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration

The signing of a peace agreement in a country affected by violent conflict marks the beginning of a sensitive transitional period from war to peace. This commonly entails the dismantling of armed groups, the collection and destruction of illegal weapons, and projects aimed at helping former combatants reintegrate into civilian life, for example through support to find housing and employment or reuniting with missing family members. Read more about FBA’s work on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants.

Democratic security sector governance

Reforms of the security sector, including for example the police, military and corrections, are often necessary in a conflict-affected state to create stability and prevent conflicts from re-emerging. Civilian control and oversight of the security sector are important steps to guarantee the safety and rights of all citizens, and build trust between citizens and security actors. Read more about FBA’s work on democratic security sector governance.

Rule of law, human rights and election support

Modern peacemaking is not only about ending violence. It is just as much about preventing violence, through the construction of well-functioning states with respect for the rule of law, human rights and democratic elections. A common root cause of armed conflict is that a group of people perceive that they are being discriminated against, that they lack political and economic power, or that their human rights are systematically violated. Read more about FBA’s work on rule of law, human rights and election support.

We work on behalf of all Swedes

FBA is a government agency under the authority of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Our work is financed by tax money.

We have a close cooperation with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida. The difference between FBA and Sida is that we work exclusively with conflict prevention, conflict solution and conflict-affected countries. We carry out most of our work on-site with our own personnel.

FBA was established in 2002 when the Swedish government saw a need for a state agency focused on peace and security.

At the start, we were only four employees. Today we have over 150 employees at our offices in Stockholm and Sandö in Sweden, and we also have approximately 80 experts on secondment to peace operations around the world.