Karina Shyrokykh, a member of FBA’s International Research Working Groups, leads a new research project that aims to shed light on how Transnational Municipal Cooperation can be deployed in crisis situations.
Our Partner Countries
FBA contributes to Sweden’s international development cooperation, or development aid, within the area of peace and security. FBA is tasked by the Swedish government to work with a number of conflict-affected countries and regions, and with Sweden’s global efforts for peace and security.The objective of Swedish development aid is to create opportunities for people living in poverty and under oppression to improve their living conditions. One billion people are currently living in extreme poverty worldwide, and in year 2030 the majority of the poor are expected to live in conflict-affected countries. Armed conflict is one of the biggest obstacles to both social, economic and democratic development.
Swedish development cooperation is governed by strategies decided by the Swedish government. The strategies apply to a country, a region, or to a thematic area and apply globally.
Traditionally, mainly the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has been tasked with working with the strategies.
But in 2015 FBA was, for the first time, commissioned to contribute to one of the strategies – the strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, FBA’s role in Sweden’s development aid has grown, and now includes several long-term assignments to contribute to peacebuilding in countries affected by armed conflict, or transitioning from war to peace.
Where we work
As of today, FBA is tasked with working with nine countries and one region within the realm of Sweden’s development cooperation:
Afghanistan
Africa
Colombia
Democratic Republic of Congo
Eastern Europe
Iraq
Liberia
Mali
Myanmar
Palestine
Somalia
In addition, we are commissioned to contribute to Sweden’s thematic global strategies for sustainable peace, international civilian crisis management, and human rights, democracy and the rule of law. This is reflected in every area of our work.
Also underlying all our work is Agenda 2030, with 17 global sustainable development goals adopted by the world’s leaders at a UN summit. Goal 16, on promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies, is especially in line with the mission of FBA. Goal 5, on achieving gender equality, is of great importance to our work as well.
How we work
FBA’s activities are designed to address needs identified in comprehensive needs assessments. Planning and design is carried out in close collaboration with our partners, including national and local authorities and civil society organizations in the countries where we work. We also cooperate with international organizations such as the UN, EU, OSCE and AU.
Our international activities are centered around our areas of expertise. Our own personnel play an active part in carrying out activities and monitoring their results. For instance, we provide expert advice and tailored trainings for key actors in the countries where we work, on issues such as reintegration of ex-combatants, dialogue and peace mediation, leadership in peace operations, or inclusive peacebuilding. In order to build sustainable peace, various groups in a country need to be included, such as women, youth and other often marginalized groups.
We also support institution-building, democratic development and respect for the rule of law. Conflict-affected countries are often weak states with ill-functioning institutions and low public trust in state authorities. The national security sector, with the police and the military, is often particularly mistrusted. Reforms may be needed in order for people to feel safe and regain trust in the security sector.
All our work is aimed at preventing conflicts, and strengthening the capacity of states to manage conflicts peacefully if they arise.
Guide to Peacemaking Using Islamic Principles
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