How Can Peace Be Built Locally? FBA Strengthens Community Leadership in Armenia
Communities along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan have lived with the consequences of a protracted conflict for decades. Recurrent violence and insecurity have made these border regions among the most vulnerable areas in the country, affecting people’s daily lives, livelihoods, and trust in public institutions.
1 juni 2026
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Through workshops and local dialogue initiatives in Gegharkunik and Tavush, FBA equips participants with tools to foster inclusive dialogue and prevent conflict in their communities.
Following decades of conflict and recurring hostilities, Azerbaijan regained control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in September 2023. The development led to the displacement of more than 100,000 Armenians and created significant humanitarian challenges, particularly for communities living near the border.
Peace Requires Local Ownership
Since then, a peace process has been underway. A preliminary peace agreement has been drafted, and discussions aimed at normalizing relations between the two countries have opened new possibilities for regional stability, trade, and cooperation.
At the same time, the issue remains highly sensitive within Armenia, touching on questions of national identity, security, and territorial integrity.
“For peace to be sustainable, it must also be rooted locally—in people’s everyday lives and in the communities most directly affected by the conflict,” says Julia Uddenberg, Desk Officer at the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA).
Building Peace and Stability at the Community Level
In times of uncertainty, locally driven peacebuilding becomes especially important. Safe spaces for dialogue and inclusive processes can help reduce tensions, strengthen trust, and prevent conflicts from escalating.
Local leaders play a critical role in this work. Through their close ties to communities, they are well positioned to identify emerging needs, detect early signs of tension, and promote stability and social cohesion.
However, many local actors lack access to training, resources, and opportunities to influence broader peace processes.
“Strengthening the capacity of local leaders to facilitate dialogue, manage conflict, and foster participation is more than capacity-building—it is an investment in sustainable peace and more resilient communities,” Uddenberg continues.
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Julia Uddenberg and Mona Hossaini, desk officers at FBA, during a workshop in Armenia.
FBA Promotes Inclusive Dialogue in Armenia
As part of Sweden’s support for Armenia’s democratic development and peacebuilding efforts, FBA is implementing a local leadership programme in partnership with the Armenian civil society organization Democracy Today.
Through workshops and community-based dialogue initiatives in the regions of Gegharkunik and Tavush, participants are gaining practical tools to promote inclusive dialogue and conflict prevention within their leadership roles.
The programme forms part of FBA’s broader engagement in Armenia, which aims to strengthen democratic resilience, increase public participation in decision-making processes, and reduce the risk of conflict.
A Defining Moment for Armenia
Armenia is currently facing a pivotal moment in its development. The ongoing peace process with Azerbaijan, evolving relations with Turkey, and the parliamentary elections scheduled for 2026 will all have a lasting impact on the country’s democratic trajectory.
The prospects for peace and regional stability are greater than they have been in many years. At the same time, the situation remains marked by significant risks and vulnerabilities.
In this context, local peacebuilding and inclusive community processes are essential components of efforts to promote long-term stability and security—not only for Armenia, but for the wider region as well.