A word from our Executive Director
Our annual report 2023
Andrew Gilmour reflects on how we intensified our peacebuilding efforts amidst a record number of violent conflicts.
2023 was a year marked by the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War. We saw a pronounced intensification of conflict in Gaza and Sudan, as well as the continuation of the grinding war in Ukraine. Civilian casualties were also remarkably high, especially in Gaza.
These trends and figures underscore the importance of the work that the Berghof Foundation, along with its many local, national, and international partners, is committed to. However, they also highlight the challenges – including dwindling funding sources or the need to critically reflect traditional approaches to peacemaking – that organisations like ours currently face.
In conflicts where the levels of fighting had diminished since their peak, such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen, and Afghanistan, we were able to intensify our efforts.
In Ethiopia, for example, we expanded our activities, conducting numerous workshops with the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, members of parliament and party representatives, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders. In Somalia, we solidified our position as a leader in climate and peace initiatives. In the Middle East, we scaled up political and negotiation support in Yemen, working closely with the UN special envoy. We co-hosted a symposium on accountability and justice for war crimes in Ukraine, featuring several prominent international figures.
We remain as committed as ever to our mission of peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the face of rising global challenges.
Our research and publications also advanced with a new book on human rights and mediation, a podcast by the Global Learning Hub for Transitional Justice and Reconciliation, and work linking psychological factors to peace negotiations. Our peace education initiatives in Germany addressed issues intensified by wars, with high demand for workshops and educational materials.
We benefited significantly from Chris Coulter joining our organisation as the new Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Department for Negotiation and Mediation Support. A major consultative exercise led to an organisational development review, resulting in several recommendations aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness being implemented.
These achievements were only possible due to the dedication and skill of Berghof staff members, to whom I would like to express our deep appreciation. I would also like to thank the members of Berghof’s Board of Trustees and Advisory Council for their advice and support during the year.
We are deeply grateful for the collaboration of our numerous partners worldwide, particularly those who work with communities and often risk their own safety. Additionally, our activities would not be possible without the support of our donors, whose generous contributions over the years have been invaluable.
We remain as committed as ever to our mission of peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the face of rising global challenges.