A word from our Executive Director
Our annual report 2024
Chris Coulter reflects on how we intensified our peacebuilding efforts amidst a record number of violent conflicts.
In many of the contexts where we work, civil society actors face repression, diplomatic engagement is receding, and funding for long-term peace efforts is under threat. In the face of these pressures, our efforts to transform conflicts are most urgently needed.
Our flagship conference, The Berlin Moot, marked a milestone for us in 2024. Over two days, 350 participants – peacebuilders, scientists, diplomats and civil society leaders – challenged long-standing assumptions and pushed for innovation. The conference called for broader inclusion: not only of women and grassroots actors, but of emerging mediation actors, like China and the UAE, and of new tools, including AI and neuroscience-informed practices. The message was clear – peacemaking must evolve to remain relevant.
In 2024, we deepened our focus on climate security and peacebuilding. Our environmental peacebuilding portfolio is now an important element in all areas of our work. From community dialogues in Somalia to mediation efforts in Iraq, our teams supported local actors to address water scarcity, land conflicts and displacement – not just as environmental issues, but as deeply political challenges.
We also expanded our portfolio in the Horn of Africa region. In Ethiopia, we are now actively engaged in high-level peace processes in the key regions of Oromia, Tigray and Amhara, and we support networks for peace in Benishangul-Gumuz to help facilitate community dialogues and reconciliation processes. In Somalia, we expanded our programming beyond Galmudug and Hirshabelle in 2024 to Southwest State.
As we navigate an increasingly complex global conflict landscape, we remain committed to our mission of conflict transformation.
Moreover, we worked in Sudan, where we supported young peacebuilders and initiated mediation support; in Ukraine, where we empowered community leaders and diplomats; in Yemen, where we continued to prepare for future dialogue amid deep uncertainty; and in various other countries around the world which you can read about in our annual report.
Our work in the Middle East was profoundly impacted by the wars in the region. Our staff in Beirut have continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment and determination, despite working under the constant threat of aerial bombardment. Only due to our team’s remarkable dedication, we managed to stay operational and continued our work to erase tensions within Lebanese society – a task that will only become more important over the coming months.
All accomplishments that have been achieved this year were made possible thanks to the unwavering commitment and expertise of Berghof’s staff – my fantastic team – to whom I extend my heartfelt gratitude.
We are also thankful for the collaboration of our many partners around the world, especially those working directly with communities, often under challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions. None of our efforts would be achievable without the steadfast support of our donors, whose generous contributions continue to play a crucial role in our work.
As we navigate an increasingly complex global conflict landscape, we remain committed to our mission of conflict transformation. As we look to 2025, we will continue to support those working towards peaceful solutions. This work demands courage, dedication and deep empathy.