How engaging the business sector can help facilitate peace

Discussions at The Berlin Moot focused on the potentials and challenges of business involvement in high-level peace processes. Photo © Constanze Flamme

Jason Miklian, Senior Researcher at the University of Oslo, publishes policy brief after The Berlin Moot peace conference.

The private sector can have a positive influence on conflict stakeholders and support peace processes, but it is often overlooked. Since 2000, only 3 percent of peace agreements have explicitly involved the private sector. Peacemakers frequently lack insights needed to engage meaningfully with business actors, even though they can help ensure the sustainability of peace agreements.

The negotiations between the Colombian government and the FARC rebel group serve as a positive example. During the 2000s and early 2010s, business groups played a vital role in facilitating dialogue by offering essential resources. They acted from economic self-interest but also dedication to long-term national recovery. As a result of these contributions, peacemakers were aware of the benefits of involving businesses as key societal actors in both the peace agreement and its implementation.

At the inaugural edition of our peace conference The Berlin Moot, international peace and business experts explored how the private sector can be incentivised to support peace processes and developed strategies for productive partnerships between business and peace actors. In his latest policy brief, Senior Researcher at the University of Oslo Jason Miklian provides recommendations on how to increase business engagement in peacemaking. Here are two of his key takeaways:

Opportunities for expanding the role of business

Although less visible than peacebuilding tasks, business activities for peacemaking have the potential for higher rewards. These activities include financial support to peace processes, contributions to ceasefire discussions and CEO participation in peace negotiations.

Business involvement in peacemaking is rare but crucial

Involving businesses in peace processes can enhance the validity of peace agreements, include the perspective of essential economic stakeholders and create positive post-conflict economic environments.

Learn more about his findings and download the policy brief on The Berlin Moot website.

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