The Role of Education in Peacebuilding in Conflict Affected States

The Role of Education in Peacebuilding in Conflict Affected States

Mario Novelli, Centre for International Education, School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex; Alan Smith, University of Ulster and Zeena Zakharia, Columbia University, presented the findings of their 15-month research carried out for UNICEF on The Role of Education in Peacebuilding in Conflict Affected States, to a packed audience at the United Nations in New York on February 9^th, 2012.

Mario Novelli was team leader of a 16-month research programme that produced a detailed literature review on the role of education in peacebuilding, 3 country case-studies (Sierra Leone, Nepal and Lebanon) and a final Synthesis study. Research findings highlight the marginalization of education in contemporary UN peacebuilding processes and challenges the ‘security first’ model that currently dominates UN thinking. The report argues for a greater role for education in UN peacebuilding operations and for education programming to be informed by good political economy and conflict analysis that seeks to unmask the drivers of conflict and the root causes of war. The authors argue that increased emphasis on education, based on a clear and coherent strategy, can assist in promoting a more socially just and sustainable model of UN peacebuilding.

A report on the event is available at http://www.educationandtransition.org/resources/unicef-presents-key-report-on-challenges-and-opportunities-for-education-and-peacebuilding/

A UNICEF Podcast radio discussion between, Mario Novelli, University of Sussex, Louise Anten, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Jim Rogan, UNICEF is available at

http://www.educationandtransition.org/resources/education-as-a-driver-for-peace-and-social-development/

All research outputs are available at

http://www.educationandtransition.org/resources/the-role-of-education-in-peacebuilding-2/



By: Mario Novelli
Last updated: Thursday, 16 February 2012

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