In 2023, the number of armed conflicts reached its highest global level since 1946, making it one of the most violent years on record. Conflicts have become increasingly complex and protracted, with a growing number of armed groups and recurring violence. These challenges are further compounded by the dynamics of a multipolar world and the evolving role of peacekeeping missions.
Against this backdrop, the UN Secretary-General has released The New Agenda for Peace, a Policy Brief outlining a set of actions to address today’s complex peace and security challenges. The brief identifies Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) as a key strategy for addressing conflict drivers and related grievances.
How can DDR programmes be adapted to the changing nature of conflict? How do they impact the lives of former combatants, both men and women? What lessons can be drawn from past DDR initiatives to improve future efforts?
The DISARM project, hosted at PRIO in collaboration with Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Miriam Coronel-Ferrer from the Philippines, seeks to address these and related questions. As part of its work, the DISARM project has developed the first global dataset on DDR programmes, and conducted four in-depth field studies to better understand what works—and what does not—in disarmament efforts. In this seminar, DISARM project members and DDR experts will present and discuss key findings from the project and explore their relevance for contemporary peacebuilding programmes.
This research is funded by the Research Council of Norway through the NORGLOBAL programme.
Speakers
- Júlia Palik, Senior Researcher at PRIO and lead on the DISARM project
- Professor Guy Lamb, Stellenbosch University
- Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer
- Hana Salama, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, Gender and Disarmament Programme
- Nicholas Marsh, Senior Researcher at PRIO, will moderate the event
Further speakers be announced shortly.
