When we talk about peace, we often think of treaties signed in distant capitals, of diplomats around negotiating tables for long hours, or of large-scale interventions by multilateral organisations. Yet, this publication tells a different story—one of peace built from the ground up, by communities themselves. This story is crucial for policymakers and other stakeholders as the Global Gateway projects are implemented worldwide. For the Global Gateway to be a true values-based infrastructure partnership, it must recognise that if conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding are not integrated from the design phase, infrastructure can become a flashpoint rather than a foundation for development.
“The Missing Piece in Peace” brings together compelling case studies from South Sudan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. What connects these diverse contexts is a powerful insight: sustainable peace will not come from external impositions but from empowering local communities with the tools, knowledge, and agency to resolve their own conflicts.
Across these pages, you’ll meet women in South Sudan who transformed from survivors of gender[1]based violence into economic leaders; farmers in Somalia learning climate-smart agriculture that reduces resource conflicts; peace promoters in Bor mediating disputes before they escalate to violence; and religious leaders in multiple countries challenging harmful norms and building bridges across divided communities.
These stories challenge us to rethink how we approach peacebuilding. They demonstrate that when we invest in community-led approaches— whether through Peace Committees, Community-Based Sociotherapy, conflict-sensitive programming, or faith-based dialogue—we create foundations for peace that endure.
The “Missing Piece” in Peace, it turns out, isn’t missing at all. It’s been there all along, in communities themselves. I hope these stories move you as they have moved me and strengthen your commitment to community-centred approaches.
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