Private Sector Engagement in Peace Processes Training Course

Introduction

Recognizing that the private sector is a powerful, yet often underutilized, force in shaping conflict dynamics and promoting stability, this 5-day training course on Private Sector Engagement in Peace Processes provides participants with a critical understanding of how businesses can contribute positively to peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery. Participants will gain deep insights into the dual impact of economic actors – both as potential drivers of conflict and as vital partners for peace – learning how to strategically engage companies, leverage investment for peace dividends, and mitigate risks associated with business operations in fragile and conflict-affected environments.

This intensive program is designed for peacebuilding practitioners, corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals, international business leaders, government officials, civil society organizations, and development professionals operating in or preparing for roles in fragile states. It will equip attendees with methodologies for conflict-sensitive business practices, strategies for fostering public-private partnerships for peace, and an understanding of international standards and frameworks governing responsible business conduct in conflict zones. By fostering a collaborative approach, this course aims to empower participants to harness the economic potential of the private sector to build sustainable peace, create jobs, and foster resilient communities.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience:

  • Peacebuilding practitioners and program managers
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability professionals
  • Business leaders and managers operating in or considering investment in fragile/conflict-affected areas
  • Government officials (e.g., Ministries of Commerce, Investment, Foreign Affairs)
  • Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) advocating for responsible business conduct
  • Development professionals focused on economic recovery and private sector development
  • International financial institution staff
  • Researchers and academics in business and peace, and political economy of conflict

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Analyze the complex relationship between the private sector and conflict dynamics.
  • Identify the potential positive and negative impacts of business operations in conflict-affected contexts.
  • Understand international standards and frameworks for responsible business conduct in fragile settings.
  • Develop strategies for engaging the private sector as a partner in peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery.
  • Design and advocate for conflict-sensitive business practices that contribute to sustainable peace.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to the Private Sector in Conflict Contexts

  • The dual role of the private sector: potential for conflict exacerbation and peace promotion.
  • Defining "responsible business conduct" in fragile and conflict-affected areas (FCAS).
  • The economic drivers and dynamics of conflict: resource curse, illicit economies, exclusion.
  • The "peace dividend": how economic recovery can sustain peace.
  • Overview of the course and its relevance in contemporary peacebuilding.

Module 2: International Standards and Frameworks for Responsible Business

  • The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs): "Protect, Respect, Remedy."
  • OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises: Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct.
  • Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.
  • Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and other ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks.
  • The importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and sanctions regimes.

Module 3: Conflict-Sensitive Business Practices

  • Conducting conflict and human rights due diligence for business operations in FCAS.
  • Analyzing the interaction between business activities and conflict dynamics ("Do No Harm" for business).
  • Managing relationships with local communities, armed actors, and government.
  • Promoting local employment, fair wages, and non-discriminatory hiring practices.
  • Addressing grievances and establishing effective grievance mechanisms.

Module 4: Private Sector Contributions to Peacebuilding

  • Job Creation and Livelihoods: reducing unemployment and providing alternatives to violence.
  • Economic Development: fostering inclusive growth, rebuilding infrastructure, market development.
  • Local Content and Supply Chains: strengthening local economies and value chains.
  • Innovation and Technology: leveraging business acumen for peace-related challenges.
  • Philanthropy and CSR: strategic investments in peace initiatives, education, and health.

Module 5: Public-Private Partnerships for Peace and Stabilization

  • Identifying opportunities for collaboration between governments, NGOs, and businesses.
  • Designing effective public-private partnerships for post-conflict recovery.
  • Examples of successful partnerships in economic development, infrastructure, and social services.
  • Overcoming challenges: different organizational cultures, risk perceptions, accountability.
  • The role of multi-stakeholder initiatives and platforms.

Module 6: Managing Risks and Promoting Responsible Investment

  • Assessing security risks for businesses operating in conflict zones.
  • Mitigating risks of complicity in human rights abuses or conflict financing.
  • Responsible engagement with security forces and private security companies.
  • Strategies for ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency.
  • Investment frameworks that prioritize peace and sustainability.

Module 7: Advocating for an Enabling Environment for Responsible Business

  • The role of governments in creating a conducive environment for responsible business.
  • Developing legal and regulatory frameworks that encourage ethical investment.
  • Promoting good governance, rule of law, and anti-corruption measures.
  • The role of civil society in advocating for corporate accountability.
  • Engaging in policy dialogues on business and peace.

Module 8: Case Studies, Lessons Learned, and Future Directions

  • Analysis of real-world examples of private sector engagement in diverse conflict contexts.
  • Identifying key success factors and common pitfalls.
  • Emerging trends: impact investing, social enterprises, tech for peace from the private sector.
  • The long-term vision for integrating the private sector into comprehensive peace strategies.
  • Developing actionable strategies for participants to engage the private sector.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Private Sector Engagement In Peace Processes Training Course in Kenya
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