Peacebuilding is often associated with formal negotiations and high-level peace conferences. However, on the ground, especially in diverse and conflict-prone communities, informal dialogues have proven to be powerful tools for fostering understanding, preventing conflict, and promoting sustainable peace.
Through the ‘Youth Interreligious Parliament: Convening for Dialogue and Action’ project which we are implementing with support from Staehlin Foundation, we are seeing how informal community dialogues can build bridges and strengthen social cohesion. In five communities— Janga, Tinguri, Gbani, Wulugu, and Kparigu — we have seen firsthand the impact of creating safe, informal spaces for community members to come together, share, and reflect.
These informal dialogues are based on the realities of the communities and usually facilitated by local Youth MPs who serve as examples of youth peace ambassadors. With these dialogues, the agenda and facilitation are locally-led making them relevant, relatable, and solution-oriented.
One participant noted, “We are one people, but when we do not come together as we are gathered here, it makes it difficult for us to reach out to one another and plan for our collective development.” This sentiment reflects the value of informal dialogue as a platform for peace and strengthening social cohesion.
A female participant shared, “I have learned a lot. Indeed, in times of conflict, our local businesses suffer, pushing us further into poverty. This results in broken homes and societal collapse.” Such insights underscore the far-reaching consequences of peace—or its absence—on daily life.
Youth as Catalysts for Peace
An interesting aspect of these informal dialogues is the leadership role of young people. The Youth MPs, equipped with skills in conflict resolution and dialogue facilitation, not only guide the conversations but take charge of mobilizing of participants and making recommendations. These spaces give them the chance to practice their skills and inspire others in their communities to make peace a priority.
Choosing Peace in 2024 and Beyond
As we approach 2024 parliamentary and presidential elections in Ghana, the importance of these informal dialogues cannot be overstated. They provide a platform for communities to reflect on their shared aspirations, address tensions before they escalate, and collaboratively share ideas for peace and development.
Through this project, ASFIT continues to empower communities to talk, listen, and act for peace. The results speak for themselves: dialogues can indeed help promote peace.
