Peace Talks – Building Block 2

The vast majority of conflicts cannot be resolved on the battlefield, which means that peace talks are essential. But negotiating a peace agreement is complex. It takes a long time to convince both sides to sit down and negotiate and it can be difficult to find common ground. And even when an agreement is reached, it doesn’t always last.

Building Block 2: The Structure of Peace Agreements

Peace agreements have three components: procedural, structural and substantive. Procedural components determine HOW the parties are going to conduct future negotiations and establish the schedules and institutions that help build peace. Structural components determine WHAT changes are needed to end the conflict and provide a foundation for a sustainable future. Substantive components address the underlying causes of the conflict, such as power sharing, resolving past grievances and creating an environment conducive to reconciliation and peace.

The Camp David Accords illustrate the complexities of a peace negotiation and highlight the importance of understanding all of these aspects when designing an approach to resolving conflicts. The Israelis and Egyptians were able to compromise on their respective positions and negotiate a settlement that ended a long-standing hostilities.

In order to make sure that all the necessary building blocks are in place, we strive for inclusiveness. This means ensuring that we are bringing together voices from beyond the field of conflict resolution and expanding the dialogue so that we can showcase practical solutions for peace from all sectors of society. By bringing these perspectives to the Peace Talks, we can ensure that new ideas are highlighted and silos broken down.