In an interconnected world, now more than ever, peace, development and security must be seen as global public goods and addressed as a collective responsibility. Current transnational challenges require a global collaborative approach involving not only state actors but all different stakeholders in society. Greater cooperation between states, international organizations, regional organizations and civil society actors (including, NGOs, think tanks, academia, community organizations and business organizations, among others), is necessary.

Regional Inter-Governmental Organizations (RIGOs), are among the actors that are increasingly called upon to play a bigger role in ensuring peace and stability in their respective regions. There is a need and an opportunity for RIGOs  to enhance their capacities to effectively respond to new transnational threats through the establishment of strategic partnerships with different stakeholders, particularly with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

With the objective of examining and further defining the roles that RIGOs can play to contribute to a sustainable peace and how they could better cooperate with civil society, the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), have taken the initiative to convene the global conference Strengthening Global Peace and Security for Development: The Role of Regional International Organizations and Civil Society which was held in Madrid, Spain on 15-16 November 2011.

In this community you will find background information on strengthening partnerships for peace, development and security, partners involved in this initiative, latest updates,  and information about the Conference.

You can also post bloggs, events, share documents and reports by becoming an active member of the peace portal here and join the community here