Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC)

The Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed of Conflict (GPPAC)  is a member-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs) active in the field of conflict prevention and peacebuilding across the world. The network is organized around 15 regional networks of local organizations, each region having its own priorities, character and agenda. GPPAC was initiated through extensive consultations in 2003-4, and officially launched through a global conference in 2005 at the UN headquarters in New York.

Since holding its Global Conference in 2005, GPPAC has worked to strengthen civil society networks for peace and security by linking local, national, regional, and global levels of action; to establish effective engagement with governments, the UN system and regional organisations; and to carry out projects within its key programme areas:

  • Awareness Raising
  • Interaction and Advocacy
  • Network Building
  • Peace Education
  • Preventive Action
  • Gender

Organization of American States (OAS)

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the premiere inter-governmental forum for promoting democracy, human rights, security, and development in the Western Hemisphere. The OAS fosters policy dialogues, cooperation, the exchange of experiences and best practices, and the adoption of initiatives to promote peace and security in the Americas.

OAS and CSOs

The Department of International Affairs (DIA) of the Secretariat for External Relations (SER) is responsible for advising the Secretary General on all matters relating to civil society and developing and executing activities and strategies designed to promote and broaden the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in activities related to the OAS. 

Article 2 of CP/RES. 759, "Guidelines for the Participation of CSOs in OAS Activities" defines a civil society organization (CSO) as "any national or international institution, organization, or entity made up of natural or juridical persons of a non-governmental nature."

How can CSOs participate in the activities of the Organization of American States (OAS)?

First, a civil society organization can register in the OAS. Second, if a civil society organization would like to participate without registering, it can attend meetings of the General Assembly, the Permanent Council, the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), and other specialized conferences of the OAS by requesting to attend as a Special Guest. The third way to participate in OAS activities is by signing cooperation agreements with the OAS General Secretariat in order to develop joint programs.

OAS and Conflict Prevention and Peace

The idea of "peace" extends beyond armed conflicts and is one that the OAS is committed to continue fostering among its member states. Through its many programs, such as the OAS Peace Fund, the Organization is helping to work towards this goal. The OAS works towards preventing conflicts and resolving disputes through a range of conflict resolution mechanisms including direct negotiation, mediation, judicial settlement and arbitration.

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