Tools and Strategies for Sustaining Peace course is a module of the REACT program (a five-week training course focused on peace building and conflict prevention).
This intensive five-day course (40 hours) provides specialized training in tools and strategies for peacekeeping, aimed at individuals interested in governance, and peacebuilding in complex contexts.
The course focuses on the analysis of the political, institutional, and socioeconomic dimensions of peace operations, addressing the political process, strengthening the rule of law, delivery of essential public services, support for core state functions, the role of international observers, economic revitalization, and livelihoods recovery.
In a global context marked by increasingly complex and protracted conflicts, peacekeeping requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond ceasefires and incorporates coordinated responses before, during, and after conflict.
Throughout the course, participants will explore key activities related to political and institutional security processes, such as elections, inclusive dialogue, reconciliation, conflict management at national and subnational levels, mine action, Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), and Security Sector Reform (SSR).
The course also examines the role of international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, OSCE, and the African Union, as well as the main UN peacekeeping policies and strategic frameworks, including Our Common Agenda and Action for Peacekeeping (A4P).
Module Contents
The module focuses on the main operational and strategic tools for peacekeeping, with particular attention to:
- Security Sector Reform (SSR)
- Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR)
- Governance and institutional strengthening
- Electoral processes in post-conflict contexts
- The role of international and regional organizations such as the UN, NATO, OSCE, and AU
The module also incorporates an analysis of the triple nexus approach (humanitarian–development–peace), recognizing that conflicts do not follow linear processes and require coordinated and sustained responses from all relevant actors in order to generate lasting impacts in affected communities.
Methodology
The methodology combines expert lectures, structured debates, collaborative group work, case study analysis, role-playing exercises, and simulations, promoting hands-on, participatory learning applied to real-world contexts
This approach enables participants to develop both solid theoretical knowledge and essential practical skills for work in humanitarian contexts, peacebuilding, governance, and post-conflict processes.
Format
- Intensive training: 1 week
- Modality: On-site
- Language: English
- Certification: Official Diploma from the International University Center for Peace Missions (IUCPM)
The course is delivered in small groups, allowing for personalized attention and encouraging the active participation of each attendee.
The programme features an international faculty with extensive experience in field missions, NGOs, and international organizations, and brings together a diverse cohort of participants from different nationalities and sectors, promoting experience exchange and the development of global professional networks.
OBJECTIVE AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Explore the relevance of the political and safety and security processes for sustaining peace
- Understand the role of different international and regional organisations in sustaining peace
- Get familiarised with the UN politics for sustaining peace (Our Common Agenda, Action for Peacekeeping, etc.)
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS
- Folke Bernadotte Academy
- European Union External Action
- United Nations Peacekeeping
Target Audience
This course is designed for professionals and individuals in training who wish to specialize in peace, security, and governance processes in post-conflict contexts. It is particularly relevant for staff from international organizations, NGOs, regional bodies, and public administrations working in security, governance, DDR, electoral processes, or WPS and YPS programmes; armed forces and security personnel involved in peacekeeping or security sector reform; lecturers and researchers in Peace and Conflict Studies; students of International Relations, Political Science, or Law seeking to specialize in peace operations coordination; and professionals aiming to develop strategic competencies to lead peace, security, and governance initiatives in post-conflict settings.
Learn more about Module III here.
Fee information
The course fee for this module is 1.200 €.
The fee includes the following services:
– Comprehensive one-week course
– All course materials
– Official diploma from the International University Centre for Peace Missions of Helsinki España.
How to register
For more information and how to apply, see the information below or contact us at: iucpm@helsinkiespana.org.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- University degree or equivalent professional training
- Fluency in English: B2+
- Strong interest in international affairs
To enroll in the course, please send us a copy of the following documents:
- Registration Form (available here)
- Resume/CV
- Recent digital photo, passport size
All application documents should be sent to: iucpm@helsinkiespana.org
