Faith in Action: Strengthening Peacebuilding Through the Hidden Peacebuilders Network

December 2024

From 12 to 14 December 2024, the Peacemakers Network attended a gathering in Nairobi organized by the Hidden Peacebuilders Network (HPBN), a coalition of academics, faith leaders, practitioners, and policymakers working at the intersection of faith, development, and peacebuilding.

The gathering in Nairobi provided an opportunity for HPBN members to connect, exchange insights, plan future collaborations, and gain a deeper understanding of the work being carried out by local faith actors in Kenya and East Africa.

Members and participants of the Hidden Peacebuilders Network share a group photo. December 2024.

Day 1: Showcasing Global Faith-Based Peacebuilding Initiatives

The meeting kicked off with presentations from HPBN members, who shared updates on ongoing research on faith actors’ peacebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Burundi.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in an interactive World Café session, where they discussed challenges and opportunities for faith-based actors in today’s peacebuilding landscape, focusing on topics such as how to navigate political pressures, ensuring inclusivity, and leveraging interfaith collaboration as a tool for conflict resolution.

World Café discussions. December 2024.

The day concluded with a Gallery Walk, where local Kenyan faith actors and organizations set up stands to showcase their peacebuilding initiatives. This dynamic session allowed for conversations in smaller groups, offering a rich exchange of ideas and best practices.

Gallery walk. December 2024.

Day 2: Faith, Peace, and Conflict – Exploring Local and Global Perspectives

The second day started with presentations from a select group of Kenyan faith-based organizations, followed by a panel discussion on faith, peace, and conflict in a changing world.

In the afternoon, HPBN’s core group convened to discuss an exciting new research proposal examining the role of religion in fostering hope, aspirations, and resilience to radicalization among youth. The project will encompass five case studies across four continents, with the Peacemakers Network leading research efforts in Mozambique.

Presentations and feedback on literature reviews for an upcoming research initiative. December 2024.

Reflections and the Road Ahead 

The two-day gathering in Nairobi was a great opportunity to connect with faith-based actors and organizations from East Africa and beyond, sparking conversations and connections that will inform future initiatives and strengthen partnerships within the HPBN network.