Inclusivity, or a whole-of-society approach, in conflict transformation, refers to the idea that sustainable and just peace can only be achieved by bringing together the aspirations, interests, and needs of all concerned individuals, groups, and segments of society. Inclusivity is a central concern in all stages of conflict transformation and ranges across tracks and structures. This approach follows the assumption that including a broader range of actors, as well as taking into account local traditions, realities, and cultures, will lead to more effective and sustainable peacebuilding.

In addition, inclusive peacemaking and broader peacebuilding processes contribute to transformative change in society, which is about transforming repressive/unequal power relations for more equitable norms and relations to emerge, which then contributes to sustaining peace.

The Network pays special attention to the promotion of gender equality and youth participation while recognizing the intersectionality of exclusion dynamics, such as gender or age-based discrimination or discrimination based on socio-economic status, sex, ethnicity, religion, etc. The Network recognizes the need to pay special attention to the most vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities and ethnic and religious minorities. The Network’s understanding of inclusivity is encapsulated in the UN’s 2030 Agenda pledge, Leave No One Behind. Learn the key terms for peacemaking and broader peacebuilding processes here.

Four Inclusivity Briefs highlight how Network Members and Supporters are advancing and mainstreaming inclusivity based on the Network’s four modalities of advancing its work: 1) networking 2) research 3) advocacy and 4) capacity-building.   Click the links below to learn more.

The Network’s primary mechanism of advancing its inclusive efforts within peacemaking and broader peacebuilding processes is through its Inclusivity-Based Community of Practice (CoP). The Inclusivity-Based Community of Practice offers space and opportunity for both Network members and non-members who are experts in the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security spaces, to build and cultivate learning, relationships, and partnerships. The current silos that exist at the global level between faith-based actors and organizations and secular actors and organizations working to advance gender equality and youth leadership and partnership are hindering policy and advocacy efforts. Learning about and acknowledging shared challenges, showcasing examples of best practices, and strategically constructing a collaborative way forward, is essential to address these complex and multifaceted problems that we face today. Meet the 2025 Inclusivity Community of Practice Steering Committee!

If you are interested in joining the Inclusivity-Based Community of Practice, please fill out this form.

The Network’s engagement with traditional actors for sustainable peace