An estimated one billion people live in fragile areas facing political and socioeconomic tensions that can escalate into violent conflicts. Organizations operating in fragile areas must be able to plan their activities to suit the local context and be prepared to adapt them swiftly to rapidly changing societal situations.
SaferGlobe has created a tool for organizations and companies to assess the conflict sensitivity of their operations as part of project and business planning, along with a related training package. The goal of preparedness and adaptation is both to protect one’s own operations through risk management and to control the impacts of activities in the area—in other words, conflict sensitivity. An organization’s activities affect the area directly or indirectly—whether intended or not. At best, projects and business activities stabilize society and build sustainable development. At worst, the negative impacts of projects and business activities can prolong existing conflicts in the area or contribute to their spread.
In 2016, we continued the “Stabilizing Development in Fragile States” training project with support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ communication and global education funding, increasing awareness of conflict-sensitive working methods and business opportunities in fragile areas. The target groups for the training are universities of applied sciences teaching international business, small and medium-sized enterprises, and NGOs operating in fragile areas.
In spring 2016, we held several training sessions, developed our website, and translated our materials into English. We continued working on the theme after the Ministry’s funding ended, also in autumn 2016.
On August 16, 2016, SaferGlobe held a Conflict Compass workshop at Finnpartnership’s Matchmaking event, aiming to find business cooperation opportunities in Somalia and Afghanistan.
We also gave a lecture at Salo Adult Education Center on November 23, 2016, titled “Companies as Supporters of Peace.”