EU Community of Practice discusses peace mediation in a changing environment

The EU Community of Practice on Peace Mediation is the EU’s premier peace mediation event. Taking place in Brussels during 18-19 October, 2023, this year’s EUCoP highlights the field of peace mediation in an evolving conflict landscape. With sessions on Sudan, China and Sahel-Maghreb, CMI is well represented at the event.

EUCoP23 will take place in Brussels during 18-19 October. Photo: Pixabay

The event, jointly organized by the EEAS and the EUCoP Steering Group, comprises 40 sessions on peace processes around the world. In addition to holding three sessions on 18-19 October, CMI is part of the 2023 Steering Group, which advises on content, formats, participation, and follow-up.

A CMI panel on Sudan considers what is needed to secure a permanent ceasefire agreement and an inclusive political process in the country. The session will focus on ongoing regional efforts by actors such as the USA and Saudi Arabia, while also considering the EU’s role in supporting them.

With mounting political instability in the Sahelo-Saharan strip, a session on the Sahel region asks whether and how cooperation in the region could spur new opportunities for conflict resolution. How can international partnerships with Maghreb and Sahelian instances be improved?

China has stepped up its peace mediation efforts during the past two decades. The country is active in regions such as Afghanistan, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. A CMI panel discusses the impacts of China’s mediation diplomacy on peace processes and other global actors.

CMI’s Chief Programme Officer Ville Brummer at CoP2022 in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Maria Santto / CMI

The event is open to mediation professionals around the world. Online participants may register on the EUCOP23 website.