At Peace Direct, the mission is clear: to support local communities in conflict zones to prevent violence and build lasting peace. With over 25 local partners across 14 different countries, they tackle the causes and consequences of conflicts affecting their communities. Local peacebuilders are the driving force behind Peace Direct’s work finding creative ways to build peace, save lives and end violence. For more information about Peace Direct and their impactful work, visit their website.
In an increasingly digital world, Peace Direct has adeptly integrated technology and cybersecurity measures to ensure the effectiveness and security of their operations. In 2020 Peace Direct published ‘Digital Pathways for Peace: Insights and Lessons from a Global Online Consultation,’ an insightful report sharing perspectives from local peacebuilders on the benefits and challenges of using technology to build peace amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This report demonstrates how digital approaches allowed Peace Direct to be dynamic in responding to an unforeseen global crisis.
One of the essential aspects of Peace Direct’s work is collaborating with partners to develop secure methods for collecting and sharing content. This includes sharing photos, personal stories, and audio-visual recordings that document peacebuilding efforts. By utilizing secure platforms, Peace Direct ensures that this sensitive information is exchanged safely, maintaining the integrity and trust behind their operations. This security is vital as many of their partners are located in different regions, often in volatile areas, where the protection of shared data is paramount.
Moreover, Peace Direct works collaboratively with their partners in various ways to securely share content for awareness-raising and fundraising purposes, evaluation, and research projects. This collaboration ensures that all content and information shared are protected, enhancing the safety and reliability of their operations.
Understanding that their partners operate under various circumstances, Peace Direct has developed a cybersecurity culture that is both adaptable and flexible. This approach allows them to tailor their security practices to the specific needs of their partners and staff, ensuring that all participants are equipped to handle the unique challenges they face. This adaptability has been crucial in securing their projects and safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders involved.
Since 2023, Peace Direct has partnered with local peacebuilding organizations on fundraising co-appeals. The appeal content is devised collaboratively, building on an ethical content collection process. All proceeds from the appeal are split equally between Peace Direct and the partner organization. Peace Direct’s fundraising team supports partners in developing their in-house marketing and public engagement capabilities. The learnings from these co-appeals will be shared with the wider fundraising and development sectors to promote this partner-led approach to public fundraising.
Peace Direct’s active promotion and participation in the CyberPeace Builders program has been a strategic move to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities along with fellow partners. “Joining the CyberPeace Builders program has been a time saver and budget-friendly,” shared Richard Andrew, Senior Data and Systems Officer. “We are limited on resources, so it’s great to have a place that supports that gap.” Peace Direct actively encourages its partners to work directly with the CyberPeace Builders program, providing them with the tools and expertise needed to maintain robust security measures without straining their resources. This collaboration allows them to focus on their core mission of building peace.
Peace Direct’s strategic use of technology and cybersecurity significantly enhances their ability to support local peacebuilders and carry out their mission effectively. Their proactive measures in securing data and communication, fostering a culture of cybersecurity, and adapting to the needs of their partners are commendable.
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