CIVICUS speaks with Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground, about the rising impacts of conflict and new approaches to peacebuilding. Search for Common Ground is an international organisation that works in over 30 countries to end violent conflict by bringing divided communities together to find cooperative solutions.

One in four people live in countries affected by violent conflict. Peacebuilding is urgent, but it can’t succeed when people’s basic needs aren’t met. Search for Common Ground works to change how conflicts are handled, moving from violence to dialogue and collaboration. Their approach, called multipartiality, involves listening to and engaging all conflict parties without taking sides and building understanding across divides. By investing in dialogue and co-created solutions rather than militarised responses, the organisation helps communities recover, rebuild trust and plan together for the future, showing that lasting peace is possible when people and their needs are at the centre.

What are the main drivers of conflict in today’s world?

Violent conflict had been declining from 1950 until the early 2000s, but over the past 25 years it has been rising again. Because we live in an interconnected world, conflict – as well as climate change – affects everyone, no matter where they live or how wealthy they are.

But while two decades ago, most humanitarian funding went to victims of natural disasters, today, over 80 per cent is destined to help people whose lives have been torn apart by violent conflicts. The human and economic costs are huge: the United Nations estimates that around US$2.7 trillion was spent on war and violence in 2024, which equates to the GDP of all countries in Africa, and over 120 million people are either refugees or internally displaced.

The multilateral systems that once solved conflicts and encouraged cooperation are under strain. When these systems collapse, societies struggle to govern themselves and are more likely to resort to mass violence. Technology, particularly social media, can make this worse. Platforms are built to maximise engagement, and outrage spreads faster than ever. Misinformation, fear and division move quickly, often beyond users’ awareness, while traditional institutions fail to manage modern conflicts.

How can societies reach peaceful solutions?

In today’s context, it’s very difficult for a single leader to bring communities together and persuade everyone. Even a small, committed group can easily spread fear, misinformation and distrust. This is why we need a stronger, more resilient model for driving change.

We believe one of the best methods is to build multipartial coalitions of representatives from the communities affected by conflict. These coalitions build credibility and collective wisdom from different ethnic, religious and political lines. They include government representatives and rebel leaders but also people with influence, such as young leaders with many online followers, religious figures and business leaders. Without these voices at the table, any peace agreement risks failing.

They are also action-oriented. Communities affected by conflict can’t rely on dialogue alone to solve urgent problems. Multipartial coalitions address immediate safety and security needs while modelling the kind of society they want to create: cooperative, inclusive and respectful. Trust builds incrementally and can be destroyed instantly, but positive experiences between communities deepen trust and foster hope even in daunting times.

What are some examples of multipartial coalitions in action?

Over the past 43 years, Search for Common Ground has supported frontline activists and leaders who refused to fall into the polarised ‘us vs. them’ narrative.

On Kenya’s Swahili coast, the government banned night fishing after a gunman linked to the Al Shabaab terrorist group infiltrated the country posing as a night fisher. The ban destroyed thousands of livelihoods and left many young men unemployed and vulnerable to being recruited by the same extremist groups the government was trying to capture. A multipartial team of local representatives, government officials, police and fishing communities, diverse in ethnicity, religion and gender, developed a solution: electronic ID cards for registered fishers. This led to the ban being lifted after six years, restoring security and livelihoods.

In Nigeria, a multipartial coalition created a radio programme targeting Boko Haram fighters. Out of the 1,500 people who laid down arms and reintegrated into society, three quarters said they listened to the programme and half said it influenced their decision to disarm.

It is equally important to build trust before conflict erupts. In the USA, ahead of last year’s tense election, multipartial coalitions in Pennsylvania and Texas, which are very susceptible to political violence, mobilised community and religious leaders to prevent escalations. After the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, these coalitions provided talking points for Christian leaders, organised multi-faith public actions and influenced local media to focus debates on dialogue rather than conflict, reducing tensions in real time.

How can other civil society organisations adopt this vision and scale it internationally?

Many civil society leaders are already moving in this direction, and there is growing interest from diverse fields, including corporations and universities. The key is recognising and building on existing assets, influence and leadership within communities.

One method is through appreciative inquiry: instead of focusing solely on problems and punishing bad behaviour, identify and amplify positive steps toward the desired behaviour. Look for people and organisations across divides who are already trusted and respected – the natural bridge-builders who bring people together – and involve them in co-creating solutions.

Leaders should also reflect on how their work influences the five vital signs of a healthy society, one that can stay united rather than turn against itself in times of crisis, whether facing an earthquake, a pandemic or political violence. These signs are trust between different communities, trust in institutions, existing levels of physical violence, people’s sense of agency and how societal resources are allocated. Every activist, regardless of their cause, affects these indicators. Keeping them in mind helps ensure our actions strengthen cohesion and resilience instead of fuelling division and polarisation.