<p>The role of the private sector in different aspects of conflict resolution has received increasing attention in recent years. This is due to several factors. First, the private sector, domestic or multinational, is often present in contexts of armed conflict and exposed to its risks and impacts, which frequently compel it to act. Second, it has the capacities (human, resources, managerial and technical, among others) to intervene in different ways.

This first issue of Investing in Peace examines current proposals to bring economic recovery to Northern Uganda. In so doing it seeks to inform policy-makers and practitioners from government, development partners and the private sector about the issues involved in ensuring that the most productive possible approaches and policies are adopted.

This report outlines the findings and recommendations of a workshop with representatives from Burundian and Sierra Leonean civil society organisations (CSOs) working in the field of gender equality and women’s empowerment organised by International Alert on 25th to 29th February 2008. The aim of the five-day workshop was to exchange experiences, discuss commonchallenges and strengthen future collaboration in order to support the integration of genderrelated priorities into peacebuilding processes.

This comprehensive survey of UNSCR 1325 related activities carried out by women, civil society, national governments and international actors has allowed the identification of achievements, good practice and challenges facing the women, peace and security agenda in Afghanistan, the DRC, Nepal, Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka. On the basis of our research, it is possible to identify seven key findings and recommendations for national and international policy makers and practitioners.

This guidance note explains why market development in countries affected by conflict is important and relevant for economic development planners and practitioners. It presents some of the main issues, risks and opportunities that economic development professionals may typically face.

This practice note explains why and how the operations of foreign investors are relevant for economic development planners and practitioners in conflict-affected contexts.

The aim of this paper is to reinvigorate the debate about socio-economic reintegration; provide a platform for linking a broader range of actors who could be involved in ensuring the related aspects of the DDR concept move beyond policy to practice; and to explore what role the EU can play.

This report calls for more emphasis on country-specific exploration of the links between youth unemployment and other socio-economic and political factors that can contribute to marginalisation and discrimination that engender conflict and violence at a more structural level.

This report argues that a political economy lens on conflict in northern Uganda highlights the intricate links between the region’s economy and its conflict and prospects for peace.