1994

The origins of Interpeace lie within the United Nations

Interpeace was created in 1994 as the “War-torn Societies Project”, a UN project to assist the international community and national actors to respond better to challenges of countries emerging from war.

Matthias Stiefel championed and founded the project and is now Vice Chairman of the Governing Council. Initial field projects were in Eritrea and Mozambique. Guatemala, Somaliland and Puntland (Somali Region) quickly followed.

The methodology developed in the early years provides the foundations of Interpeace work today

To address the specific challenges societies face in post-conflict situations, and the shortfalls of many peace interventions, a participatory action-research approach was developed. It embodies the principles of strengthening local capacity and responsibility, inclusive participation, use of relevant data and analysis, consensus based decision-making and practical policy impact. With adaptations over the years, this participatory methodology remains the foundation of the work of Interpeace today.

2000

Becoming an independent organization from the United Nations to better address the challenges of peace

In 2000, the project transitioned from within UN auspices to become an independent non-governmental organization called WSP International. It maintains a strong link and partnership with the UN and can operate either as an NGO or through the UN. 

In this period, new programmes were initiated in South-Central Somalia, Rwanda, Macedonia, Israel and Palestine.

2006

A change of name to Interpeace

In 2006, the organization changed its name from WSP International to Interpeace (International Peacebuilding Alliance), to reflect the new scope and scale of its work.

Even more people benefiting from our approach to peacebuilding

Interpeace developed new programmes in Guinea-Bissau, Burundi, Aceh (Indonesia), Nimba County in Liberia and Central America.  The thematic programme ‘Constitution making for peace’ was also initiated.

2009

15 years of enabling people to build peace

In the summer of 2009 Interpeace celebrated 15 years of peacebuilding work around the world.  Programmes in Cyprus and the national roll out in Liberia were launched.

Former President of Ghana, President John A. Kufuor, became Chairman of the Interpeace Governing Council, accepting the Chairmanship from former President of Finland and 2008 Nobel Peace Laureate, Martti Ahtisaari.

2010

Further strengthening transparency and accountability for all stakeholders

Interpeace transitioned to the highest financial reporting standard (IFRS) to further increase its transparency. In 2010 Interpeace also received ZEWO certification from the Swiss charity evaluator, demonstrating our focus on providing transparency and accountability for all our stakeholders.