Public and private investments are essential for development, and businesses can be peace actors. However, research suggests that private investments, on average, have a negative peace impact. Even well-intentioned investments can cause harm if conflict analysis, proper due diligence, and community consultation are not prioritized.

We know how to de-risk projects for investors, can we also de-risk them for communities, ensuring a win for all? Can we help businesses operate in a more conflict-sensitive way while attracting investments to fragile and conflict-affected settings that would not have been possible otherwise?

The session brings together peacebuilders, government, development finance institutions, and local perspectives to explore these questions. Panelists will share a range of perspectives, highlighting challenges, proposing solutions, and offering concrete examples. Through a combination of storytelling and a problem-solving workshop, this session is designed to spark a conversation on how public and private finance can contribute to peace.