For the last two years, a group of former diplomats experienced in conflict resolution, bilateral & multilateral diplomacy, and originating from 13 countries across multiple regions, have been working to establish a new independent and impartial non-profit organisation: Diplomats Without Borders (DWB).
The founding members held their inaugural meeting, sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation, in the Bellagio Center in Italy from May 30 - June 3, 2022. To date, DWB has grown to a membership of around 50 former diplomats from 33 different countries.
An introduction to Diplomats Without Borders, by our Founding Director - Kees Rade
The need for access to free diplomacy
“DWB aims at global coverage combined with the ability to operate on a localised level - incorporating inclusive multilateralism within local objectives”
The world is witnessing an increasing number of inter- and intra-state conflicts with devastating repercussions on hundreds of millions of people. This is occurring at a time when the international system is confronting multiple challenges, including authoritarian trends, extremism, terrorism, cyber insecurity, pandemics, and climate change, leading to significant constraints on conflict resolution mechanisms. The erosion of multilateralism undermines the possibilities for a necessary global approach to these challenges. There is also a lack of sufficient experienced training capacity and expertise available in the current peace- and stability building resource environment. This could put pressure on the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for complex and novel conflict resolution, and even on the access to such mechanisms.
DWB envisions that the experience of former diplomats can add substantial value to mediation, negotiation, and consensus building. This can be achieved through voluntary assistance in conflict prevention and resolution capacities, supporting bridging and training initiatives, and offering advice and insights on expert topics. DWB aims at global coverage combined with the ability to operate on a localised level, supporting both state and non-state actors including governments, civil society, the private sector, and educational and faith-based institutions.
Focus areas
Members of DWB aim to:
• Support Mediation, Negotiation and Preventive Diplomacy in conflicts between countries; between central authorities & local populations; and between public & private actors,
• Offer Capacity Bridging and Training for both state and non-state actors,
• Establish a Center of Excellence, including the generation of insights from their varied experience and collaborations with fellow DWB members.
Respecting dialogues on any level
“The value in communication to create connection”
DWB firmly believes that a diverse pool of seasoned former diplomats – no longer subject to official directives – supported by relevant experts, will be able to provide independent, impartial advice on conflict resolution, and support inclusive training from a practitioners’ perspective, whilst being sensitive to the need for cultural diversity within such work. The members of DWB want to promote a truly global dialogue on pressing international challenges.
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