Mediation Support Network (MSN)
The Mediation Support Network is a global network of organisations that support mediation in peace negotiations.
It aims to promote and improve mediation practice, processes and standards to address political tensions and armed conflict and to connect different mediation support units and organisations with the intention of:
- Promoting exchange about planned and ongoing activities to enable synergies and cumulative impact;
- Providing opportunities for collaboration, initiating and encouraging joint activities;
- Sharing analysis of trends and ways to address emerging challenges in the field of peace mediation.
The Berghof Foundation hosted the 8th MSN Meeting "Mind the Gap: Linking High Level International Mediation Initiatives with Local Peace Building Effortstypo3/#_msocom_1" from 24-26 June 2013.
History
The MSN was established in September 2008 and convened for the first time in Switzerland. Since then, the MSN has been growing and new member organisations (especially from the Global South) have joined the initiative.
Network members currently include the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), the Berghof Foundation, the Carter Center, the Center for Peace Mediation (cpm), the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HDC), the Center for Mediation in Africa (CMA), the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS), Conciliation Resources (CR), the Martti Ahtisaari Centre (CMI), the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the Foundation for Tolerance International (FTI), the Initiative on Quiet Diplomacy (IQd), swisspeace, NPI – Africa, the Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network (SEACSN), Search for Common Ground, Servicios & Asesoria para la Paz (SERAPAZ), the United Nations Mediation Support Unit, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP).
A list of members is available here: http://mediationsupportnetwork.net/member-organizations/.
The MSN was established in September 2008 and convened for the first time in Switzerland. Since then, the MSN has been growing and new member organisations (especially from the Global South) have joined the initiative. The MSN meets once or twice a year in different places. The organisation of the meetings rotates and each meeting is hosted by a networking partner. Each meeting has a primary topical focus which is decided by all network members together.
The last meeting of the MSN Network hosted by SERAPAZ took place from 23 to 26 November 2014 in Chiapas/Mexico. The theme was: "Sharing Experiences and Creating a Better Understanding of Inclusive Peace Processes".
Earlier, network members met in Durban (26 to 28 March 2014) under the theme "Transforming Societies through Peace Mediation: A Critical Reflection from the MSN" and in Berlin (24-26 June 2013) to discuss how to link high level international mediation initiatives with local peacebuilding efforts.
An archive of publications by member organisations of the Mediation Support Network is available here. It includes studies, briefs and policy papers on mediation policy, concepts, methodology and case studies.
MSN Discussion Points
MSN Discussion Points summarise key aspects of the MSN’s discussion on topics of their meetings. They do not provide a comprehensive or consensus view of MSN members, but rather a reflection of key issues that were discussed and that may be useful food for thought.
MSN Discussion Points 6: Inclusivity in Mediation Processes: Lessons from Chiapas, 2015
MSN Discussion Points 5: Mediation and Conflict Transformation, 2014
MSN Discussion Points 4: Mind the Gap: How Mediation Support Can Better Respond to the Needs of Local Societies, 2013
MSN Discussion Points 3: Regional Intergovernmental Organizations in Mediation Efforts: Lessons from West Africa, 2013
MSN Discussion Points 2: Translating Mediation Guidance into Practice: Commentary on the UN Guidance for Effective Mediation by the Mediation Support Network, 2013
MSN Discussion Points 1: Supporting Peace Processes: Improving Collaboration Between Humanitarian, Development, Security and Mediation Actors, 2011
Selected publications on mediation
United Nations 2012: United Nations Guidance for Effective Mediation.
Isoaho, Eemeli; Suvi Tuuli 2013: From Pre-Talks to Implementation: Lessons Learned from Mediation Processes.