The private sector

Work in conflict regions around the world has shown that business practice continues to be a driver of conflict, but also that, if they make appropriate decisions, businesses have the potential to play an important role in building lasting peace.

By adopting a proactive approach to conflict-sensitive business practice, the private sector can reduce risks to their operations, promote stability and improve relations with local populations. If the economic benefits of their operations are distributed more fairly and transparently, they can play a significant role in building the strong economic foundations that are vital for lasting peace. This concept can apply to both large, multinational corporations, such as those involved in the extractive industries, as well as to smaller, local businesses operating in and near areas of conflict or unstable peace.

Violent conflict imposes a range of costs on companies. A conflict-sensitive approach to doing business - one that seeks to avoid these costs by developing informed conflict-management strategies - is therefore a strategic choice for company managers. At both a local level, through improved relationships with stakeholders, and at regional and national levels, companies can benefit from avoiding, or handling conflict more effectively through a joined-up understanding of all conflict risks and impacts.