What we do

As a member-led network connecting over 250 civil society organisations worldwide, GPPAC advocates for a network-based approach to peacebuilding. It functions as a lively hub and secure space for local peacebuilders to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and explore innovative peacebuilding approaches.

GPPAC’s peacebuilding efforts are focused on three themes:
• Locally-led peacebuilding action
• Inclusion of women and youth
• Climate security and emerging threats

The work of GPPAC South Asia reflects these global priorities. The singular accomplishments of all GPPAC South Asia members remain innovative, insightful, impressive, and influential. For instance, the Association of War-Affected Women, headed by Visaka Dharmadasa, has been at the forefront of mediating between the armed groups and the Sri Lankan government during the war and in its aftermath. Recently, Visaka brought the monks and the Tamil diaspora together in a historic meeting that resulted in the Himalayan Declaration, a call for a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka. Through WISCOMP, Meenakshi Gopinath facilitates a central role for women in influencing public policies and peace processes by providing empowering spaces for women’s informed articulation on issues of democracy, representation, foreign policy and peacebuilding. Nighat Said Khan, a prominent Pakistani feminist activist, has shaped the women’s rights movement not only in Pakistan but also across South Asia. Suba Chandran was responsible for establishing a dedicated centre for monitoring conflict and peace processes at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, which has been pivotal in building the capacity of many young researchers working on the subject. Nishchal Nath Pandey, heading the Centre for South Asian Studies, has been key in bridging the policy and practice gap at the regional level by targeted policy advocacy of regional intergovernmental organisations. Saloni Singh, heading the DidiBahini in Nepal, has provided a platform for empowering women in the country. The work of the Calcutta Research Group foregrounds the travails of migration and movement of people triggered by conflict. Ashish Banik of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute has contributed to the regional narrative on peace and security in the region through incisive policy research. The list goes on.

In 2025–2027, GPPAC South Asia will have a special focus on climate-sensitive peacebuilding.