Addressing violent conflict around the globe is a vital priority. There is a growing consensus around the world, however, that a uni-dimensional response—be it military, humanitarian, developmental, or other— leaves us narrow in scope and weakens our ability to respond creatively to the complex challenges we face in the international arena.
As part of a growing movement of civilian peace models taking root in Europe, Civilian Peace Service Canada (CPSC) is an initiative that celebrates the range and depth at which civilians can be drawn into active peacebuilding. Like lawyers, doctors, engineers, and soldiers, peace workers must be assessed for competence and professionalism prior to being deployed to areas of conflict. To strengthen civilian conflict resolution capacity, CPSC is developing a reserve of qualified peace professionals — unarmed civilians, professionally trained and accredited based on shared core values and proven key competencies—who perform a recognized and valuable element in peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding.
This professional accreditation will ensure effective civilian intervention in conflict zones, offer a meaningful career path for those dedicated to peace work, and enhance the powerful role civilians can play in the active promotion of sustainable peace at home and abroad. By professionalizing peace work, CPSC is giving it the credibility, respect, and visibility it deserves and needs.