Having already successfully accredited peace professionals in its pilot phase, within a few years CPSC aims to have a powerful stand-by reserve of 150 or more designated peace professionals who are equipped with the expertise needed to deliver competent, focused, non-partisan, non-violent conflict transformation capacity in local and international areas threatened by past, present, or potential conflict.
This professionalization is not intended to diminish the remarkable contribution of peace volunteers but to enhance results, minimize risks for workers and clients, provide a meaningful career path for those dedicated to peacebuilding, and offer more efficient searches for professional peace work support on the part of government agencies, international institutions, and NGOs.
As the global recognition that “mainstreaming” conflict prevention through cooperation with civil society takes root, CPSC will continue to forge ahead in partnership with the impressive skills of existing individuals and organizations at home and abroad. Working towards a reputation as the most comprehensive and integrated civilian accreditation program in the world, CPSC will work with public, NGO, and private sector partners to:
- provide the assessment, training, and accreditation of at least 200 civilian peace professionals per year (while addressing UN Resolution 1325 for gender balance);
- facilitate the deployment of peace professionals to areas in need;
- conduct comprehensive research in threat assessment and early warning indicators;
- carry out evaluation, follow-up, and continuous improvement of its programs; and
- effectively engage with the Canadian Government and general public on matters pertaining to preventive peacebuilding and how it contributes to economic prosperity and social cohesion.
By professionalizing peace work and giving it the credibility, respect, and visibility it deserves, CPSC ultimately strives to become a firmly established, key component of Canada’s reputation for peacekeeping. From a basic financial examination of how our resources are best spent, the role of civilians in preventing the escalation of conflict into armed violence will save billions of dollars presently being spent on military intervention.
CPSC—part of a growing international movement to establish Departments of Peace within national governments—will act as a viable partner with whom the government can collaborate for respectful-yet-informed advice, focused expertise, and comprehensive alternatives when engaging in domestic and/or international policy practice.