Life & Peace Institute

Qui sommes-nous

The Life & Peace Institute was established in 1985 as a result of the Christian World Conference on Life and Peace, which had been held in Uppsala two years earlier. LPI is a specialized Institute conducting scientific research about international conflicts. LPI wants to further a process that heals and restores human beings and societies. The Institute collaborates with churches, international ecumenical bodies and other peace organisations. The work of the LPI is global, and the Institute works with partners regardless of their ethnic, political or religious background.

An international board, appointed by the Christian Council of Sweden, heads the Life & Peace Institute. Within the board there is an Executive Committee, meeting at least four times per year. The Institute’s headquarters are located in Uppsala with about ten employees, guest researchers and interns. There are also local offices in Nairobi, Kenya, Bukavu, Congo Kinshasa and Khartoum, Sudan.

Conflict Transformation Programmes: The need to include civil society’s peace processes and a community-based peace building approach, form the basis of LPI’s Conflict Transformation activities. LPI works in partnership with churches and ecumenical bodies and other organisations involved in peace and justice issues. The Conflict Transformation Programmes activities take place at different stages of a conflict: from prevention to post-conflict situations. They involve meetings, workshops, conferences, seminars and other activities aiming at acquiring skills and knowledge as well as facilitating dialogue for a peaceful resolution of conflicts and reconciliation.

Research: The overall aim of the research programme is to make research knowledge available and to facilitate change, which promotes conditions for sustainable peace. Research takes place both as part of our conflict transformation programmes and on thematic basis. The research work is contextually oriented and always carried out in cooperation with local partners. LPI conducts scientific research primarily from a Christian ethical perspective on matters concerning international conflicts, peace and justice.

Publications: The Institute regularly publishes a range of materials, book and reports reflecting the peace research and giving deeper knowledge in different subjects. The working language of the Institute is English. Some reports are available in French, Spanish or Swedish. LPI produces New Routes, a quarterly journal offering analysis and comments on the work for peace, justice and development connected to the work of the Institute. The Horn of Africa Bulletin is a monthly digital newsletter that offers analyses, news and information regarding peace and conflict issues in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland and Sudan.

Financing and co-operation: Project and programme related funding is derived from a number of sources including international organisations, foundations, trusts and churches in different countries. The Institute’s core funding is chiefly provided by the Swedish International Development and Co-operation Agency (Sida), Church of Sweden, churches and ecumenical development organisations in various countries. Among the work related partners could be mentioned the World Council of Churches, Pax Christi and regional and national ecumenical bodies.

For other net participants we can offer expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.