This webinar explores new research on how participation and inclusion relate to influence in local decision-making in post-conflict contexts.

Peacebuilding and current international development align in the local turn: the belief that change happens at the local level. Kenya and Lebanon, places divided along ethnic or sectarian lines, showcase how participation might both strengthen local democracy and reinforce conflict divisions. How can the insights be taken up in local politics? How can we ensure research recommendations are implemented? A presentation of the study and the conclusions drawn is followed by a Q&A where we invite politicians, civil servants, other researchers and civil society to reflect on the uptake in countries marked by deep societal divides.

Panelists:

• Hanna Leonardssson, University of Gothenburg
• Jean-Bosco Habyarimana, University of Rwanda/Swedish Institute of Foreign Policy
• Augustine Kyalo Mutiso, Director of Citizen Engagement, Machakos County