1. Research Working Groups: A number of small and well-focused working groups comprising members from all geographical regions will be convened to conduct innovative, collaborative cross-regional research, to share the findings of existing research, and to strategise how research could influence policy or policy critique. One distinguishing feature of the working groups will be their specific focus on integrating marginalised and insecure groups as contributors to the research process rather than objects of study (click to read more about the working groups).
2. Policy Dialogues and Roundtables. The Consortium will convene focused dialogues with policy makers to present research findings from the working groups and shape a new peace and security consensus. Their aim would not be dialogue for dialogue’s sake, but rather to: (a) bring in new policy audiences, and explore ways of giving agency to marginalised groups who have not had their voices heard in security fora, (b) debate innovative approaches to difficult and contested policy questions, and (c) foster confidence-building and shared understanding of problems between those divided by their roles and history, who have found it difficult in the past to discuss politically charged issues.
3. Knowledge Exchanges. An information sharing and communications strategy will be created and implemented to facilitate the exchange of knowledge among Consortium members, and to link up with wider policy constituencies. A dedicated interactive website will also be developed to pool and build on the existing IT resources of partners, provide easy access to cutting edge research and policy analysis, and facilitate ongoing discussion and dialogue. In addition we will explore ways of sharing learning from and sharing knowledge with grassroots constituencies and others with limited access to modern information technologies.
4. Capacity Building in Southern Research and Policy: In order to build southern capacity, we aim in particular to establish a programme of fellowships and internships between Consortium partners, which would enable exceptional young researchers and grassroots activists to work in geographic regions other than their own and cross-fertilise learning. |
