Training and knowledge transfer

How should I behave at a checkpoint? How can I minimise the risk from mines while working in the field?  What do I need to be aware of when sharing my knowledge in another culture or in a war-torn country? These are some of the questions experts face during their assignment.

In collaboration with external partners, the Swiss Expert Pool for Civilian Peacebuilding (SEP) offers courses to prepare experts for their assignments and give them opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge. At the same time, Switzerland is supporting knowledge transfer and the training of experts in regions affected by conflict.

The SEP also represents Switzerland in Europe’s New Training Initiative for Civilian Crisis Management. This EU project, launched in 2011, aims to train specialists from all over the world to better prepare them for peace operations and give them opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge.

Europe’s New Training Initiative for Civilian Crisis Management, ENTRi

Swiss Peacebuilding Training Course

A two-week induction course familiarizes the experts with their future role in peacebuilding and human rights work. Practical exercises prepare them for the risks that they may encounter. The Geneva Center for Security Policy runs the course on behalf of the SEP.

Swiss Peacebuilding Training Course description (PDF, Number of pages 2, 888.4 kB, English)

Specialist training

The induction is accompanied by specialist training courses. The courses, on offer, range from mediation, dealing with the past and election observation to advisory skills and leadership for peacebuilding missions. Where necessary, the SEP invites individual experts to attend training courses in a specific area. Experts can also apply to attend external courses.

Senior Level Course in Peacebuilding, GCSP

Effective Advising, Interpeace

Dealing with the Past

Peace Mediation Course

Knowledge transfer and training for experts in crisis areas

To achieve the goals in the area of peacebuilding, the UN recommends including local specialists and helping them to develop their skills and knowledge. Switzerland therefore prioritises knowledge transfer. The SEP invites experts working in crisis areas to attend courses in Switzerland. At the same time, it supports training centres in Africa, such as the School of Peacekeeping (EMP) in Mali and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana.

Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre – KAIPTC

«Ecole de Maintien de la Paix Alioune Blondin Beye» (fr)