Search for Common Ground

Viola Niyongere was one of 16 young entrepreneurs supported by the Tuyage project. Implemented in Burundi by Search for Common Ground, one of the program’s objectives sought to enhance women's entrepreneurship skills, market access, financial resources, and mentorship. Using the skills learned through the program, Viola launched her business of transforming used tires into sustainable, handcrafted sandals. Her innovative approach to environmental protection and waste reduction led to her recently winning the Public Prize at the Women Entrepreneurs Network’s Business Academy, awarded by the EU and Burundi. When women are equipped with the right skills and support, they don’t just build businesses—they create change and help shape a more sustainable future. - [FR] Viola Niyongere était l'une des 16 jeunes entrepreneurs soutenus par le projet Tuyage. Mis en ?uvre au Burundi par Search for Common Ground, l'un des objectifs du programme était d'améliorer les compétences entrepreneuriales des femmes, l'accès au marché, les ressources financières et le mentorat. Grace aux compétences acquises au cours du programme, Viola a lancé son entreprise de transformation de pneus usagés en sandales artisanales durables. Son approche innovante de la protection de l’environnement et de la réduction des déchets lui a récemment valu de remporter le Prix du Public à la Business académie du Réseau des femmes entrepreneurs, une récompense décernée par l’UE et le Burundi. Lorsque les femmes disposent des compétences et du soutien nécessaires, elles ne se contentent pas de créer des entreprises, elles créent le changement et contribuent à fa?onner un avenir plus durable.

Peace starts with people. From Kenya to Mali to South Sudan, people like Hussein, Fatoumata, and Lomong are transforming their communities—because peace isn’t just an ideal, it’s a daily effort. With consistent, reliable funding, these life-changing programs continue. Join us in making peace possible, month after month. Follow the link to become a monthly donor today: https://lnkd.in/dvCHYWEa

As the EU ramps up defense spending in an attempt to “ReArm” Europe, foreign aid is being cut across major donor countries such as Belgium (where it is being cut by 25%), the Netherlands, and the U.K. Executive Director of Search for a Common Ground, Hilde Deman, discusses the bigger picture of why many analysts agree that funding peacebuilding is just as important as defense for the continent’s, and the world’s, stability and provides insights on the impacts these cuts are having on ongoing crises. Get all the details in The Brussels Times article: https://lnkd.in/eHpeaTum

89% of conflicts occur in countries with limited capacities for intercultural dialogue. To build lasting peace, we must acknowledge dialogue as a powerful tool for conflict transformation. Join us for the launch of UNESCO’s Intercultural Dialogue for Conflict Transformation brief series, developed in collaboration with Search for Common Ground and other leading peacebuilding organizations. This four-part series combines firsthand experience, case studies, and expert analysis to demonstrate the transformative potential of dialogue in conflict-sensitive settings. Through actionable recommendations, each brief provides essential guidance needed to tailor and embed dialogue in different contexts, thereby making peace processes more inclusive, locally led, and sustainable. Take part in an engaging 90-minute online event for a look at key recommendations and insightful discussions. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eujWkxfM

Happy International Women’s Day! Women's economic empowerment is not just about their financial independence—it’s about helping communities, shifting perceptions of women’s societal roles, and breaking cycles of poverty. Learn how women can contribute to Burundi’s economy and help combat food insecurity in our latest video with Grace Fleur Francine Uwitonze, Search Burundi Country Director.

We’re ending this week on a hopeful note. In this time of deep division, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but what if conflict could actually lead to something better? At SXSW this week, Search for Common Ground’s CEO, Shamil Idriss, shared powerful lessons learned on the frontlines of conflict. Aiming to replace the despair many of us are feeling with well-founded hope, the session offered inspiration on transforming conflict into cooperation. Watch the full session by following the link in the comments below.

The Oscars spotlighted unity and peace—but the real work happens beyond the stage. This year’s winners showed us the power of storytelling to bridge divides, amplify unheard voices, and remind us that a different future is possible. From?No Other Land’s historic win to Iranian filmmakers overcoming barriers to share their art, these moments weren’t just about awards—they were about connection, resilience, and hope. As Best Director winner Sean Baker said,?“In a time in which our world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever: It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home.” Film is a force for change. So is peacebuilding. Let’s keep showing up for both. Which moment stood out to you? Tell us below!?

With the UK Government’s?newly announced aid cut, it is worth remembering: Aid is a strategic investment, not charity. Alongside 138 non-profit organisations, Search for Common Ground has signed an?open letter?to the PM and Treasury of the UK, calling for a reversal of its decision to cut their aid budget. UK aid, accounting for just over 1p per ￡1 (or 1c for every $1.26) of public spending, delivers significant returns. It promotes peace, prevents conflict and instability, reduces forced migration, expands access to clean water and sanitation, and helps curb the spread of diseases like COVID— all efforts that not only save money in the long run but contribute to a safe, healthier, and more prosperous place for both the UK and the world. Read the complete letter here:?https://lnkd.in/eNJTEAYp

Over the last few days, thousands of aid programs funded by USAID and the U.S. State Department have been terminated. While this life-saving aid has stopped, Search for Common Ground continues to work with communities affected by violent conflict around the world. Speaking to Devex, Search for Common Ground’s CEO Shamil Idriss shared, “We’re going to do this work with or without the U.S. government, but we’re going to be much less capable of doing it at the scale we were doing just a month ago, at least for the foreseeable future…And that’s going to mean more violence, and everything that comes along with more violence: more disease, more forced migration, and other things that at the end of the day, will directly impact American interests.” Read the full article here:?https://lnkd.in/ee4u3mu8

In a time of uncertainty—amid shifting corporate climate action, a new U.S. administration, and global conflicts—how can we see conflict as an opportunity for transformation? Our Search for Common Ground CEO, Shamil Idriss, and Dylan Siegler, SVP, Head of Sustainability at Universal Music Group, explore how conflict can drive meaningful change: