What We Do

The Karuna Center for Peacebuilding is committed to the development and implementation of innovative, sustainable strategies for conflict transformation and community reconciliation in societies where ethnic, religious, sectarian, or political conflict threatens the possibility of a healthy, inclusive democracy. 

Since 1994 we have pioneered effective multi-sector training programs and community-based projects that promote genuine dialogue, cooperative problem solving, reconciliation, and nonviolent solutions in over 25 troubled or war-torn countries. From the grassroots to government ministries and the halls of parliament, we have engaged a wide variety of key actors, enhancing their ability to resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and prevent future violence. Working in partnership with in-country organizations, the Karuna Center leads programs specifically designed to develop local capacity to address ongoing challenges and to enhance a healthy civil society capable of supporting viable democratic institutions and sustainable economies. Here are several of the areas where we work:

• Design and Delivery of Peacebuilding Programs and Courses
  
• Building the capacity of local organization in conflict transformation
  
• Conflict assessments
  
• Consultative services
  
• Keynote address and lectures
  

To learn more about specific projects we are currently working on or have worked with in the past, check out "Our Programs". 

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“It was a pleasure working with you on this program.  I was proud of this effort and raised it frequently with senior leaders as an example of a creative public diplomacy program that targeted an issue “on the front lines of national security.”  Having worked on Libyan, Iraqi, Iranian, Palestinian-Israeli, Afghan and Pakistani issues, I know how important it is for the United States to identify constructive ways to “get people out of the violence and terrorism business.”  Many in the CPN-M rank and file join violent groups because they feel there are few other avenues open to them; you offer true constructive alternatives.  I applaud your effort and truly feel that this was taxpayer money very well-spent."

Gregg Sullivan
U.S. State Department - Nepal

"I think Karuna Center has been very successful in convincing the CA members and other leaders that it is important to hear what the other person, particularly your opponent, is saying. The more there is difficulty in understanding, then more you need to hear them. KCP has helped us to understand each other’s constraints, each other’s expectations, each other’s challenges and that when forming a constitution and when one is entering peace process, it is not about one ideology, it is about finding the right combination."

Hisila Yami
Maoist Party Parliament Member
Wife of Prime Minister, Baburam Bhattarai

"My work with Karuna Center gave me the confidence that I could do more than manage logistics for development projects and inspired me to start my own organization in 2003. Karuna Center was the first organization to work with us as a partner. Today we provide facilitation, program development, and consultation for grassroots groups as well as international organizations."

Dishani Jayaweera
Director of Programs
Centre for Peacebuilding and Reconciliation: Home for Diversity
Sri Lanka

Where We Work

Click on the globe below to check out Our Programs and where the Karuna Center is working in the world.

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Peacebuilding in
Divided Communities

The new Karuna Center Training Guide is here! 

Click here to learn more about it and get your copy today. 

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