The Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) is the UN Secretary-General’s peacebuilding financing tool and investor of first resort. The Fund supports countries through immediate and direct funding initiatives, addresses crucial gaps that may exist in building peace, and provides resources in a rapid manner when sufficient support may not yet be available. In 2016, the PBF included direct funding opportunities for civil society organizations for the first time through its Gender and Youth (GYPI) Initiative. 

QUNO, in partnership with the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), has worked for the past three years to convene civil society and UN colleagues to provide space for learning and exchange on the GYPI, and the annual calls for proposals on youth and gender programming. In April, QUNO held such a discussion at Quaker House, which allowed for participants to learn more about the focus and application for the 2019 GYPI calls for proposals and to reflect on the experiences of and lessons learned in the previous years. Conversation centered on the PBF’s focus on catalytic, timely and innovative civil society projects to support peacebuilding in the target countries for this year’s call, with participants engaging in discussion on eligibility and requirements for applying. The gathering also provided space for the sharing of experience and impact on the GYPI funding, and for recommendations to be shared for future calls. QUNO looks forward to continued partnership with the PBSO and working with colleagues to support such discussions in the future.

To learn more about the Peacebuilding Fund’s Gender and Youth Promotion Initiative click here.