CAP Liberté de Conscience March 2025
Multilateral negotiations are indispensable for resolving complex international conflicts. As António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, aptly stated, “Multilateralism is not an option but a necessity for rebuilding a better, more equal, more resilient, and more sustainable world.” This principle is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which has exposed the limitations of unilateral approaches and underscored the need for inclusive, cooperative solutions.
The resolution of such conflicts requires an ecosystem of interconnected actors, each playing a complementary role. At the forefront are international organizations like the United Nations, which provide diplomatic platforms for dialogue among states, regional representatives, and mediators. States themselves remain central actors, bringing their geopolitical interests and negotiation capacities to the table. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Crisis Group and Amnesty International contribute by documenting human rights violations, raising public awareness, and offering independent analyses. Think tanks and experts in international relations provide technical expertise, crafting scenarios and strategic recommendations. Regional organizations, such as the European Union and the African Union, play a vital role in mediation and facilitation, leveraging their geographic and cultural proximity to the conflict zones.
This multiplicity of actors enables a holistic approach, combining official diplomacy, technical expertise, and civil society mobilization to build sustainable peace. As the president of CAP Liberté de Conscience, an NGO dedicated to defending human rights and promoting freedom of religion, I will focus on areas within my expertise to demonstrate how multilateral negotiations can pave the way for sustainable peace.
- Peace Initiatives by Religious Leaders and Interfaith Dialogue
Religious leaders and interfaith dialogue play a crucial role in multilateral negotiations and peacebuilding processes. Religion often serves as a powerful force for unity, capable of bridging divides and fostering reconciliation in deeply polarized societies. Religious leaders, by virtue of their moral authority and influence, can mediate between conflicting parties and promote messages of peace and coexistence.
For example, the Sant’Egidio Community, a Catholic lay organization, has successfully mediated peace agreements in Mozambique and other conflict zones by leveraging its religious networks and fostering dialogue among warring factions. Similarly, in the Central African Republic, interfaith leaders from Christian and Muslim communities have worked together to de-escalate violence and promote reconciliation. These examples illustrate how religious leaders can act as neutral mediators, transcending political and ethnic divisions to build trust and facilitate dialogue.
In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, interfaith dialogue could play a significant role in addressing the deep-seated cultural and historical grievances that fuel the conflict. Religious leaders from both Orthodox Christian traditions, as well as representatives of minority faiths, could work together to promote mutual understanding and advocate for peace.
- Peace Initiatives by Civil Society
Civil society organizations (CSOs) are indispensable actors in peace processes, bringing grassroots perspectives and fostering community-level reconciliation. Unlike state actors, CSOs often operate independently of political agendas, allowing them to build trust among local populations and advocate for inclusive solutions.
For instance, in Colombia, civil society played a pivotal role in the peace negotiations between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Women’s organizations, indigenous groups, and human rights advocates ensured that the peace agreement addressed issues of social justice, land reform, and victims’ rights. Similarly, in Nepal, civil society facilitated dialogue between political parties and armed groups, contributing to the country’s transition from monarchy to democracy.
In the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, civil society can contribute by documenting human rights violations, supporting displaced populations, and fostering dialogue between communities on both sides of the conflict.
- Collaboration Between Civil Society and International Institutions
The collaboration between civil society and international institutions is a cornerstone of effective multilateral negotiations. By combining the grassroots expertise of CSOs with the diplomatic and logistical capacities of international organizations, such partnerships can address both the immediate and structural causes of conflict.
A notable example is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), which has worked closely with civil society organizations to monitor the implementation of peace agreements and promote local governance. This collaboration has enhanced the mission’s legitimacy and effectiveness, ensuring that peacebuilding efforts are grounded in the needs and aspirations of local communities.
In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, similar partnerships could be established to monitor ceasefires, facilitate humanitarian aid, and support post-conflict reconstruction.
- The Role of the OSCE in Resolving the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has a unique mandate to promote security and cooperation across its member states, making it a key actor in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. However, to regain its relevance and effectiveness, the OSCE must adopt a multidimensional strategy that addresses both the immediate and structural dimensions of the conflict.
First, the OSCE should reposition itself diplomatically by gradually re-establishing dialogue with Russia and proposing neutral, transparent mediation mechanisms. This aligns with the “Experts Platform” report’s recommendation to create a new collective security system that addresses the security concerns of all parties, including Russia.
Second, the OSCE must strengthen its legitimacy by securing explicit support from other international organizations and producing objective, detailed reports on the conflict. This would enhance its credibility as a neutral mediator and build trust among the conflicting parties.
Third, the OSCE should innovate diplomatically by creating mixed working groups that include representatives from civil society, as well as informal dialogue platforms. Such initiatives would foster inclusive negotiations and ensure that diverse perspectives are represented in the peace process.
By adopting these measures, the OSCE can rebuild its credibility as a diplomatic actor and contribute to the resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Multilateral negotiations are not merely a tool but a necessity for achieving sustainable peace in today’s interconnected world. The Russian-Ukrainian conflict, with its complex geopolitical, cultural, and humanitarian dimensions, underscores the importance of inclusive, cooperative approaches to conflict resolution.
As the president of CAP Liberté de Conscience, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of dialogue and collaboration in addressing human rights violations and fostering reconciliation. By leveraging the moral authority of religious leaders, the grassroots expertise of civil society, and the diplomatic capacities of international institutions, we can build a foundation for sustainable peace.
The path to peace is neither easy nor straightforward, but through multilateral negotiations, we can create a more resilient and equitable world. Let us seize this opportunity to work together, transcending our differences and embracing our shared humanity, to bring an end to the suffering and build a brighter future for all.
