CPS Network Partners Convene in Freetown to Strengthen Sustainable Peacebuilding and Resource Mobilization

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Civil Peace Service (CPS) Network partner organizations from Liberia and Sierra Leone convened in Freetown, Sierra Leone for a regional conference aimed at strengthening sustainable peacebuilding, diversifying resources, and building resilience amid a changing funding landscape.

The Civil Peace Service Conference 2026 is being held from October 19–23 at Hotel Barmoi, Cape Road, Aberdeen, Freetown, under the theme: “Sustaining Peacebuilding in a Changing Funding Landscape: Mobilizing Resources, Strengthening Partnerships and Building Resilience.”

The conference brings together representatives of partner organizations from Liberia and Sierra Leone, alongside representatives of Bread for the World, to reflect on emerging funding challenges and explore strategies for sustaining peacebuilding initiatives across the Mano River Union (MRU) region.

Opening Sessions Highlights:  The Need for Sustainable Peacebuilding

The opening sessions featured welcome remarks, introductions, and discussions on the conference objectives, setting the stage for regional dialogue on the future of peacebuilding and civil society engagement.

Contributions and statements were delivered by representatives of CPS Network Sierra Leone, Bread for the World, and CPS Network Liberia, including Madam Martina Grahl of Bread for the World and Madam Adenike Cole of CPS Network Sierra Leone, Madam Decontee Eva George of CPS Network Liberia, Johannes Behrens, a representative of the German Embassy in Sierra Leone, and Mr. Eric Massaley also featured among those delivering statements.

Their participation underscored the importance of collaboration among civil society organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders in sustaining peacebuilding efforts and strengthening regional cooperation.

Examining the Changing Funding Landscape

One of the focuses of the conference is understanding global, regional, and local trends in development and peacebuilding financing and examining their implications for civil society organizations. During the sessions on the changing funding landscape, participants received input from Bread for the World, Germany, on the current funding environment and political situation in Germany, including developments affecting Bread for the World.

The discussions are intended to help partner organizations better understand changing donor priorities and the potential implications for their programs, institutional sustainability, and long-term peacebuilding commitments.

Participants are also examining resource diversification as a strategic response to funding uncertainties. The discussions include analyzing the implications of funding cuts for civil society organizations operating across the Mano River Union region and identifying opportunities to strengthen their resource mobilization approaches.

Strengthening Partnerships and Building Resilience

The conference provides a platform for CPS partner organizations in Liberia and Sierra Leone to exchange experiences, deepen collaboration, and explore practical approaches to sustaining their peacebuilding work in a changing development environment.

Through dialogue on funding realities, resource diversification, and partnership strengthening, the gathering seeks to reinforce the capacity of civil society organizations to remain effective and resilient while responding to the peacebuilding needs of their communities.

Participating organizations are expected to build on the opening discussions and explore strategies that can help sustain their contributions to peace, stability, and social cohesion across Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Strengthening Sustainability and Collaboration

The second day will focus on the long-term sustainability of the MRU program, collaboration among partners, and lessons from program evaluations. Participants will explore how civil society organizations and peacebuilding actors can strengthen joint programming, share resources, and communicate their impact more effectively.

Another key session will examine the contributions of the CPS Community of Practice (CoP)., including its potential to support the program through capacity building, fee-based services, and other practical approaches. Participants will also discuss conflict transformation in the Mano River Union context.

In addition, participants will map local assets and funding opportunities, exploring alternatives to traditional donor support. These may include private-sector partnerships, local giving, diaspora contributions, and social enterprise. Group work will help translate funding assessments into practical, long-term resource mobilization plans.

Action Planning, Evaluation and Next Steps

The third day will focus on developing an action plan to strengthen network resource mobilization and sustainability. Participants will consolidate 12–24-month action points, establish a follow-up mechanism, and identify a task team to support implementation.

The meeting will review expected outputs, clarify network commitments, and agree on practical next steps. Participants will also assess the meeting’s outcomes and formally adopt the roadmap to guide future action.

Through these discussions and planning sessions, the CPS MRU Network aims to strengthen collaboration, build on lessons learned, and identify practical approaches to sustaining peacebuilding work amid changing funding conditions.