From Colombia to the World: Navigating Transitions from War to Peace

Hybrid event marking the launch of the CONPEACE Summary Report.

As the world faces renewed violence and fragile ceasefires — from Gaza to Ukraine — understanding how societies transition from war to peace has never been more urgent.

This hybrid event marks the conclusion of the current phase of CONPEACE (From Conflict Actors to Architects of Peace), one of the flagship initiatives of the Global Security Programme.

Since 2016, CONPEACE has been an interdisciplinary research programme exploring changing security landscapes in the context of cross-border violence and transitions from war to peace. With a particular focus on Colombia and its borderlands, the project has combined in-depth field research with policy engagement, cross-stakeholder dialogue, and conceptual innovation. It has illuminated how security is experienced and understood across different levels — from citizens and communities to national and global actors — and how these perspectives can be reconciled to build more legitimate and people-centred security architectures.

At this event, we will launch the CONPEACE summary publication, which distils nearly a decade of research and engagement into key lessons for policymakers and practitioners working on conflict, peacebuilding, and global security.

Our distinguished speakers will discuss what Colombia’s experience can teach us about building peace in complex, evolving security landscapes — and what these lessons mean for current efforts to end wars elsewhere.

Tuesday, 4 November – Pembroke College, University of Oxford
4:30 – 5:00 Coffee Reception
5:00 – 6:30 Key Findings from CONPEACE Panel (hybrid)
6:30 – 7:00 Wine Reception

The event will be held in English with simultaneous translation into Spanish.

We are honoured to confirm the attendance of Her Excellency Laura Sarabia Torres, Ambassador of Colombia to the United Kingdom.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on how conflict actors can become architects of peace, and what Colombia’s experience can teach us about navigating insecurity and rebuilding legitimacy in times of uncertainty.

We are grateful for the generous support of Global Affairs Canada.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of Andrés Salgado, whose contribution has made this event possible.