Peace through Prevention: Taking Action

2.9 billion people live in countries that are prone to war. Everyday 2,000 people die in violent conflict. In 2007 $7.2 trillion dollars was lost because wars around the world hindered economic opportunities because peace is the basis for development and growth. A country needs to be stable and strong to be safe and secure.

What can we do about war? A lot.

Did you know that there are signs and patterns that can tell us whether or not a war is going to break out? And that we can respond to these signs with early action – before a war breaks out, before its too late?

The BEFORE Project takes a long-term look at the root causes of violent conflict in partnership with local leaders. This means that whatever the problems are that cause people to think violence is their only answer, the BEFORE Project creates programs that address these problems, in collaboration with local and international partners, before the country sees large-scale crises. Here are just a few examples of the work the BEFORE Project has supported in Guinea-Bissau over the last 6 years:

• help prevent elections violence in 2005, 2008 and 2009
• build the capacity of the national press corps
• address stability by working with the military

Learn more about what you can do to support peace today and pave the way for growth and development tomorrow!