Strategic Vision
Building on 7+ Years of Peacebuilding Excellence
Drawing on nearly a decade of experience in cross-border youth dialogue and nonviolent peacebuilding across the Maghreb region, we propose three complementary strategic initiatives to scale impact and ensure sustained engagement for peace.
Maghreb Climate-Peace Youth Initiative
3-Year Program
Overview
Connect climate adaptation with peacebuilding by engaging youth from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Western Sahara around shared environmental challenges.
Rationale
44% of the Maghreb population is youth. Water scarcity and environmental change affect all countries equally, providing natural dialogue entry points across political divides.
Key Activities
- Local climate-peace workshops in each country
- Cross-border youth exchanges and study tours
- Training of Trainers program for climate-peace facilitators
- Online platform for sustained dialogue and knowledge-sharing
Alignment
Aligned with SweFOR's nonviolence focus and IFOR's youth empowerment mandate
Cross-Border Dialogue for Maghreb Unity
3-Year Program
Overview
Address democratic deficit and Morocco-Algeria tensions through structured people-to-people dialogue, focusing on Western Sahara as a dialogue topic.
Rationale
Youth-led dialogue circles can build understanding without imposing political positions. Network of 20+ trained facilitators ready to scale engagement.
Key Activities
- Youth-led dialogue circles in each country
- Facilitator peer-learning communities
- Regional youth forums on unity and cooperation
- Policy dialogue with regional institutions
Alignment
Aligned with UNDP Maghreb Strategy 2025-2030 and UN Sustainable Development Goals
Nonviolent Futures: Maghreb Youth Leadership Academy
3-Year Structured Program
Overview
Formalize the Training of Trainers program into a certified academy, creating sustained impact through a 3-year leadership cycle.
Rationale
Move from ad-hoc training to structured certification. Build alumni network for long-term influence. Integrate nonviolence methodology deeply.
Key Activities
- Year 1: Foundation - Core nonviolence principles and facilitation basics
- Year 2: Specialization - Climate, dialogue, or conflict transformation tracks
- Year 3: Mentoring - Advanced facilitation and alumni leadership roles
- Certification and alumni network development
Alignment
Aligned with IFOR's nonviolence education and SweFOR's peacebuilding excellence
Next Steps
Erik Nilsson and Nabil Bahhar will meet in Rome on April 20-21, 2026 to evaluate the 2018-2026 period and finalize strategic direction.
Building on 2018-2026, we move forward with purpose.
Implementation Timeline
Each proposal is designed as a 3-year program aligned with sustainable development goals
Design & Piloting
Finalize proposals, secure partnerships, pilot initial activities in one country
Scaling
Expand to all Maghreb countries, establish facilitator networks
Institutionalization
Embed programs in local institutions, build alumni networks, sustain impact
Together We Build Peace
The SweFOR Maghreb Network invites partners, donors, and supporters to join us in scaling these initiatives. Together, we can create lasting peace and dialogue across the Maghreb region.