International Communities Organisation

Who we are

As an independent and neutral organisation, ICO is committed to bringing conflict parties together, recognising that sustainable peace emerges not from one group's dominance, but through the creation of a shared vision for the future based on respect for minorities, their rights, and human rights.

We pursue our mission through three interconnected approaches:

• Bottom-up Approaches: We listen to communities and elevate their voices, ensuring solutions address actual needs rather than perceived ones.

• Economic Revitalisation, Inequality and Minority Rights: We address the structural inequalities that often fuel conflict through economic revitalisation and job creation, recognising that sustainable peace requires economic stability, insitutional capacity building and minority rights advocay.

• Diplomacy: We work to engage high-level political actors to mediate disputes and create channels for constructive dialogue. This allows individuals to engage meaningfully, filling gaps in the peacebuilding process and maintaining momentum where others have departed, to develop innovative solutions to protracted conflicts.

Through our work, we prioritise the empowerment of youth and women, equipping them with tools and skills to become effective leaders in their societies. We recognise the critical impact of including women and youth in peace processes.

Our culture and values

Core Beliefs:

1. Peace emerges from shared values rather than power imbalances
2. All voices are heard and respected
3. Communities determine their own paths to reconciliation
4. Structural inequalities that fuel conflict are addressed
5. Diplomatic solutions are based on trust and mutual understanding

Our Working Practices

At ICO, our approach to peacebuilding is defined by how we work, not just what we do. Our practices reflect our commitment to sustainable, community-driven peace:

• Local Partnerships: We collaborate with local organisations and community leaders who understand the nuances of their regions. These partnerships ensure our initiatives are culturally relevant and responsive to the specific dynamics of each conflict situation.
• Inclusive Dialogue: We create safe spaces where all parties can speak and be heard. Our facilitation techniques ensure that traditionally marginalised voices of miniorities are are central to conversations about community futures.
• Evidence-Based Approaches: We base our interventions on thorough analysis and ongoing assessment. Before designing programmes, we conduct conflict analyses to understand root causes, power dynamics, and potential leverage points as well as needs assessments.
• Adaptive Management: Recognising that peacebuilding is not linear, we maintain flexibility in our programming. We regularly evaluate our impact, adjust strategies as needed, and respond to changing circumstances on the ground.
• Capacity Building: Rather than implementing solutions ourselves, we focus on strengthening local capacities. We provide training, mentorship, and resources that enable communities to develop their own peacebuilding skills and institutions.
• Long-Term Commitment: We recognise that meaningful change takes time. Unlike organisations that exit after achieving short-term objectives, we maintain long-term engagement with communities throughout their journey toward sustainable peace.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: We work across traditional divides between development, and diplomatic efforts. By connecting economic initiatives with governance support and community dialogue, we address multiple dimensions of conflict simultaneously.

Through these working practices, we ensure that our principles of bottom-up approaches, inclusive participation, economic foundations, and diplomatic continuity translate into effective action and lasting impact.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

At ICO, we believe diversity strengthens our organisation and enhances our peacebuilding work. Our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion is straightforward:

1. We are committed to fair and unbiased hiring practices. All employment decisions are based on skills, experience, and qualifications—never on factors such as gender, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or nationality.
2. We actively seek team members with varied backgrounds and experiences. These diverse perspectives improve our understanding of complex conflict situations and help us develop more effective, culturally sensitive approaches.
3. We foster a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Team members are encouraged to contribute their unique insights and approaches to our collective mission.
4. Our internal practices reflect the same principles we promote in our peacebuilding work. Just as we advocate for inclusive societies where all voices matter, we ensure that our own organisation embodies these values.
5. We recognise that building truly inclusive practices is a continuous journey. We remain open to learning, improving our approaches, and addressing any barriers to equal participation within our organisation.

Through these simple but fundamental commitments, we strive to build a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and strengthens our ability to foster sustainable peace worldwide.