Swiss Peacebuilding Training Course (SPTC) 2026 – 27th Edition

Supporting and building peace in times of disruption is increasingly complex and demanding.

Join us for an immersive learning experience where you will explore evolving peacebuilding concepts, strengthen practical skills, and engage with innovative tools. Most importantly, you will learn how to apply them effectively in the field to advance your purpose, mission, and organization.
 

Learning objectives

This course examines both the theoretical foundations and practical dimensions of building peace in an era marked by geopolitical polarization, protracted conflicts, democratic backsliding, and increasing global instability. Grounded in a comprehensive and inclusive approach to peacebuilding, it is designed to respond to the evolving needs of peace missions, programmes, and initiatives operating in complex, high-risk environments. In particular, the course aims to: 

• Develop analytical skills to assess conflict dynamics, impact of geopolitical fragmentation, power shifts, and the interconnected challenges of peace, security, governance, and development in volatile contexts,
• Strengthen your capacity to design, adapt, and lead peacebuilding strategies and interventions that are conflict-sensitive, context-responsive, and resilient in rapidly changing environments,
• Apply a selection of peacebuilding tools, mediation skills, and adaptive programming approaches in realistic, field-based simulation exercises that reflect contemporary conflict scenarios.

The course is aimed at members of the Swiss Expert Pool for Civilian Peacebuilding and international participants with some 5 years of peacebuilding experience, either civilian or military. International participants should be affiliated with government ministries, institutions, non-governmental organisations or traditional authorities. Applicants will be selected on a competitive basis and with due regard to diversity and gender balance.

This course is sponsored by the Government of Switzerland. Participants will need to cover the cost of their travel to the course venue in Stans, medical coverage and visa.