Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will open the PeaceLab2016 conference tomorrow (5 July). Key actors in the field of civilian crisis prevention will then discuss the characteristics of German involvement in crises to date, what is expected of Germany’s commitment, and where it should take a “fresh look” with respect to crisis prevention and management.

The conference will mark the beginning of a debate on the Federal Government’s role with respect to the cycle of crisis prevention, stabilisation, post‑conflict peacebuilding and efforts to promote the cause of peace. Based on the dialogue with civil society and the public in the Review process, the debate will continue at further events, on the Internet and on social media in the coming months and the results will be worked into new Federal Government policy guidelines.

Prior to the event, Foreign Minister Steinmeier will attend an exhibition showcasing actors involved in Germany’s crisis prevention efforts, including the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief, which, among other things, trains refugees so that they will one day be in a position to help rebuild their homes in Syria.

Attendees of the conference will include Lise Grande, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq.