With research work continuing as part of our Accord 24 project, over 20 participants – including Elizabeth Picard as Issue Editor, project advisers, partners, authors and others – met recently in Beirut to discuss the project's early findings, as well as opportunities and challenges for advocacy.

Discussions covered issues of reconciliation, reform and national self-determination, as well as looking at windows of opportunity and points of leverage to make progress.

This work comes amid increased tensions within the region with the ongoing political violence in Syria contributing to instability within Lebanon.

Building a sense of nationhood in Lebanon derives from developing coexistence in Lebanese society. This relates to history and memory, and to interaction and reconciliation between and among different groups – such as displaced people and armed groups – or through inter-faith dialogue.

As with all publications within the Accord series, we're seeking to draw out lessons for peacebuilding policy and practice. The full publication is expected to be available in May.

Interested in finding out more about this project?