
Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding
In fragile and post-conflict contexts such as Iraq and Northeast Syria, social cohesion and peacebuilding are critical to achieving lasting recovery and development. AGO recognizes that rebuilding trust, addressing grievances, and fostering inclusive civic spaces are essential to preventing violence and supporting the reintegration of returnees and displaced populations.
AGO’s approach to social cohesion goes beyond community events or short-term campaigns it is embedded in a long-term vision of inclusive development, participatory governance, and collective healing. In areas affected by conflict, sectarian tension, and protracted displacement, AGO brings together returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), host communities, and local institutions to foster understanding, cooperation, and shared goals.
Strategic Objectives
AGO’s social cohesion and peacebuilding efforts are guided by the following strategic goals:
- Strengthen trust and social bonds across conflict lines and identity groups
- Promote inclusive dialogue and collective problem-solving at the local level
- Increase participation of youth, women, and marginalized groups in civic life
- Reduce the drivers of violent extremism through preventive and alternative pathways
- Support community-led solutions for conflict mitigation and reintegration
Intercommunity Dialogue and Mediation
AGO facilitates inclusive and structured dialogue sessions that bring together community members from different ethnic, religious, or displacement backgrounds. These dialogues are designed to address historical grievances, promote mutual understanding, and develop shared action plans. Community peace committees are supported to mediate local tensions and provide early response to emerging conflicts.
Cultural, Art, and Sports-Based Cohesion Initiatives
AGO utilizes creative approaches such as mural painting, music performances, community theater, and intergroup sports tournaments to bridge divides and encourage interaction. These activities serve as entry points for peacebuilding by creating neutral, participatory spaces that celebrate diversity and reinforce shared identity.
Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement
Recognizing youth as agents of positive change, AGO implements youth-centered peacebuilding activities including leadership training, civic education, and community service projects. Youth-led initiatives promote tolerance, volunteerism, and social responsibility, while providing alternatives to violent or extremist pathways.
Women’s Participation in Peace and Dialogue
AGO ensures the active participation of women in peacebuilding by organizing inclusive consultation forums, providing leadership coaching, and enabling women-led dialogue and reintegration activities. Gender-sensitive facilitation approaches are applied to ensure women can safely and meaningfully contribute to reconciliation and recovery processes.
Returnee Reintegration and Community Acceptance
To reduce stigma and social friction, AGO supports the reintegration of returnees through welcome dialogues, collaborative planning with local stakeholders, and awareness campaigns. Activities are designed to rebuild trust between returnees and host communities while promoting shared ownership of reintegration outcomes.
Community Committees and Conflict Early Warning
AGO establishes or strengthens community-level platforms for conflict monitoring and early warning. These committees include diverse representation and are trained in conflict resolution, referral pathways, and inclusive decision-making. They serve as sustainable, locally-led mechanisms to prevent violence and support long-term cohesion.
Target Groups
AGO’s social cohesion interventions engage a broad range of stakeholders, particularly:
- Returnees who face stigma or distrust when rejoining their communities
- IDPs and host communities in areas of prolonged tension or competition over resources
- Youth, including those at risk of recruitment by armed or extremist groups
- Women seeking to play a role in community healing and decision-making
- Local leaders and civil society actors who can mediate and promote peaceful coexistence
Sustainability & Impact
AGO designs its social cohesion programs through inclusive consultation with communities, authorities, and partners to ensure local ownership and long-term relevance. Peace committees and youth groups are established and capacitated to continue engagement beyond project lifespans. Monitoring frameworks track changes in trust, participation, and perceptions of safety.
To date, AGO has facilitated over 100 community-led peace initiatives, engaged more than 55,000 youth and women in civic activities, and established peace platforms in over 20 localities. These efforts have contributed to reduced intergroup tensions, enhanced social solidarity, and the peaceful reintegration of vulnerable populations.