Welcome to Phase II of the Engage-Do Your Part for Peace Project

The ‘Engage-Do Your Part for Peace’ project, supports civil society’s participation in peacebuilding initiatives and works in partnership with a variety of stakeholders across the island to provide a platform for dialogue and increased citizen involvement in reconciliation efforts.  Through the implementation of a series of events and activities, the Engage project opens up new opportunities for active involvement in reconciliation and peacebuilding and promotes a culture of active civic participation. Cypriot civil society has been involved in peacebuilding efforts over several years, and the potential of civil society organisations (CSOs) to contribute to the peace process is undeniable. By building the capacity of civil society, the Engage project expands the space for a more inclusive reconciliation process by building relationships and supporting dialogue and participation.

The project’s outcome calls for an active civil society that has to inform and encourage the public to step up and become involved.  According to the CIVICUS 2011 research study, the attitudes of civil society and external stakeholders on bi-communal activities and the reconciliation process deviate significantly from that of the society at large.

This phase of the project will base its implementation effectiveness on reaching out and engaging more people into reconciliation (Output 1) and key actors working together to influence decision making around reconciliation (Output 2).

Output 1: Outreaching and engaging more people refers to diverse sections of the wider public including youth, students, civil servants, private sector employees, civil society activists etc.

Output 2: Networking with key actors focuses on influential people from the technical groups and key representatives of the two leaders, the local authorities, the business and international communities in Cyprus, academia and civil society.