HCD participated in the three-day Launching Workshop of the IGAD Civil Society Forum for Peace, organized by the IGAD Peace and Security Division’s Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Unit and held in Nairobi from 9 to 11 July 2025.

The workshop brought together civil society organizations (CSOs) from across IGAD Member States to formally launch a regional forum aimed at strengthening peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict recovery in the IGAD region. Discussions focused on the role of CSOs in reconciliation, transitional justice, healing, and people-centred peace processes, in line with IGAD’s Peace and Security Strategy.

HCD joined other CSOs representatives in reviewing and validating the Guiding Principles and Rules of Procedure of the Forum, contributing to discussions on inclusivity, transparency, and effective engagement between IGAD and civil society actors.

The Forum was officially launched on the final day, marking its transition from concept to operation under the coordination of the PCRD Unit and an elected Steering Committee. HCD welcomed the establishment of the Forum as an important step toward strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring that grassroots perspectives inform peace and security efforts across the HoA.