Last updated on Mar 16, 2024

What are the best practices and lessons learned from applying the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States?

The New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States is a global framework that aims to improve the effectiveness and alignment of development cooperation in countries affected by conflict and fragility. It was endorsed by over 40 countries and organizations in 2011, and it is based on five peacebuilding and statebuilding goals (PSGs), a set of principles for engagement, and a focus on country-led and country-owned processes. Since its adoption, the New Deal has been applied in various contexts and settings, and it has generated some valuable insights and lessons for peacebuilding practitioners and partners. In this article, we will explore some of the best practices and lessons learned from applying the New Deal, and how they can inform and inspire future efforts to support fragile states.

1 The importance of context

One of the key lessons from the New Deal is that context matters. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to peacebuilding and statebuilding, and each country has its own history, culture, politics, and dynamics that shape the opportunities and challenges for development cooperation. Therefore, the New Deal emphasizes the need for a thorough and inclusive context analysis, which can help identify the drivers and root causes of fragility, the sources of resilience and potential, and the priorities and expectations of different stakeholders. A context analysis can also help design and adapt interventions that are relevant, responsive, and realistic, and that avoid doing harm or creating unintended consequences.

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Maya Alexis Mele

Candidate for BA in International Affairs, Political Science | Bahá’í International Community United Nations | Palais des Nations Research Fellow | US Dept. PRM | Diplomats Without Borders | UN-NGO Committee on Migration
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Context is indeed important; hence, The New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States is known as the initial set of principles developed to properly lead global engagement and involvement within conflict-affected areas. Alongside a set of common principles, the deal also supports a long-term vision and the purpose of aiding fragile states.

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2 The value of dialogue

Another key lesson from the New Deal is that dialogue is essential. Peacebuilding and statebuilding are not technical exercises, but political processes that require trust, legitimacy, and participation. The New Deal encourages the use of dialogue as a tool to foster mutual understanding, consensus, and ownership among diverse actors, including the government, civil society, private sector, and external partners. Dialogue can also help address sensitive and contentious issues, such as power-sharing, resource allocation, accountability, and human rights, and promote a culture of peace and cooperation. Dialogue can take various forms and levels, such as national consultations, sectoral dialogues, local peace committees, or joint monitoring mechanisms.

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Abdul Hameed

Corporate Social Responsibility | Community Engagement | M&E | Social Performance
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- Empowering fragile states to lead their own development agendas fosters ownership and sustainability. - Coordinating efforts across various government agencies and international partners ensures a comprehensive response to complex challenges. - Understanding and addressing the root causes of conflict is crucial for effective interventions in fragile contexts. - Engaging with a broad range of stakeholders ensures more inclusive and representative decision-making processes. - Strengthening institutions and governance structures is essential for building resilience and fostering development in fragile states. - Investing in conflict prevention mechanisms helps mitigate the risk of relapse into conflict and instability.

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Maya Alexis Mele

Candidate for BA in International Affairs, Political Science | Bahá’í International Community United Nations | Palais des Nations Research Fellow | US Dept. PRM | Diplomats Without Borders | UN-NGO Committee on Migration
Report contribution
The power of dialogue is indeed robust and crucial to not only the development of your peace projects but also the overall growth and positive expansion of humanity’s stability and peace. When we engage in dialogue we ensure the amplification and valuing of others' voices, thoughts, and perceptions ensuring that are not discriminated against for their views. Dialogue further allows us to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusion among all.

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3 The challenge of capacity

A third key lesson from the New Deal is that capacity is critical. Peacebuilding and statebuilding require adequate and appropriate capacities, both within the country and among the external partners. However, many fragile states face significant gaps and constraints in their human, institutional, and financial capacities, which limit their ability to lead and implement their own development agendas. The New Deal recognizes the need to support and strengthen the capacities of fragile states, not only through technical assistance and financial resources, but also through more flexible and predictable modalities, such as pooled funds, budget support, or delegated cooperation. The New Deal also calls for more harmonized and aligned support from external partners, based on the country's own plans and systems, and with reduced transaction costs and fragmentation.

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Maya Alexis Mele

Candidate for BA in International Affairs, Political Science | Bahá’í International Community United Nations | Palais des Nations Research Fellow | US Dept. PRM | Diplomats Without Borders | UN-NGO Committee on Migration
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The challenge of capacity is indeed a crucial value to acknowledge in this discourse. Many nations, although capable of recognizing and publicly acknowledging the weaknesses of their political, social, and economic structures, remain often unable to act upon the implementation and development of their resolutions due to a lack of immense funding and resource provision. We must engage in others' global struggles as if they are our own if we wish these nations to be able to induce the changes they must see to improve their systems.

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4 The role of results

A fourth key lesson from the New Deal is that results matter. Peacebuilding and statebuilding are not ends in themselves, but means to achieve tangible and sustainable improvements in the lives of people in fragile states. The New Deal advocates for a results-oriented approach, which can help measure and demonstrate the progress and impact of development cooperation, as well as the challenges and risks. The New Deal also proposes a set of indicators for each of the five PSGs, which can serve as a common framework for monitoring and evaluation, and for mutual accountability and learning. However, measuring results in fragile contexts is not easy, and it requires a balance between quantitative and qualitative data, between short-term and long-term outcomes, and between national and local perspectives.

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5 The need for adaptation

A fifth key lesson from the New Deal is that adaptation is necessary. Peacebuilding and statebuilding are complex and dynamic processes, which are influenced by multiple factors and actors, both internal and external. The New Deal acknowledges the uncertainty and volatility that characterize fragile situations, and the need for flexibility and responsiveness to changing circumstances and opportunities. The New Deal also encourages innovation and experimentation, as well as learning from failures and successes. Adaptation can involve revising and updating plans and strategies, adjusting and diversifying interventions, or changing partners and modalities, depending on the context and the results.

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Maya Alexis Mele

Candidate for BA in International Affairs, Political Science | Bahá’í International Community United Nations | Palais des Nations Research Fellow | US Dept. PRM | Diplomats Without Borders | UN-NGO Committee on Migration
Report contribution
Peacebuilding and state building as stated above are indeed complex processes not only within their physical implementation but also when analyzing the moral and ethical counterparts and implications which become tied within them. When attempting to find methods to institute peace within an area we must also continue to take into account the significance of ethics. The New Deal acknowledges what needs to be recognized, however we as present generations must bring these changes to fruition through shared support.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best practices and lessons learned from applying the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States?

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1 The importance of context

2 The value of dialogue

3 The challenge of capacity

4 The role of results

5 The need for adaptation

6 Here’s what else to consider

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