About Us

The Mediation Support Network (MSN) is a small, global network of primarily non-governmental organisations that support mediation in peace negotiations.

Mission

The mission of the MSN is to promote and improve mediation practice, processes and standards to address political tensions and armed conflict.

Furthermore, the MSN connects different mediation support units and organisations with the intention of

  • promoting exchange about planned and ongoing activities to enable synergies and cumulative impact;
  • providing opportunities for collaboration, initiating and encouraging joint activities;
  • sharing analysis of trends and ways to address emerging challenges in the field of peace mediation.

Activities

The MSN meets once a year in different places. The organisation of the meetings rotates and each meeting is hosted by a networking partner. Each meeting has a primary topical focus which is jointly decided by all network members. In principle, the travel expenses and costs of personal accommodation for representatives are paid by their respective member organisation.

In addition to the MSN meetings, specific projects and initiatives are implemented jointly by some of the member organizations.

History

The MSN was established in September 2008 and convened for the first time in Switzerland. Since then, the MSN has been growing and new member organizations (especially from the Global South) have joined the initiative.

The MSN defines mediation support as activities that assist and improve mediation practices, e.g. training activities, developing guidance, carrying out research, working on policy issues, offering consultation, backstopping ongoing mediation processes, networking and engaging with parties.

Membership

Mediation Support Network members are organizations that:

  • are non-governmental,
  • are non-profit,
  • are practice oriented,
  • support mediation of peace negotiations (governments, elites of armed non state actors),
  • provide mediation support to processes in more than one country.

Geographic balance and diversity between the members is an important dimension of the MSN. Therefore, membership applications from underrepresented geographic regions will be given priority when expanding the network.

Would you like to join us?

Please find important information on the general criteria for membership and on the application process here.