Support to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana

projekt beendet

ContextThe African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) comprises the central instruments for conflict prevention, conflict management and peace promotion of the African Union (AU).A key objective of APSA is the establishment of a multidimensional peacekeeping force (African Standby Force, ASF). Five regional economic unions are participating, each provides a regional intervention force to the ASF. In West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is responsible for developing the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF).APSA requires highly qualified civil, police and military personnel. These have to prove strong competences in the field of peace and security, especially in conflict prevention, conflict management and post-conflict reconstruction.ECOWAS has recognized three training facilities in West Africa as Training Centre of Excellence (TCE). One of them is the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana. The Centre follows an integrated approach and prepares civilian, police and military personnel to engage in multi-dimensional peace support operations, as well as in Conflict Management and Peace and Security Studies. By doing so, it makes a decisive contribution to the enhancement of regional peacekeeping capacities.The KAIPTC has been supported by the Federal Republic of Germany since 2006 with a GIZ project on site. Since then, KAIPTC has further advanced its civilian training portfolio, expanded its strategic cooperation with regional and continental partners (e.g. ECOWAS) and improved its organizational structures and processes.However, institutional and financial challenges remain for securing the long-term existence of the institution. The KAIPTC must change its current business model from a strongly supply-driven to a needs-based approach, servicing the demands of its key stakeholders more specifically. By that the centre needs to react more quickly to an ever-changing peace and security environment on the continent and adapt its training and research programmes accordingly. Additionally, a diversification of sources of income is urgently needed. Funds must be obtained beyond the ongoing support of established development partners.ObjectiveThe conditions for the sustainable existence of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) are improved.ApproachThe project follows a multi-level approach and combines organizational development, human capacity development, strategic advice and financial support. The new programme phase is synchronized with the new KAIPTC Strategic Plan 2019-2023. The following core areas are targeted:o Advisory on (demand-driven) developing and planning, implementation and evaluation of training services. This includes Training Needs Assessments, promote the participation of women in training for peace support missions, introduce innovative tools in training course deliveryo Assisting the KAIPTC management in liaising with partners and stakeholders. This comprises organizational development, strategic outreach, human capacity development or the formalization and expansion of consultations and coordination efforts.o Implementing a financing and acquisition strategy by the development of a Resource Mobilisation Strategy and enhanced capacities to deliver services on basis of sound financial planning.Results achieved so farWith the support of GIZ, KAIPTC was able to expand its relationships with relevant partners and umbrella organizations as well as client organizations (UN, AU and ECOWAS) and positioned itself as the foremost peacekeeping institution within the APSA framework.Along its multidimensional approach, KAIPTC has trained over 15.000 of experts and provided critical capacities in peace operations. With the German support, the KAIPTC has developed new civilian training course linking traditional peacekeeping with development approaches (e.g. human rights, civilian foundation course).The Training Needs Assessment of the AU and ECOWAS has enabled the KAIPTC to adjust its training portfolio to the needs of both organizations and to develop new training modules.By organizing the first edition of the Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum in September 2019, the KAIPTC presented itself to established and potential partners as one of the leading education and training centres on the continent and discussed together with political leaders, practitioners and experts effective ways to conduct peace operations in the context of violent extremism.The KAIPTC initiated a network and training programme for female managers/leaders in the area of Peace and Security. In the framework of the support scheme, participants can exchange experiences and participate in training modules to improve their leadership skills.A newly established Business Development Unit has improved income generation and diversification at the Centre. The setup of a Language Centre will likewise strengthen the financial sustainability of the KAIPTC by saving costs for external interpreting services in the future.With the new Learning Management System, key operational processes at KAIPTC (such as course management, monitoring and evaluation or alumni network) are digitalized.

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