Peace is often treated as a necessary byproduct of economic and social development—expected to follow improvements in livelihoods, education, or public services. However, peace is not merely an outcome, but an important cornerstone of sustained impact. Whether in stable environments or more fragile settings marked by social division or weakened institutions, overlooking the role of peace can limit the effectiveness of even the most well-designed interventions in social impact.

This Learning Circle will explore why integrating peace into social investment strategies is essential for sustainable development, and how this can be done—not only through traditional peacebuilding, but by intentionally strengthening the conditions that allow communities to thrive. The featured practitioner, David Hammond, Research Director at the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which developed the Global Peace Index and Positive Peace model to inform policy and practice, will share examples of how peace metrics have shaped social impact programming in areas like education, livelihoods, and civic resilience. Together, we will consider how funders can adopt a peace lens to better anticipate risks, align efforts, and foster systemic, long-term change.

To join this Learning Circle, please register by July 18.