The Center for International Peace Operations in Berlin Honors Civilian Experts

Jun 1, 2012

Over 200 German "civilian experts" are currently active in international peace efforts. They can be found working for human rights in Sudan, giving political consultations in Afghanistan, or helping with elections in Haiti.

The Center for International Peace (ZIF) is based in Berlin. Enlarge image The Center for International Peace (ZIF) is based in Berlin. (© picture-alliance/dpa) In celebration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on May 29, as well as their 10-year anniversary, the Center for International Peace (ZIF), together with Germany's Federal Foreign Office, held a ceremony last week to honor those working with them for peace around the world.

ZIF was founded in 2002 in order to strengthen the capacity for international peace work through civilian participation.  Those who work with ZIF are trained for international peace missions, election observation, and political consultation, as well as working on conceptual plans for peacekeeping and peacebuilding.  Since its foundation, ZIF has given 110 courses on these subjects, with over 2000 participants.

Building of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, © picture-alliance/KPA/Haddenhorst

Foreign Policy

The primary goal of German foreign policy is to help preserve peace and security in the world. The expanded concept of security covers not only questions of conflict prevention, defense, disarmament and arms controls, but also economic, ecological, social and human rights issues.

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