By: Saidu Jalloh
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, H.E. Kenyeh Barlay, in her capacity as Chair of the g7+, has overseen the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the g7+ and the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
The signing took place at the g7+ European Hub in Lisbon, Portugal, and represents a significant step forward in collaborative efforts to advance peacebuilding and sustainable development in fragile and conflict-affected states.
The MoU formalizes a strategic partnership between the g7+, a coalition of fragile and conflict-affected countries, and the IEP, a globally recognized think tank that focuses on understanding the drivers of peace through data and research. This partnership aims to enhance the measurement and promotion of peace in g7+ countries through tools such as the Global Peace Index and the Positive Peace Index while strengthening capacity-building initiatives.
In her remarks, H.E. Kenyeh Barlay highlighted the crucial role that the IEP’s research could play in helping g7+ nations understand and actively pursue peace more comprehensively. “This partnership is timely and essential,” she said. “The insights provided by IEP, particularly in areas such as the economic impact of violence and the institutional foundations of peace, will help us chart a clearer path from conflict to stability. Our focus is not only on the absence of war but on the presence of justice, inclusivity, and resilience.”
Minister Barlay emphasized the need for more localized and country-specific research to address the unique challenges conflict-affected nations face. She also called for the development of metrics tailored to the diverse social and political landscapes of G7+ countries and expanded capacity-building programs to empower local governments and civil society in peacebuilding efforts.
The roundtable discussion, held alongside the MoU signing, featured H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and an Eminent Person of the G7+, as well as ambassadors from G7+ member states, academics, former government officials, and development partners. Discussions focused on the theme of “Peace and Development in G7+ Countries,” addressing the challenges and opportunities these nations face in achieving long-term peace.
Dr. Helder da Costa, General Secretary of the g7+, praised the MoU as a crucial tool for advancing peace through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. “Peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of strong institutions and resilient societies,” Dr. da Costa remarked. “This partnership will help us move beyond conflict to build societies where peace can endure.”
Steve Killelea, Founder and Executive Chairman of the IEP, echoed these sentiments and presented findings from the latest Global Peace Index, which tracks trends in global peace and the economic impact of violence. His presentation underscored the importance of measuring peace and using data-driven approaches to inform policy and guide interventions.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from both the G7+ and the IEP to collaborate on expanding the reach of the Positive Peace framework, supporting conflict-affected nations in their recovery journeys, and shifting the global narrative on fragile states. The MoU is expected to open avenues for more targeted research, improved data sharing, and greater advocacy for peaceful solutions at the global level.