Education Programs
Tools for Conflict Sensitive Development
Even well-intentioned development initiatives can unintentionally fuel tension or exacerbate conflict, particularly in contexts with fragile governance, social divisions, or weak security structures.
This course equips participants with knowledge and practical tools needed to ensure their interventions contribute to peace rather than conflict ‑intentioned development initiatives that can unintentionally fuel tension or exacerbate conflict, particularly in contexts with fragile governance, social divisions, or weak security structures.
The course introduces practical approaches to conflict analysis, peace and conflict stakeholder mapping, and impact assessment. Participants will learn how to identify risks, strengthen positive outcomes, and adapt programs in complex and evolving environments.
The course is grounded in two foundational frameworks – Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment (PCIA) and Do No Harm (DNH) – and emphasizes real world application. By the end of the course, participants will be able to design, implement, and adapt development initiatives that are conflict sensitive, ethically responsible, and contextually informed‑world application.
While this course is designed primarily for a Canadian context, we welcome applications from participants outside Canada who feel the learning objectives and approach align with their work. Please note that the Coady Institute is not able to provide visa support or issue visa-related letters for this program.
DATES
June 1 – 5, 2026
Registration closes April 10, 2026
FACILITATOR:
Digafie Debalke
DURATION
5 Days
COURSE TYPE
In Person, On Campus
Who can register
This program is for development practitioners, humanitarian workers, program managers and anyone working in community development in the area peacebuilding and conflict resolution. They should be motivated to participate actively and commit to transferring their learning into action upon return. To enable optimal learning and knowledge sharing throughout the course, all participants must have a good level of spoken and written English language.
Personal benefits
By the end of this five-day course, participants will be able to:
- Explain Core Concepts: Clearly define conflict sensitivity and the “Do No Harm” approach and articulate their ethical and practical importance in development and humanitarian work.
- Analyze Conflict Contexts: Apply conflict analysis frameworks to identify key actors, drivers, dynamics, dividers, and connectors within specific contexts.
- Assess Development Impacts: Evaluate how development initiatives may unintentionally contribute to conflict or, conversely, support peace and social cohesion.
- Use Practical Analytical Tools: Conduct stakeholder mapping, risk assessments, and resource transfer analysis to better understand the interaction between programs and conflict dynamics.
- Design and Adapt Conflict Sensitive Programs: Integrate conflict sensitivity into project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, and develop adaptive strategies for responding to changing conditions.
Time requirement
This course takes place June 1 to June 5 (5 days) at Coady Institute on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Fees
The course fee of $1,500 CAD includes tuition, 6 nights of accommodation (arriving Sunday, May 31 with departure Saturday, June 6), breakfast and lunch, and ground transportation to and from Halifax airport organized by Coady at set times. For those staying locally, or commuting daily, the course fee is $950 CAD and includes lunch only.
Travel related expenses such as airfare are the responsibility of the participant. Participants are also responsible for their own suppers and any personal expenses and incidental costs.
A limited number of additional bursaries are available for persons who are African Nova Scotians or First Nations, Metis, or Inuit.
Accepted participants will receive an invoice from Coady Finance. Payment in full by credit card is required to finalize registration for accepted participants. For payment inquiries contact coadyfinance@stfx.ca.
