International Support for Capacity Development in Post-Conflict States: Reflections from two case studies in West Africa

A sustainable path out of conflict and fragility lies in a State’s ability to develop and harness national capacities. For states to become more stable and effective, individuals and institutions must have the capacity to mediate conflict peacefully, and develop and implement policies that can guide economic and human development.

The paper seeks to provide a fresh perspective on capacity building in post-conflict countries and reflects critically on
whether our current efforts are working. The paper reviews capacity development approaches through the lens of peacebuilding and state-building and draws from the experience of human development beyond the aid world. It calls for the international community to challenge current approaches and seek new ways to build the dynamic capacities that a state,
particularly one recovering from conflict, in order to fulfil the development aspirations of its citizens.

The World Bank - UNDP 2011

Since 1966, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been partnering with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of live for everyone. UNDP works in four main areas: poverty reduction and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); democratic governance; crisis prevention and recovery; environment and sustainable development.