City-Led Investments for Peace within a Context of Compounding Crises

Peace in Our Cities (PiOC) is a global network of mayors and civil society leaders committed to halving urban violence by 2030. In 2021 PiOC launched the Peace Incentive Fund (PIF), a micro-grant fund for pilot projects, to encourage mayors and civil society organizations to try innovative, evidence-informed policy approaches for violence reduction amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a demand-driven approach to international assistance, PiOC members identified six priority areas for violence prevention in their cities, compiled in the Peace in Our Cities in a Time of Pandemic report. Building on the priority areas identified, direct micro-grants were distributed to 8 cities in 6 countries and projects were implemented throughout 2021 and 2022. Initial results of the PIF demonstrate that positive outcomes are possible even in a context of compounding crises—a global pandemic, a “shadow pandemic”, climate change impacts, rising authoritarianism, among others–when global networks and local authorities work together to design effective policy interventions and maximize the efficiency of international assistance.

This event, which will be hosted virtually for global accessibility, will highlight the experiences of PIF recipients and explore its initial impact. The policy approaches to be discussed include a range of good practices, such as strengthening trust between communities and law enforcement, providing safe domiciles and therapy for women and children escaping domestic violence, and building partnerships between city officials and local violence prevention experts. The event will also look forward and discuss what a second interaction (or PIF 2.0) could look like.