LCN and UNDP Empower Trainers to Advance Community-Driven Peacebuilding in Lesotho

From 16 to 18 October 2025, the Lesotho Council of NGOs (LCN), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Community-Driven Violence Reduction and Sustainable Peace. The program equipped local trainers with practical tools to promote peace, resolve conflicts, and strengthen community resilience.

The training focused on empowering participants to lead peacebuilding initiatives in Maseru, Mafeteng, and Mokhotlong. Through interactive sessions and group exercises, trainers learned how to engage communities in identifying root causes of conflict, mediating disputes, and fostering dialogue.

LCN emphasized that community-driven peace efforts are vital for reducing violence and promoting social cohesion across Lesotho. The training highlighted the need for inclusive participation, ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized groups play an active role in peacebuilding processes.

UNDP representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Lesotho’s local institutions in creating sustainable frameworks for peace and stability. They noted that empowering local trainers helps ensure that peacebuilding efforts are homegrown and long-lasting.

Participants left the workshop prepared to facilitate community-level dialogues and implement violence prevention initiatives. The collaboration between LCN and UNDP demonstrates a shared vision of a peaceful, inclusive, and united Lesotho, where communities can thrive in harmony and mutual respect.