This Issue Brief draws from the application of conflict sensitivity approaches in Nepal and shares specific
examples of best practice. These lessons learned are based on the experiences of Nepal’s Interagency Programme on Mainstreaming Conflict Sensitivity led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

This Brief elaborates on the changing dynamics of Nepal’s conflict, from the insurgency to the social and political issues that, if overlooked, have the potential to trigger localized tensions. Here, the relevance and importance of conflict sensitivity in the overall development processes is reinforced, given that this approach seeks to maximize the positive impacts of programmes contributing to peace, whilst avoiding potential harm. The Brief also reflects on the need to repackage the ‘conflict sensitivity’ concept under the broader framework of ‘sustaining peace’ for its better acceptance by national institutions in some contexts.

Given that everyone operates in different contexts, it is still important to remain aware that ‘one size fits all’ approaches do not work. Still, there are a few examples in this Brief explaining key considerations in creating and sustaining local capacity and ownership, the importance of policy change and buy-in from senior management, and using appropriate language, that can be applied across different contexts.