Recovery must begin from day one of a crisis, even while conflict is ongoing, because people cannot wait to start rebuilding their lives. Essential services such as clinics and schools are vital, but they are only one part of recovery. It also means restoring justice, protecting livelihoods and maintaining trust in institutions, even under fire. In Ethiopia, this has included reopening clinics, schools, and small businesses, helping families return and rebuild. In Colombia, UNDP supports survivors of violence with access to legal aid, strengthens local courts and truth mechanisms, and creates safe spaces for dialogue. And in places like Ukraine, Syria and Gaza, we work alongside communities amid conflict to sustain services, protect livelihoods, and lay the groundwork for longer-term recovery. 

Communities also need places to come together. In Libya, more than 700 local projects, from football fields to health centres, have given 3 million people access to safe spaces where trust can be rebuilt. In Kyrgyzstan, local councils are resolving disputes before they escalate, showing how dialogue can prevent violence. We work with local authorities to prevent violent extremism by addressing community needs, including support to facilitate dialogue, promote participation in policy making and equip community members with skills and training to access job opportunities.  In Somalia, UNDP has supported a network of religious scholars in 16 districts because of their important role in peacebuilding efforts and mediating local conflicts. By creating safe spaces, strengthening institutions, and engaging women and youth, these efforts address tensions before hate escalates into violence or conflict. 

In their words