In a significant stride toward fostering enduring peace within the Philippines, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has forged an alliance with the globally esteemed Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The formalization of this partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 14 underscores a pivotal shift toward embedding data-driven strategies at the very core of the nation's peacebuilding endeavors.

This partnership illuminated the year-long dedication of both OPAPRU and IEP in cultivating this collaborative spirit, culminating in the momentous MOU signing. This recognized the invaluable contribution of IEP's analytical tools, notably the Global Peace Index (GPI) and the Positive Peace Framework, in enhancing the effectiveness of OPAPRU's peace programs. These data-driven instruments have demonstrably strengthened the implementation and monitoring processes, paving the way for more impactful interventions.

This parternership would propel their joint efforts in peacebuilding and development to unprecedented heights. The synergy between OPAPRU's field expertise and IEP's solid analytical capabilities holds immense promise for crafting more robust policies and programs aimed at conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and bolstering community resilience.

The OPAPRU is commited to support IEP by providing accurate and detailed information crucial for their research. This reciprocal exchange of knowledge will undoubtedly enable other government agencies to leverage this data effectively, maximizing its utility in their respective peace-oriented initiatives.

This partnership would not only elevate our conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting programs but also catalyze increased collaboration among local and international organizations, fostering a unified front in the pursuit of peace.

Crisostomo Bas, Jr., IEP’s country representative, expressed his gratitude to OPAPRU for their close collaboration and their embrace of IEP’s specialized knowledge, particularly in the critical domain of measuring the impact of peace interventions. He emphasized the transformative potential of the MOU, asserting that it “will pave the way for more relevant and practical undertakings of programs, projects, and activities that are anchored on OPAPRU’s vision of a just and lasting peace.”

The IEP, since its inception in 2007, has emerged as a prominent global voice shaping critical discussions surrounding security, defense, terrorism, and development.

Originating from its Sydney headquarters, IEP has strategically expanded its global footprint, establishing regional hubs in key locations such as New York, Brussels, the Hague, Mexico City, and Nairobi. The partnership with OPAPRU paves the way for locating in Manila, as well.

IEP’s development of pivotal tools such as the Global Peace Index (GPI) and the Positive Peace Index (PPI) provides invaluable frameworks for evaluating a nation’s level of peacefulness and the extent of its efforts in nurturing and sustaining peace, respectively. The GPI, utilizing 23 diverse qualitative and quantitative indicators, meticulously assesses the state of peace by examining societal safety and security, the prevalence of ongoing conflicts, and the degree of militarization.

Complementarily, the IEP’s Positive Peace Index, derived from the analysis of an extensive dataset comprising 24,700 data points, indices, and surveys exhibiting the strongest correlation with internal peacefulness as measured by the GPI, identifies eight crucial pillars of positive peace.

Mr. Bas underscored that nations demonstrating improvements in these pillars of Positive Peace also tend to exhibit desirable societal outcomes, including higher GDP growth, enhanced well-being, greater resilience, and more harmonious social structures.

Mr. Bas noted the Philippines' progress in the global peace landscape, citing its 104th ranking in the 2024 Global Peace Index report, a notable nine-position improvement from its 2023 standing. In the latest Positive Peace Index report, the Philippines secured the 96th position among 163 countries, indicating a positive trajectory in its peacebuilding efforts.

Beyond the GPI and PPI, IEP also employs the Negative Peace Index (NPI), which, according to Mr. Bas, offers a valuable tool for assessing the state of peacefulness across various provinces within the Philippines and for gauging the extent to which local programs effectively sustain peace.

Mr. Steve Killelea, chairman and chief executive officer of IEP, lauded the Philippines for its exemplary collaborative efforts in bringing together diverse sectors, including the government, civil society, and the military, to realize this significant partnership. He highlighted the remarkable transformation of the Philippines from a "low-peace country" to a "mid-peace country," recognizing this as a substantial achievement.

The significance of this partnership was further underscored by the presence of representatives from other key government agencies, including the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Interior and Local Government. In a message of support delivered by Assistant National Statistician Kristine Joy Briones, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis S. Mapa conveyed their unwavering support for OPAPRU’s vision of a just and lasting peace, emphasizing their firm belief in the power of data and evidence-based decision-making. Ms. Briones’ message served as a potent reminder that "peace is measurable and progress is possible with shared commitment, innovation, and the right data."

The event also drew the participation of former Secretary of Interior and Local Government Mel Senen Sarmiento, currently heading the Galing Pook Foundation, further highlighting the broad-based support for this landmark partnership.

The collaboration between OPAPRU and IEP marks a watershed moment in the Philippines' journey toward sustainable peace, firmly anchoring its peacebuilding strategies in the solid foundation of data and evidence, promising a more informed, effective, and ultimately, more peaceful future for the nation.