ADDIS ABABA – Today, the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Peace, conducted a validation workshop aimed at establishing a comprehensive dataset on nonviolent and violent conflicts.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the workshop centered on creating the Nonviolent and Violent Conflict Dataset (NaVCoD), which is designed to encompass all necessary units of observation and observable characteristics. The dataset is intended to serve as a crucial resource for understanding the nature, dynamics, actors, and consequences of conflicts in Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa region. In his opening remarks, IFA Executive Director Jafar Bedru highlighted the significance of the dataset as a fundamental tool for researchers, policymakers, and analysts, providing them with reliable data essential for informed research outputs.

Further emphasizing the collaborative nature of this initiative, Bedru mentioned that IFA plans to make the dataset available to other research institutions worldwide. This move aims to foster broader cooperation and enhance research efforts by allowing access to shared data, which can help fill knowledge gaps, analyze trends, and conduct detailed situational assessments concerning both nonviolent and violent conflicts.

The workshop was well-attended by prominent figures, including Peace State Minister Cheru Geta, various IFA scholars, and other senior officials and experts from the Ministry of Peace.