This study report presents insights gathered from UNDP in different countries with integrating conflict sensitivity into local and community development programming. It seeks to capture common challenges, considerations and established or emerging good practice in this area, looking at strategies encompassing the ‘minimalist’ end of the conflict sensitivity spectrum—avoiding harm— up to the ‘maximalist’ end, whereby development assistance is designed and implemented to support peace.

The purpose is to generate comparative learning to inform local and community development approaches in the transitional context of Myanmar, while also being of use to UNDP country teams and other actors supporting development in conflict-affected contexts.

This report is based on a study that was part of a wider UNDP initiative funded by the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) under the “Saemaul Initiative Towards Inclusive and Sustainable New Communities”. The idea is to complement KOICA’s bilateral funding to Myanmar (and other countries) for rural development through knowledge management, capacity development and policy advice for strengthening conflict sensitivity in local and community development programming. In addition to scoping global good practice, the initiative includes a scoping of Myanmar good practice and lessons learned, capacity development on conflict-sensitive local and community development programming, an international study visit for government officials and the formulation of an indicator guide and menu for use by government institutions implementing or monitoring local and community development projects.