History

Since its founding in 1992, the Project has brought together leaders from around the world and has helped build trust between enemies in some of the most violent conflicts of recent years. Emphasizing the human dimension of transformation, the Project has helped clear the path for progress in peace talks, transition to democracy and national reconciliation.

The Project has organized more than 55 major initiatives and some of it’s most notable accomplishments include:

• catalyzing the field of transitional justice through its founding meeting in Salzburg in 1992;
• developing the shared experience methodology pioneered by the Project and adopted by many others to help leaders change mindsets in transitional settings;
• helping to introduce the truth commission concept to South Africa;
• fostering peaceful negotiations and national reconciliation among leaders in Northern Ireland and Central America;
• helping leaders in Kosovo prepare for negotiations and independence; 
• bringing the experience of relevant leaders in Northern Ireland, Central America and Asia to assist in the current delicate peace process in Colombia.

Salzburg, 1992: Founding Meeting of the Project

Read Neil Kritz's article on the Meeting. Kritz is the Associate Vice President of USIP and Director of the Rule of Law Program.