DPPA has a global mandate of conflict prevention and resolution as part of the United Nations broad responsibility to maintain international peace and security.
The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) is the lead entity in the United Nations for good offices, political analysis, mediation, electoral assistance, peacebuilding support and political guidance. It works with Member States, regional and subregional organizations, UN partners and other stakeholders to prevent conflict, support peaceful political solutions and sustain peace.
Special political missions and good offices
The Department manages special political missions (SPMs) engaged in conflict prevention, peacemaking and post-conflict peacebuilding around the world. Led by senior representatives of the Secretary-General, these missions support preventive diplomacy and related activities. They help prevent and resolve conflict, support political transitions, and coordinate with national and UN partners.
Liaison presences
DPPA liaison presences work with regional and subregional organizations, Member States and United Nations partners to facilitate dialogue, support political analysis and advance preventive diplomacy. They also serve as links between United Nations Headquarters and partners on the ground, supporting coordinated responses to emerging political challenges.
Peace and Development Advisors
Through the Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention, an innovative partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), DPPA supports national efforts to prevent conflict. The Programme primarily deploys Peace and Development Advisors (PDAs) to UN Country Teams, where they help national authorities address the root causes of conflict.
Investigative and fact-finding mandates
The Department assists in establishing and providing support to various UN investigative and fact-finding bodies. These independent mechanisms are established to gather and assess information, establish the facts surrounding specific incidents or situations, and provide impartial findings that can inform the work of the United Nations, Member States and other relevant stakeholders.