One Earth Future specializes in sustainable solutions in fragile and conflict-affected settings by working handin-hand with communities to eliminate the root causes of war.
For 13 years, One Earth Future has forged new frontiers in incubating and implementing development programs in fragile and unstable environments that usually only receive short-term emergency assistance. It’s been a oneway street.
Our work in the Somali region has built the capacity of local governments to enforce maritime laws and of local communities to fish sustainably through seasonal catch data. In Colombia, we have assisted farmers in transitioning from cultivating coca to alternative crops and facilitated the reintegration of excombatants into communities through jobs and market access.
OEF closely monitors and analyzes trends in nuclear development to inform and advise governments on possible flashpoints to limit the risk that nuclear weapons are used in response to error, uncertainty, or misdirection, particularly in the context of escalating conflict. And we similarly forecast risk and instability in the Somali region to provide investors and businesses with current conflict developments and their context.
OEF is committed to designing integrated solutions for the hardest to reach places and toughest conflicts in the world. Unless we gain traction on the problems that today seem intractable, the risk of armed conflict will continue to rise for all 8 billion people on our one earth.
Sustainable peace is possible.
VISION
We envision a future where humanity chooses peaceful solutions over armed conflict.
MISSION
One Earth Future prevents armed conflict and promotes stability through creative and inclusive problem solving.
THEORY OF PEACE
No single pressure point leads to violence or prevents peace. Effective peacebuilding requires addressing all possible instigators, such as governance, economic development, marginalization, and historical grievances.
This task is bigger than any one actor or institution. Building sustainable peace requires all parts of a society to work together through systems established to support effective collaboration.
Our Theory of Peace ensures that we approach issues holistically and develop locally relevant theories of change that reflect the realities of each singular context.
OUR WORK
One Earth Future is an implementing partner specializing in sustainable solutions in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
We believe in a world beyond war, where sustainable peace is truly possible.
We work hand-in-hand with communities to eliminate the root causes of war.
We employ creative and inclusive problem-solving to prevent armed conflict and promote stability.
BUSINESS MODEL
OEF leverages its core funding and overseas development assistance to achieve the flexibility and scale needed to solve problems in communities suffering from instability, fragility, and the everpresent risk of conflict.
We engage stakeholders up front and employ adaptable timelines, helping us to develop a deep understanding of stakeholder needs and design tailored solutions.
Core Competencies
Conflict risk modeling and analysis
Design and management of innovative financial solutions
Peace negotiation and diplomatic engagement
Public and private sector capacity building
Stakeholder engagement and partnership facilitation
WHERE WE WORK: East Africa, Latin America, and Global
Every conflict stems from unique circumstances, whether historical grievances, control of resources, power imbalance, lack of public services, or any number of other drivers. That’s why OEF plans and tailors its programs with local communities and adapts them as the situation changes.
EAST AFRICA
Thirteen years ago, OEF got its start in the Somali Region, an area wracked by decades of conflict. At that time, donors were almost exclusively providing Somalis with emergency assistance and food aid.
But many entrepreneurs seeking development support to establish and expand their businesses were too large to qualify for microfinance loans and too small to be considered by multinational lenders. As such, they were unable to access the credit and technical assistance that would help them grow their businesses and provide a regular flow of goods, services, and currency that could lift their communities out of poverty.
OEF’s Shuraako program steps in to fill that gap. By connecting entrepreneurs with capital, OEF boosts their ability to spark economic growth, create jobs, and promote stability. This work has been adapted and iterated over years as OEF put down roots in communities, gave local stakeholders the lead in determining their needs, and planning activities in coordination with them so that they would be context appropriate.
With the longest coastline in Africa, the Somali region has access to untold amounts of fish and other marine life. However, Somali waters were only loosely regulated by local government, and they were largely controlled by pirates. Fishers didn’t have access to seasonal catch data that provides information on when, where, and what to fish throughout the year to ensure species variability and long-term sustainability.
OEF’s Secure Fisheries program employs a science-based approach to eliminating unmanaged competition over fisheries resources and reducing fisheries conflict. Our work supports the development of sustainable fisheries in the service of long-term food security, economic security, and community resilience. In the communities where we work, revenue from fishing products has increased 92% and spoilage has dropped to just 1%. Our Conflict Management Committees now have more than 1,700 members that address and resolve tensions before they cause long-term rifts in communities and among fishers. And because the region lacks an established network of sector-related schooling, OEF also provides marine science education to Somali students, fishing businesses, and communities so that they can learn best practices and pass their knowledge on.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: ILO Tango
Since 2002, ILO Tango has been quenching thirst and winning hearts with its powdered fruit drink mixes. But the Somaliland company’s impact goes beyond just taste. With a workforce of over 50 employees and a network of contractors, the company has become a significant contributor to the local economy. It’s not just mixing drinks; it’s blending opportunities and livelihoods.
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but investments from OEF’s Shuraako program have enabled ILO Tango to upgrade its equipment and source premium raw materials. And through small-scale retailers to major wholesalers, ILO Tango has found its way into the homes of Somaliland.
LATIN AMERICA
While a final peace agreement to end Colombia’s conflict was signed in 2016, the work of community reconciliation and economic reconstruction will continue to ensure that the peace is durable and sustainable. Scars of the conflict can still be seen in social distrust and economic fragmentation, particularly in rural areas.
In partnership with organizations including the InterAmerican Development Bank and International Organization for Migration, OEF’s PASO program connects the local expertise and resources of remote communities to national and international institutional knowledge, capital, and markets. Creating peace networks and helping farmers transition away from growing illicit crops are helping to build social cohesion among residents, ex-combatants, and migrants. These activities are complemented by training on sustainable rural economic development and the empowering of community collectives through PASO’s data-driven analysis. PASO’s participants sold US$1.48 million in agricultural goods, such as coffee, cacao, and honey—nearly $500,000 more than 2022.
OUR IMPACT
FARC Ex-combatants in PASO: 1,318
Migrants in PASO: 1,206
Campesinos in PASO: 2,389
Total value of products sold: US $1.48 Million
PROJECT: Rural Alternative Schools
Rural Alternative Schools (ERAs) are collaboration platforms used to promote sustainable rural development. Through the ERAs, peasant communities, ex-combatants, victims of armed conflict, Venezuelan migrants, families that have voluntarily substituted illicit crops, private companies, farmers, NGOs, and international organizations all work together.
OEF’s PASO Program has set up 22 ERAs throughout Colombia. The ERA in Pasca, Cundinamarca, supports ex-combatants interested in agricultural collective reincorporation projects, as well as rural farmers who want to collaborate with them. The Pasca ERA participants produce organic fertilizers and crops to enhance their food selfsufficiency and build partnerships with other agricultural producers to increase their supply capacity, avoiding brokers.
GLOBAL
OPEN NUCLEAR NETWORK
Today, more than ever before, nuclear weapons are at risk of being used due to human or technical error, uncertainty about adversaries’ capabilities, or intentional misdirection, particularly in the context of escalating conflict. Adversarial states involved in “nuclear flashpoint” contexts—conflicts in which nuclear-armed states are involved—are at risk of runaway escalation that could lead to the use of nuclear weapons, especially where there is a history of mutual distrust.
OEF’s Open Nuclear Network offers a mechanism for reducing the risk that nuclear weapons are used in the course of conflict escalation: a transparently non-aligned, data-driven, civilian program committed to building relationships and sharing information across national and alliance boundaries.
Using a wide range of curated data, ONN analysts produce fact-based analyses in connection with targeted conflict contexts and identify opportunities for constructive engagement. Ultimately, the aim is to give decision makers access to independently generated and unclassified information that can be used as a common basis for dialogue and conflict de-escalation.
REPORT: Enhancing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
The verification mechanisms of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty have developed significantly since the treaty was signed almost 30 years ago. The International Monitoring System and International Data Centre are now able to reliably detect all but the smallest nuclear weapon test explosions in any environment. The treaty’s on-site inspection mechanism has been exercised and will be exercised again in 2025.
However, the treaty’s consultation and clarification mechanism has received far less attention. Through extensive consultation and research, OEF’s Open Nuclear Network published a report that examines the treaty’s negotiating history, providing decision makers and other stakeholders with important analysis to inform negotiations.
OUR SECURE FUTURE
Peace agreements, economic structures, and governance all become more effective with the full participation of women and the inclusion of a gendered perspective. Policymakers are increasingly becoming aware of this, but implementing the right changes remains a struggle for institutions. Involving women at all levels is not only a human right, but it leads to better security outcomes across all issues. Gender equality is no longer a “nice to have”--it is a necessity.
Through its Our Secure Future program, OEF is reinforcing the Women, Peace, and Security movement by strengthening the global network of woman peacebuilders and promoting committed action to turn policy into practice.
Our Secure Future is making great strides toward these goals by supporting the implementation of the UN’s WPS resolutions and engagement on WPS National Action Plans. Our Secure Future also established the first bipartisan WPS Congressional Caucus and builds partnerships through the U.S. WPS Civil Society Working Group.
CALL TO ACTION
Peace is not a one-way street. Nor can it be accomplished without local partnerships and a long-term vision for the future. Economic development, community empowerment, and risk mitigation are the surest paths to building sustainable stability and prosperity in the most fragile environments on earth.
“As we look back on 2023, we are proud of the strides we’ve made in advancing sustainable peace in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Our approach—rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of local needs— has enabled us to address the root causes of conflict effectively.
From empowering communities in East Africa to fostering reconciliation in Colombia and reducing nuclear risks globally, our work is driven by a belief in a future where peace prevails. We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters, whose dedication continues to fuel our mission for a safer, more prosperous world.”
Jon Bellish Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer
2023 Supporters & Partners
Thank You!
We extend our gratitude to the individuals and organizations around the world with whom we have collaborated to advance peace and stability. We sincerely appreciate the support received from foundations, businesses, government agencies, and individuals worldwide, as they enable us to carry out our mission. As we move forward into the future, we remain committed to deepening our connections and building new partnerships to prevent conflict and promote stability in our one earth.
Search for Common Ground
Mercy Corps
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
PartnersGlobal
Commonwealth Trading Partners (CTP)
Purdue Applied Research Institute, Global Research Division (PARI-GRD)
