Furthermore, the business community has a great deal to contribute to any peace process. Business has a global network of contacts, alliances, services, and communications that can be powerful resources to a conflict resolution process. Finally, the business world has access to the capital needed to make the investment in peacebuilding that is so necessary to humanity's future. These factors all point to a natural partnership between business and peacebuilding. Based on 'Track Three' of the Multi-Track system, IMTD is working to involve the business community in a conflict resolution role.
Business has a vested interest in a peaceful and stable environment.
In 1999, because of IMTD's recognized work in this field, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the McKnight Foundation gave the Institute a joint grant to further develop this research. IMTD used this grant to develop both theory and practice regarding the role of business in peacebuilding. IMTD examined the important role that the business community has played in resolving various conflicts, with the idea that these examples if properly documented could act as a catalyst for other business leaders to take a more active role in their own communities. In 1999, IMTD researched and developed a series of case studies that highlight the role that business has played in resolving intractable conflicts worldwide. IMTD consultants and staff traveled to Cyprus, South Africa, Israel-Palestine and Northern Ireland to speak directly with the individuals involved in these types of endeavors.