“What I have realized recently is that we have taken peace for granted and it has tremendously affected my work which is providing different training for business entrepreneurs. So when I joined this fellowship I wanted to know how I can communicate peace throughout my work and that is exactly what the Business for Peace fellowship gave me. ”

“After applying for the call my expectation was to only be engaged in the projects we submitted but the experience was beyond that. My engagement in the three months fellowship has changed my understanding of the concept of peace and how I can integrate peace into my business. The experience was thought-provoking and very inspiring.”

“It was a privilege to facilitate the seminar for the business for peace fellows. The business sector's immense potential for promoting peace in Ethiopia is untapped.”

“As I joined the fellowship I was expecting to have a better understanding of the concept of peace, peacebuilding, the relation between business and peace and how to better communicate it. I can put my experience as going through school in a short time because that was how much knowledge I have acquired throughout my engagement in the Business for Peace fellowship”

"Before applying to this fellowship, I tried to critically think about the relevance of the "business for peace fellowship" against my professional background and my carrier. I was also very curious to know the nexus between business, art and peace. Finally, I found this program enlightening and helpful to clarify all my questions. I believe it significantly will help me to maximize my efforts in peacebuilding and economic empowerment in the Ethiopian culture and Art sector."

"When I heard about the fellowship my first assumption was I will have a better understanding about how peace affects the private sector because that is a common issue. But when I joined the fellowship it was quite the opposite, it was about how the private sector can contribute to peace building which was fascinating and different. I understood that I can be an input to peace building throughout my career and the sector I am in."

"I found the fellowship call from the outset so unique and attractive that I was very eager to get the opportunity, for I know it is meaningful for the work I am doing. And I found the fellowship program, very engaging and intellectually nourishing. The seminars, the field visits to areas where traditional conflict resolution mechanisms are practiced as well as the networking opportunity with the other peace and business enthusiast fellows made this fellowship program unique."

"The first thought that crossed my mind when I saw the call for this fellowship was how it is possible to use the private business sector as an agent for peace because the common understanding was vice versa. The fellowship was an enlightening experience on how the private business sector holds a bigger stake in peacebuilding"

"My expectation when I joined the fellowship was business as usual, but I was pleasantly surprised as the way the whole program was designed was very engaging and interactive. The seminars as well as the content of the courses were well developed and presented in a relatable way, not to mention they were given by experts who have deep understanding, knowledge and experience."

"By investing in conflict-affected areas and creating the much-needed job opportunities, the private sector plays a key role in peacebuilding and post-conflict economic recovery."