The level of human suffering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo constitutes one of the worst on-going tragedies the continent has ever faced. Decades of economic, social, and political mismanagement have been compounded by two consecutive wars fought over a six-year period resulting in death and displacement. Under these extreme circumstances, courageous people seek to promote peace, rebuild economic systems, and end human rights violations. This conference allowed participants to focus attention on such exemplary acts of courage with an overall objective of supporting them in order to promote human security in the DRC.

The conference brought together people who, either through their work in the field, or through their scholarship and research, have a deep understanding of the issues confronting the international community in the DRC. Concerns about conflict resolution, human rights, humanitarianism, and development are deeply interlinked forcing practitioners to think beyond their usual professional and organizational boundaries. The conference has drawn on their insights and analysis in order to promote more effective responses on the ground. The focus of the conference was foremost on the conflict in Eastern Congo.