September 2012 The Nexus Center for Conflict Resolution Summary Work Plan and Budget Options Introduction The proposal is to establish the Nexus Center for Conflict Resolution in Vienna, Austria. The overarching objective of the Center will be to analyze the factors that contribute to conflict and — working closely with key decision makers — develop innovative solutions to reduce the threat of instability that can harm health, development, and social harmony. While armed conflict and instability undermine health goals, the opposite is also true. Investments in health, conflict resolution and statebuilding can be mutually reinforcing. Conflict resolution and peacebuilding measures can help prevent or lessen the impact of the negative outcomes of armed conflict on public health. At the same time, the position of medical professionals in society, given their neutrality, credibility, and equality, can be a precious resource during negotiations, as are health-related cease-fires. The fact that health issues are of interest to all warring parties can contribute to this advantage. Moreover, health investment can contribute to statebuilding and legitimacy of the institutions. In the long term, stronger health systems can improve the health of the population, leading to greater productivity, stronger economies, less violence, and state stability. The ultimate goal of the Center is to encourage adaptive leadership in order to reduce the potential harm caused by conflict and instability on health and to be better prepared to capture the mutually reinforcing benefits of investments in health, conflict resolution, and good governance. The Center will take a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds including the private sector, academic institutions, think tanks, and civil society, as well as governments and multilateral organizations. This will strengthen networks among experts from around the world across a wide area