Engage local leaders, respect process to work in Mindanao

As the conflict-ridden southern Philippine region of Mindanao edges closer to peace and development organizations prepare to enter, how should these groups structure their security arrangements to operate in such a challenging environment?

Engage local community (clan) leaders and respect the traditional processes for conflict resolution, Francisco “Pancho” Lara, Philippines country director for U.K.-based International Alert International, told Devex Global Advisory and Analysis Director Pete Troilo in this video interview on the sidelines of Devex’s first Partnerships and Career Forum in Manila.

Click on the above clip to learn more insights from Lara, including his take on why aid groups should never let security concerns undermine other goals like good governance and accountability.

See our Devex Partnerships Forum topic page, check out our Storify page and tweet #DevexForum!