The impacts of armed violence on social and economic development and the lack of development as a cause for armed violence are well known. But international recognition of armed violence as a comprehensive 'policy' and 'programming' area only surfaced comparatively recently.

Recognizing these realities, we, Ministers and representatives from 42 countries, representing all the world's regions, have gathered in Geneva and have resolved to promote sustainable security and a culture of peace by taking action to reduce armed violence and its negative impact on socio-economic and human development.

The Geneva Declaration process includes a range of formal and informal consultations with governments and civil society around the world. These are taking place in Guatemala, Nairobi, Bangkok, Geneva, and elsewhere between 2007 and 2008.

Armed violence has many different causes, manifestations and outcomes. It is context-specific. For this reason, the Geneva Declaration process includes a series of regional agreements beginning first in Latin America and the Caribbean and subsequently in Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Europe and elsewhere.

Governments and civil society are crucial players in preventing and reducing armed violence. The Geneva Declaration is working with a network of such actors.