Simon Weatherbed, MA is an international peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict transformation professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting peace processes, recovery initiatives, and multi-stakeholder dialogue across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

He brings extensive expertise in conflict analysis, mediation, Track 2 diplomacy, political analysis, conflict-sensitive development, crisis management, and the design and management of peace support initiatives. His work has involved governments, international organizations, civil society, community leaders, and other stakeholders navigating complex political and conflict environments.

Simon has held senior leadership and advisory roles with organizations including Norwegian People’s Aid, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Responding to Conflict, and FORUT. His experience includes serving as Country Director for Lebanon and the Middle East and North Africa region, advising international partners on the Syrian peace process, and directing international peacebuilding programs. He has designed and managed initiatives in Syria, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, South Sudan, Somalia, and other conflict-affected regions.

He has extensive experience facilitating dialogue, negotiating access with non-state actors, developing conflict-sensitive strategies, and strengthening the capacity of individuals and organizations working to prevent and transform conflict. He has also taught postgraduate and professional courses in conflict resolution, mediation, and conflict-sensitive programming.
Weatherbed holds a Master’s degree in Post-War Recovery from the University of York and a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies from the University of East Anglia.