About us
Globally diverse, united in common cause, the Forsythe Foundation is a Nordic based foundation for peace working with partners and associates from all over the world.
The foundation
Since 2009, the associates of the Forsythe Foundation have been instrumental in transforming peace operations globally. Beginning with Nordic countries advising the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), it shifted to a multidimensional, civilian-led approach by 2014. The Foundation’s advisors and regional experts developed operational standards and training for the EASF, accommodating the practices of its member states. This program evolved from Nordic-led to regional lead, with over 60 regional experts in peace operation planning certified by 2022.
Over 900 military, police, and civilian personnel have been trained since 2018. This success, based on Nordic Dynamic Capacity Development principles, was recognized in 2021 when the EASF Integrated Mission Planning Process was officially adopted. In 2023, the African Union Peace Support Operations Division consulted the Foundation for continent-wide replication.
The Forsythe Foundation offers expertise in crisis management and peace operations. It emphasizes transparent partnerships and develops multinational standards, supporting global initiatives under a non-profit framework.
Our Mission
This section describes the Forsythe Foundation purpose based on the founding charter, the vision we see for the world, and our long-term goals and commitments to promote peace by guiding change.
The purpose of Forsythe Foundation is to promote global peace, security, and stability through research, education, training, and advising international organizations, authorities, and other actors. We work with regional partners and associates in areas of crisis, conflict, war, and other straining circumstances.
Our vision is a world where crises and disasters are prevented and managed locally and regionally without dependency on foreign assistance.
Our objectives are:
- To act as a trusted partner for Nordic and European public donors, funds, and agencies.
- To establish ourselves as a trusted and preferred partner in Eastern Africa.
- To further strengthen sustainable regional and local partnerships.
- To strengthen global capacity for peace and security cooperation and international crisis management.
- To work in close partnership with, and through, local and regional associates and experts.
- To provide collective and individual technical training that equips professionals to function in international peace operations and humanitarian efforts.
- To provide training in whole-of-government approaches to crisis and disaster prevention and management.
- To provide training in intergovernmental cooperation on humanitarian crises.
- To advise senior leadership in crisis and disaster management.
- To work in accordance with recognized international standards.
Purpose and vision
To promote global peace by guiding regional change
international Associates
Mrs. Rachael Munge Kironji,
Police Trainer, Kenya
Mrs. Rachael Munge Kironji,
Police Trainer, Kenya
Major Emmanuel Mayoyo,
Military Trainer, Kenya
Major Emmanuel Mayoyo,
Military Trainer, Kenya
SP. Susan N. Adhiambo,
Police Trainer, Kenya
SP. Susan N. Adhiambo,
Police Trainer, Kenya
Mr. Kelvin Karanja
Civilian, Kenya
Mr. Kelvin Karanja
Civilian, Kenya
Mrs. Anne Judy Kathurima
Civilian, Kenya
Mrs. Anne Judy Kathurima
Civilian, Kenya
Mr. Eddie Raymond
Civilian, Uganda
Mr. Eddie Raymond
Civilian, Uganda
Mr. Zein Elabdeen Abbas Mohamed Elbahari
Civilian, Sudan
Mr. Zein Elabdeen Abbas Mohamed Elbahari
Civilian, Sudan
Dr. Resila Atieno Onyango
Police, Kenya
Dr. Resila Atieno Onyango
Police, Kenya
Mr. Salahoudine Mohamed
Military, Comoros
Mr. Salahoudine Mohamed
Military, Comoros
Mr. Jules Hoareau
Civilian, Seychelles
Mr. Jules Hoareau
Civilian, Seychelles
Yasser Said Mchangama
Military, Comoros
Yasser Said Mchangama
Military, Comoros
Mr. Abdul Raffic Alawiye “ARK”
Military, Ghana
Mr. Abdul Raffic Alawiye “ARK”
Military, Ghana
Mr. Andrew Musiime
Police, Uganda
Mr. Andrew Musiime
Police, Uganda
Mr. Casper Enggaard Larsen
Civilian, Denmark
Mr. Casper Enggaard Larsen
Civilian, Denmark
Ms. Betty Kakai
Military, Uganda
Ms. Betty Kakai
Military, Uganda
Associates
Our associates are the cornerstone of our foundation, a diverse group of regional and local experts from civilian, military, and police sectors. They are not just trainers and advisors but also researchers and implementers, blending local insights with global perspectives to create meaningful change.
The board
Dr. Peter Horne Zartsdahl
Founder and chair of the board
Peter is a civilian peace and stabilisation expert with more than a decade of operational experience, mainly in Central and Eastern Africa
Dr. Michelle Nyandong
Member of the Board
Country Manager at Life & Peace Institute in Kenya, Michelle is a peacebuilding and security professional focussing on Women, Peace and Security.
Jouni Vainio
Member of the Board
Jouni was Chief Instructor at the Finnish Defence Forces International Centre 2021-2023, focusing on African Integrated Peace Operations and the UN's Comprehensive Protection of Civilian courses.
Fred Bamboche
Member of the Board.
Fred is an Honour’s Law degree graduate from the University of London and the Vice chairman of the Citizens Democracy Watch Seychelles.
Joachim Finkielman
Member of the board
Joachim is the Director of Danish Industry and previously worked as Defence Counsellor in the Permanent Representation to the NATO and EU for 5 years and was the Head of Defence and Security Policy Department for 3 years.
Louise Kryger
Member of the board
Louise has a strong background in mental health and psychosocial support, currently serving as Team Leader at the Danish Red Cross, and former Regional Psychosocial Advisor for East and Southern Africa and MHPSS Delegate.
Secretariat
Ann Sophie Friis
Chief of Staff
Ann Sophie is a former International Chief of Communication, Entrepeneur and Director of Communication in a number or large companies. As Chief of Staff, Ann Sophie directs the daily work of the Foundation.
Lasse Oszadlik
Director of Training & education
Lasse has been involved in training, education and courses from the Nordics to Africa since 2019 spanning from basic instructor courses to strategic education plans.
Kristian Søndergaard
Founder and Chief Advisor
Kristian has been the lead mentor for the Integrated Mission Planning Courses since 2019. Serving as a facilitator, mentor, and course leader he has been instrumental in initial planning and training missions from Sudan to the Comoros.
