With a mandate from the AU to address the “intellectual challenge” of finding African-led solutions to peace and security issues, IPSS aims to influence policies and their implementation on a national, regional and continental level. It provides inclusive, diversified and trendsetting platforms for dialogue that draw attention to current or emerging peace and security issues. The dialogues generate and help advance the frontiers of knowledge that contribute to the design of innovative African-led solutions to peace and security challenges. They also serve to encourage policy makers to move from policy to practice and implement agreed-upon policies.