This paper is a summary of a thesis submitted to th e Kimmage Development Studies Centre, Dublin in partial fulfil ment of the requirements for the degree of MA in Development St udies. The paper reflects on the topic of the role of non-gover nmental organisations (NGOs) in peacebuilding in Colombia, where for decades there has been politically motivated conflict. Arising from research undertaken in Colombia, the paper identifies the roles that NGOs in Colombia are currently playing and the challenges they are facing. NGOs play a vital role in peacebuilding, and form part of civil society together with other actors such as churches, the business sector, trade unions, community-based organisations, grassroots organisations, media and political parties. Despite this, primary research suggested that there was insufficient cohesion and coordination among NGOs in order to allow them to actively participate in peace negotiations or dialogue with a united peace agenda. This research concludes that by building greater cohesion among civil society sectors NGOs can play a leading role in constructing a common peacebuilding agenda for Colombian civil society, helping to break social divisions, creating a culture for peace, and fostering inclusion