Delegates, advisors and observers from around the world met in Surajkund, India from 29 November to 3 December 2002 to officially launch Nonviolent Peaceforce as an international non-governmental organisation (INGO).

A group shot of the attendees at the International Convening Event

They elected a representative governing body, named the International Governance Council (IGC), from nominees from member organisations. The IGC then chose Sri Lanka as the pilot project site for the first Nonviolent Peaceforce mission after extensive research and consideration.

Since 2002, nearly 100 organisations from six continents and over 40 countries have joined Nonviolent Peaceforce.