The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the International Peace Bureau (IPB), are working on the screening of a video for the 2023 Geneva Peace Week (GPW). This 15-minute video centred on the theme of "Common Security: Bridging Divides and Restoring Trust" aims to bring together civil society, institution members, government officials, MPs, and anyone interested in building peaceful societies around the Common Security approach and its application to decision-making. This video inscribes itself as the second instalment in a series of video aiming at strengthening the compendium of tools available to decision-makers (including parliamentarians) to concretely act on matters of peace, security, and conflict prevention. It follows the IPU’s GPW 2022 video “Perspectives on global and local applications of Common Security and Human Security”.
The video will provide a comprehensive overview of the Common Security concept, its historical, philosophical and political foundations, and its concrete applications to decision-making. It will feature interviews with experts, Members of Parliaments, and experienced peace practitioners to elucidate the application of Common Security principles to contemporary global challenges, especially in conflict or tension-ridden regions. The video will be divided into two main segments: "What Makes it Successful" and "Potential Stumbling Blocks." The first segment will highlight the positive aspects, untapped potential, and key success factors of Common Security, and how they can be leveraged to build and restore trust. The second segment will offer a balanced view by acknowledging the challenges and pitfalls that could impede the success of conflict prevention and peace processes rooted in Common Security, emphasizing the importance of humility, willingness to compromise, and robust checks and balances. Case studies illustrating successful implementations of Common Security will be presented, demonstrating its potential to foster trust among nations, resolve geopolitical disputes, and build sustainable peace agreements. Ultimately, the video aims to foster informed and nuanced dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and the wider public, with a core recommendation of citizen outreach as crucial for the concept's long-term viability.
