A Decade of Peacebuilding: Highlights from the 10th Geneva Peace Week
- November 15, 2023 10:53
A Decade of Peacebuilding: Highlights from the 10th Geneva Peace Week
Celebrating a Decade of Global Dialogue
The Maison de la Paix in Geneva recently hosted the landmark 10th edition of Geneva Peace Week, a momentous occasion that brought together more than 5,500 attendees from across the globe. The event, held from October 30 to November 3, 2023, marked a decade of fostering dialogue, cooperation, and innovative solutions in the pursuit of global peace.
Unprecedented Participation and Collaboration
The 10th anniversary edition of Geneva Peace Week surpassed all expectations, with over 3,000 participants gathering in person and an additional 2,500 joining virtually. The Maison de la Paix served as the backdrop for 64 diverse events, comprising ceremonies, high-level panels, policy briefings, workshops, art exhibitions, and social gatherings. The extensive program was meticulously organised by a collaborative effort of 150 organizations committed to advancing the cause of peace.
Exploring Solutions: Innovation, Collaboration, and Global Commitment
The anniversary edition showcased the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing complex global issues. Workshops and policy briefings delved into emerging technologies, climate change resilience, and the role of education in promoting peace. Art exhibitions and cultural events added a unique dimension to the discussions, highlighting the role of creativity in fostering understanding and empathy.
A Record-Breaking Success: Lessons for the Future
With a record-breaking attendance, the success of the 10th Geneva Peace Week underscored the growing global commitment to building a more peaceful world despite ongoing conflicts. The virtual component allowed for broader participation, enabling individuals from various corners of the world to participate in the dialogue on peace.
As the curtains closed on the 10th edition of Geneva Peace Week, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform and its core partners expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and participation that has characterized the event over the past decade. The commitment of individuals, organizations, and governments to the cause of peace was evident throughout the week, reaffirming the belief that collaborative efforts are essential in addressing the world's most pressing challenges.
If we are to build trust and peace, we need to be as morally consistent as we can…Building trust and building peace can only be achieved if states hold themselves – and expect others do the same – to one set of rules applicable to all. It is that basic and elemental. And peacemaking must become a core part of what a new UN will look like, it has been lost and must now be recovered.
Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, IPI's President and Chief Executive Officer
In a world where we see so much division, even within societies; within families; a world with so much hate speech, including in its abhorrent forms of anti-Semitism or Islamophobia or against refugees and migrants; in a planet that is being so relentlessly attacked by man – in this troubled world, respect, care, compassion and solidarity with humankind, are so necessary.
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Looking Ahead to a Decade of Progress
Geneva Peace Week has firmly established itself as a key platform for diplomacy, dialogue, and progress. As the world looks ahead, the lessons learned and connections forged during this milestone edition are poised to catalyse a decade of even greater advancements in the pursuit of lasting global peace.
Copyright for pictures: Olivier Chamard