Yesterday it was Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity and kindness! Let’s work together to create a culture of peace and non-violence through peace education. Your contribution can help the International Peace Bureau (IPB) deliver transformative programs that empower individuals and communities with the tools to build a better future.
Your donation will: ✅ Fund peace education modules and digital resources. ✅ Support peace education online capacity building. ✅ Help develop creative and impactful communication materials for global peacebuilding efforts.
Every contribution, big or small, matters.
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Together, we can inspire change and nurture a global culture of peace. Thank you for your generosity!
The G7 Ministers Meeting of Foreign Affairs, hosted by Italy in the year of its presidency that is drawing to a close, concludes today in Fiuggi.
An increasingly confrontational and dangerous international context demands an unprecedented global effort to re-establish a multilateral system that promotes paths of peace and international law, not drifts toward more war. As the C7 has several times stated, the G7 can be part of the problem, if it unilaterally promotes the interests of the most developed economies, or part of the solution, if it defends human rights and the common interests of humanity and the planet.
The dramatic flagrant and unpunished violations of International Humanitarian Law lead to massive suffering of civilians. The G7 and other States should avoid such a silent complicity that enables the continued devastation of wars. They should instead respect and ensure respect for IHL and its principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, condemning all violations of IHL by any actor in every conflict and war. We see a disturbing contradiction between the governments’ calls on peace and ceasefires and the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition to parties in conflicts.
We therefore reaffirm the need to strengthen and use the UN system of rules, asking the governments to adhere and engage all partners and allies in the international Treaties to prevent war and on disarmament, in respecting the UN Resolutions and to protect the UN institutions, including the particular case of UNRWA.
The fragility of global peace, the persistence of armed conflicts and the increased risk of nuclear weapons use requires the utmost urgency and concrete actions, that we don’t see yet. A stronger political commitment is needed to implement sustainable solutions to tackle critical structural and systemic challenges. We call for shifting the financial resources from military to diplomacy, human security and social expenditure to foster dialogue and fight the systemic causes of inequalities, poverty and vulnerabilities.
A stronger multilateral system, a shared commitment to protect human rights, a fair financial and economic systems are the preconditions for sustainable peace. Therefore, the C7 calls for the G7 countries to urgently take their responsibilities in this perspective for a more peaceful, just and secure future.
“Empowering Youth for Global Peace: Celebrating World Children’s Day”
On November 20, World Children’s Day serves as a global call to action, emphasizing the vital role of children and youth in peacebuilding efforts. This day reminds us of the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and involving them in creating a harmonious future. By supporting and engaging young people, we lay the groundwork for a world where peace and understanding prevail.
Every year on November 20, the world celebrates World Children’s Day, a moment to honor and advocate for the rights and well-being of children and youth everywhere. It’s a day to reflect on their pivotal role in building a peaceful, sustainable future and renew our commitment to creating an environment where every child can grow free from war and conflict.
Children’s Right to Peace: A Fundamental Human Right
Children and youth have the undeniable right to live in peace and security. This is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), adopted in 1989. The UNCRC, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, underscores children’s right to protection from violence, exploitation, and war (Article 38). It also highlights their right to survival and development (Article 6) and the importance of providing opportunities for children to voice their opinions (Article 12).
However, despite these commitments, millions of children around the world continue to suffer the devastating consequences of conflicts and wars. According to UNICEF, over 420 million children—nearly one in five—live in conflict zones today. These children face threats to their lives, education, health, and mental well-being. They are robbed of their childhoods, their voices silenced in the chaos of violence.
Supporting Children and Youth is Essential
This World Children’s Day, let us reaffirm that peace is not just a goal but a fundamental right for every child. Providing a safe and nurturing environment is critical, not only for their well-being but also for the future of our global society. Supporting children to live in peace means:
Ensuring access to quality education, which fosters understanding, tolerance, and critical thinking.
Protecting children from recruitment into armed forces or exploitation.
Offering psychosocial support to heal the trauma caused by wars and conflicts.
Promoting equal opportunities for every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
International conventions like the Geneva Conventions and Optional Protocols to the UNCRC on the involvement of children in armed conflict reinforce the obligation of states to protect children from the direct impacts of war and ensure their rights are upheld.
Children and Youth in Peacebuilding
Children and youth are not only victims of conflict—they are also powerful agents of change. When given the opportunity, they can play a crucial role in fostering peace and reconciliation. Engaging them in peace work is an investment in building a more stable and harmonious world.
Programs that empower children to participate in decision-making processes, peace dialogues, and community-building initiatives have shown remarkable success in fostering resilience and understanding.
As the future generation, children and youth will inherit the responsibility of establishing the foundations of peace. It is vital to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and platforms they need to become active peacebuilders in their communities and beyond.
A Global Call to Champion Children’s Rights
On this World Children’s Day, the International Peace Bureau calls upon governments, organizations, and institutions worldwide to take decisive action:
Prioritize children’s rights in all policies and programs, ensuring their protection and empowerment.
Integrate children and youth into peacebuilding efforts, providing platforms for their voices to be heard and respected.
Promote the culture of peace, addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering understanding and cooperation across divides.
Support global and local initiatives aimed at providing education, healthcare, and security to children in conflict zones.
Let us use this day as a time to think deeply about the millions of children around the world who are living through endless cycles of violence. Let us imagine their potential, their dreams, and their capacity to create a brighter future—if only we give them the chance.
Together for a Peaceful Future
World Children’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. A call to recognize that the well-being of children is linked to the well-being of our world. By championing their rights and involving them in the peace process, we are not only fulfilling our obligations under international laws and conventions—we are also laying the groundwork for a peaceful, equitable future for all.
Together, we can empower the next generation to lead the way toward a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow.
The Conference took place on September 21–22, 2024 in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The International Conference on Peace, Nature, and Cooperation in the Baltic and Arctic Regions brought together an impressive coalition of environmentalists, peace advocates, and policymakers to address the increasing militarization of these crucial regions. The event, hosted on the International Day of Peace, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative action to counter climate change, promote disarmament, and protect the delicate ecosystems of the Baltic and Arctic zones.
Organizers:
Public Council of the Southern Coast of the Gulf of Finland, interregional environmental movement of St. Petersburg – Leningrad Region, Russia.
Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space.
International Peace Bureau (IPB)– Geneva, Barcelona, Berlin.
World BEYOND War– a global anti-war organization with chapters and affiliates in about two dozen countries. It is opposed to the very institution of war and not just individual wars.
Supporters:
Regional Press Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Boligaktionen – Activism for a World with Space for Everyone, Denmark.
Canadian organization Women’s Voice for Peace (VOW), Canada.
International Women’s League for Peace and Freedom of Canada(WILPF).
International Women’s League for Peace and Freedom WILPF– Norway.
Women for Peace, Finland.
Women for Peace, Sweden.
Key Objectives
Advancing Civil Diplomacy: Foster cooperation across borders to address climate challenges and reduce military tensions.
Peacebuilding and Environmental Protection: Advocate for peace as a prerequisite for environmental sustainability.
Promoting a Nuclear-Free Zone: Transform the Baltic and Arctic regions into zones of peace, free from nuclear weapons.
Strengthening Networks: Unite peace and environmental organizations to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Highlights of the Conference
Speakers and Topics: Renowned activists and experts, including representatives from the International Peace Bureau (IPB), World BEYOND War, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), shared insights on topics ranging from nuclear disarmament to sustainable development.
Collaborative Declaration: Participants drafted a joint declaration outlining actionable steps for peace and environmental protection. This document will be presented at the World Peace Forum 2025. The declaration can be viewed and downloaded below.
Networking and Cooperation: The conference established a robust network of organizations and activists across the Baltic and Arctic regions.
JOINT Declaration from the International Conference in St. Petersburg, Russia September
The conference underscored the critical link between peace and environmental sustainability, advocating for a cooperative approach to address the region’s pressing issues. As we approach the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, initiatives like this conference serve as a reminder of the need for global solidarity in building a just and sustainable future.
Next Steps
Disseminate the joint declaration to relevant stakeholders and international forums.
Plan further collaborations for upcoming events, including the World Peace Forum 2025.
Continue advocacy for nuclear disarmament and ecological preservation in the Baltic and Arctic regions.
By: Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, Released on October 23, 2024
On October 23, 2024, a statement was released by civil society organizations emphasizing the urgent need to prohibit nuclear weapons and denouncing the Kremlin’s nuclear blackmail. Published in both Ukrainian and English, the statement underscores the importance of upholding Ukraine’s historical commitment to remaining a nuclear-free state.
The Ukrainian Movement of Pacifists strongly reaffirms Ukraine’s adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and condemns any discourse advocating for the development of nuclear weapons within Ukraine. This statement serves as a call to honor Ukraine’s obligations under international law and resist all forms of nuclear speculation, which jeopardize global peace and security.
Read the full statement in Ukrainian and English:
Click on the button to load the content from www.civilni.media.
He is committed to promoting child rights and gender equality, and supporting vulnerable communities, particularly children and women. Dedicated Safeguarding & Protection practitioner and project manager, specialized in capacity building and policy development for child protection & safeguarding, investigations, humanitarian aid, and community-based protection initiatives.
The European Left and its foundation transform!europe held their Summer University in Mieres del Camino (Spain) on July 11th, 12th, and 13th. Chloé Meulewaeter, the GCOMS coordinator at the International Peace Bureau (IPB), participated in the plenary titled: “Investing in Peace, not in War! An analysis of the militarization of the EU.“
The session was moderated by Marga Ferré, Co-president of transform!europe (Spain), and featured several speakers: Claudia Haydt, Vice-president of the European Left and coordinator of its Peace Working Group (Germany); Gavin Rae, from the Nazprod Foundation (Poland); and Niamh Ní Bhriain, Programme Coordinator on War and Pacification at the Transnational Institute (Ireland).
During the plenary, Chloé Meulewaeter discussed the militarization of the European Union, highlighting how the arms industry lobby influences EU institutions to promote the narrative that “security is the precondition of any sustainability” in order to access the EU’s sustainable finances. Additionally, The Transnational Institute emphasized the urgent need to invest in peace rather than war, advocating for the isolation of Israel by cutting off funding to entities that perpetuate violence, in order to end the conflict in Gaza and promote true security.
We invite you to join us as a signatory of Lex Innocentium, 21st Century and lend your voice to this global call for an end to war. Inspired by the original Lex Innocentium (Law of the Innocents), first proclaimed at the Synod of Birr in Ireland in AD 697, this renewed declaration stands against war in all its forms.
UNGA First Committee on Disarmament and International Security Delivered by Rafi Chowdhury, International Peace Bureau
Chairperson, distinguished delegates,
I present this statement on behalf of 175 civil society representatives and a coalition of organizations from around the world. We urge all member states to activate the UN General Assembly mechanism of Special Sessions on Disarmament without further procrastination, as per the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Action 26(a) of the Pact for the Future.
