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Empowering Youth for Global Peace: Celebrating World Children’s Day

“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.

Report: International Conference on Peace, Nature, and Cooperation in the Baltic and Arctic Regions

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 Women for Peace United Against NATO– international network.
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

English Declaration_St. Petersburg 22.9.24 Download

Other available languages:

Finnish

Russian

The full program with recording timeline and videos can be seen and downloaded here.

St. Petersburg – Video recording final – October 2024 Download

Conclusion

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.

For additional details, contact Oleg Bodrov at obdecom@gmail.com or Ulla Klötzer at ullaklotzer@yahoo.com.

Civil Society Statement on Nuclear Weapons Prohibition

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.

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Ahmad Bakdad – Assistant Coordinator

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.

Investing in Peace: IPB’s Role in Challenging EU Militarization at the European Left’s Summer University

Article from August 2024

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.

SIGN THE CALL – Lex Innocentium (Law of the Innoncents), 21 Century

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.

Civil Society Statement on Calling for the Commencement of Preparations for the UN’s Fourth Special Session on Disarmament

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.

Nobel Peace Prize 2024 Award to Nihon Hidankyo and the Fight Against Nuclear Weapons

Statement by Alain ROUY, National Secretary of the “Mouvement de la Paix” (France), Vice-President of the International Peace Bureau

The award of the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 to the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo is a well-deserved reward for the hibakushas who have been warning against the use of nuclear weapons for decades.

We are living at a crucial moment when some are considering the use of nuclear weapons in ongoing conflicts, and when the nuclear powers are engaged in “modernizing” and increasing their nuclear arsenals.

This is particularly true of France, which is preparing to double its spending on nuclear weapons (7 billion euros in 2025, compared with 3.5 billion in 2017), with the terrifying goal of spending 100 billion in 15 years on nuclear weapons.

We have to say no to this infernal arms race and develop international mobilizations for the elimination of nuclear weapons. In France, we are asking our government to take into consideration the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which came into force on January 22, 2021 and has already been signed by 94 countries and ratified by 73. France must take its turn in this process, first by participating as an observer in the meetings of the States Parties to the TIAN, to join it.

Following on the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the international ICAN campaign, the Nobel Prize 2024 is a powerful encouragement and support for all those fighting for a world finally free of nuclear weapons.

Déclaration de Alain ROUY, secrétaire national du “Mouvement de la Paix” (France), vice-président du Bureau International de la Paix

L’attribution du Prix Nobel de la Paix 2024 à l’organisation japonaise Nihon Hidankyo est une récompense méritée pour les hibakushas qui par leur témoignage mettent en garde depuis des décennies contre l’usage des armes nucléaires.

Nous vivons un moment crucial où certains envisagent l’utilisation des armes nucléaires dans les conflits en cours et où les puissances nucléaires sont engagées dans la “modernisation” et l’augmentation de leurs arsenaux nucléaires.

C’est en particulier le cas de la France qui s’apprête à doubler ses dépenses consacrées aux armes nucléaires ( 7 milliards d’euros en 2025 contre 3,5 milliards en 2017), avec l’objectif terrifiant de dépenser 100 milliards en 15 ans pour les armes nucléaires.

Il faut dire non à cette course infernale aux armements et développer les mobilisations internationales pour l’élimination des armes nucléaires. En France, nous demandons à notre gouvernement de prendre en considération le Traité sur l’Interdiction des Armes Nucléaires (TIAN)entré en vigueur le 22 janvier 2021 et déjà signé par 94 Etats et ratifié par 73. La France doit s’engager à son tour dans ce processus, d’abord en participant comme observateur aux réunions des Etats-parties au TIAN, avec l’objectif de le rejoindre.

Après le prix Nobel de la Paix de 2017 attribué à la campagne internationale ICAN, le Prix Nobel 2024constitue une aide et un puissant encouragement pour tous ceux qui luttent pour un monde enfin débarrassé des armes nucléaires.

Statement by Alain ROUY, National Secretary of the “Mouvement de la Paix” (France), Vice-President of the International Peace Bureau Download

Nihon Hidankyo is also an organizational member of the International Peace Bureau. The Hibakushas deserve this award, and it is about time to recognize their efforts and the legacy they live for — never again, no to nuclear weapons and yes to peace.

Common Security in the Indo- Pacific Region

14 October 2024 – In collaboration with the Campaign for Peace, Disarmament, and Common Security, PeaceMOMO, and the dedicated efforts of an international working group of scholars and peace leaders from across the Indo-Pacific, the U.S., and Europe, we are proud to share the Common Security Report in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Over the past year, the authors have analyzed key crises in the region and developed diplomatic alternatives aimed at fostering greater peace, justice, and prosperity. This report serves as a vital resource to guide nations, regional organizations, and international institutions in addressing the nuclear and climate threats that challenge global security.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the authors and organizations behind this essential report, “Common Security in the Indo-Pacific Region.” Their work—through articles, travel, and advocacy—has significantly contributed to the global agenda for peace.

This report is available on the Campaign for Peace, Disarmament, and Common Security website, and we encourage its wide distribution and use in efforts to secure a more peaceful and cooperative Indo-Pacific region.

Thank you for your support.

Download Common Security in the Indo-Pacific Region, a practical and instructive resource to help prevent war in the Indo-Pacific region.

2024_10-13F Common Security in the Indo-Pacific Region Download

Check out the recording of the report launch event!

Global NATO: Implications for the Asia-Pacific (Part 2)

27 September 2024, Webinar

The webinar explored NATO’s expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific through political and military partnerships, as highlighted by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who emphasized shared security threats between the region and Europe. Despite their recent involvement, countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand have historically had little connection to NATO’s traditional security agenda. The event featured discussions on NATO’s presence in the Western Pacific, Australia, the Philippines, South Korea, and neighboring countries, alongside alternative security approaches presented by Anu Chenoy. Speakers included Cora Fabros (IPB), Anu Chenoy (Asia Europe Peoples Forum), Francis Daehoon Lee (PEACEMOMO), Annette Brownlie (Independent and Peaceful Australia Network), Djoanna Janier (Stop the War Coalition Philippines), Theresa Arriola, (Our Common Wealth)moderated by Gene Gesiste Jr. and Michelle Clemente.

Watch the full live streamed:

Read the speech shared by some of our speakers:

Standing at the Crossroads NATO Expansion and the Philippines’ Role in the Pursuit of Peace [1]Download

IPB-AEPF Overview GLOBAL NATO Download