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
Other available languages:
The full program with recording timeline and videos can be seen and downloaded here.
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.