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.
The International Peace Bureau (IPB) expresses deep concern over the recent targeted killings in West Asia, including the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s top military commander, Fuad Shukur, in Beirut. These actions are a violation of international law and pose a serious risk of escalating the conflict to a regional level. Such escalations not only endanger regional stability but also have global consequences, as they increase the risk of a wider conflict that could involve the use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), leading to catastrophic outcomes worldwide.
These attacks have severely set back efforts towards achieving a ceasefire and a long-term resolution to the conflict, including the return of Israeli hostages. The timing and nature of these actions suggest a deliberate attempt to undermine diplomatic efforts, prolonging the suffering of civilians and obstructing peace processes.
Recent statements by Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and various international responses underscore the fragile state of affairs. IPB urges all stakeholders, including regional and global powers, to work towards a peaceful resolution and avoid actions that could lead to uncontrollable escalation.
IPB emphasizes the critical importance of using diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation. Resorting to violence only exacerbates the suffering of innocent civilians and brings the region closer to widespread conflict. We call on all states and non-state actors, both within the region and those with direct or indirect involvement, to prioritize peace and stability, respecting international law principles.
We urgently call for a ceasefire and comprehensive negotiations that address the root causes of the longstanding conflict, cycle of violence, and oppression in Palestine and Israel, and throughout West Asia. Long-term peace can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust-building, ensuring the common security and dignity of all people involved.
On June 22-23, 2024, the International Peace Bureau and World BEYOND War held the third annual 24-hour Peace Wave, a global event dedicated to promoting peace and opposing military buildup. This extraordinary event unfolded over a 24-hour Zoom marathon, featuring live peace actions in various locations around the world, moving westward every two hours. Participants engaged in different ways to spread the word of PEACE. Each segment throughout the event concluded with a live Q&A session, fostering real-time interaction and engagement.
The 2024 Peace Wave took place against the backdrop of the RIMPAC military exercises in the Pacific and the lead-up to protests against NATO’s 75th anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C., in July. The event aimed to support global peace initiatives and oppose military alliances like NATO and AUKUS, which are contributing to global military buildup and conflicts.
Event Overview
Europe and Africa (13:00 – 15:00 UTC) The Peace Wave kicked off with peace actions in the UK, contributions from Ireland around the topic of neutrality, followed by a panel with activists from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and peace actions from Cameroon and Djibouti. This segment highlighted the diverse approaches to peacebuilding in different cultural and geopolitical contexts.
South America (15:00 – 17:00 UTC) The event then moved to South America, featuring actions from Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia. A large solidarity March with Palestine was held in Santiago de Chile, the session was enriched with songs.
North America (Eastern Time Zone) (17:00 – 19:00 UTC) In the USA and Canada, the Eastern Time Zone saw a variety of activities. A notable segment was led by Kathy Kelly, who moderated discussions and live interactions with peace advocates. In addition to videos of peace walks, live outdoor rallies, and Q&A sessions.
Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (19:00 – 21:00 UTC) The Peace Wave continued through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, where peace activists held numerous events that emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and grassroots activism in promoting peace and justice.
North America (Pacific and Mountain Time Zones) (21:00 – 23:00 UTC) In the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones of the USA and Canada, the Peace Wave featured contributions from activists like Elizabeth Murray, who shared insights from Ground Zero and the Peace Pagoda. Notable segments included a video presentation from the Peace Caravan and an anti-war demonstration in Portland, Oregon.
Hawaii and Guam (23:00 – 01:00 UTC) The event moved to Hawaii and Guam, where peace activists engaged and elaborated on their work to promote peace globally. These segments highlighted the strategic importance of these regions in global military dynamics and emphasized the local efforts to promote peace and demilitarization.
Australia and New Zealand (01:00 – 03:00 UTC) In Australia and New Zealand, the Peace Wave featured a variety of activities and events. These events underscored the role of cultural heritage and indigenous wisdom in peacebuilding efforts.
Japan and South Korea (03:00 – 05:00 UTC) The segment in Japan and South Korea included a video presentation by the Japan Council against A & H Bombs (Gensuikyo) and a pre-recorded video about Japan by Joseph Essertier. This was followed by a live Q&A session with contributors from Gangjeong Village on Jeju Island, highlighting local resistance to militarization and the impact of global military policies on local communities.
Southeast Asia (05:00 – 07:00 UTC) In Southeast Asia, peace activists from the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar organized various events, with peace activists engagements. These activities focused on regional conflicts and the need for peaceful resolution through dialogue and cooperation.
South Asia (07:00 – 09:00 UTC) The South Asia segment included contributions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Highlights included a panel discussion on regional cooperation and peace, featuring messages and videos from various individuals and organizations. This segment emphasized the interconnectedness of regional peace efforts and the importance of collective action.
Central Asia and the Middle East (09:00 – 11:00 UTC) The Peace Wave then moved to Central Asia and the Middle East, with activities and contributions from Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Syria, focusing on the ongoing conflicts and the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in these regions.
Russia, Ukraine, the Nordic Region, and Central Europe (11:00 – 13:00 UTC) The final segments included contributions from peace activists from Russia and Ukraine, a video describing the worrying militarisation of the Nordic Region, and several speeches and actions from Kosovo, Romania, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy. This part of the event featured powerful speeches and demonstrations, highlighting the global nature of the peace movement. Contributions from Ukraine and Russia underscored the need for dialogue and understanding amidst the ongoing conflict.
Context, Significance, and Importance:
In a world often fraught with conflict, violence, and political tension, the role of peace activities and campaigns cannot be overstated. Initiatives like the annual 24-hour Peace Wave, serve as critical platforms for advocating peace, fostering global solidarity, and challenging the pervasive culture of war. These efforts are essential not only for preventing conflicts but also for building a sustainable future grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
Promoting Awareness and Education: One of the most significant impacts of peace activities is raising awareness about the devastating consequences of war and the benefits of peaceful resolutions. Educational components, such as panel discussions, workshops, and cultural events, help disseminate knowledge about the complexities of conflicts and the importance of diplomacy and negotiation. For instance, during the Peace Wave event, various segments were dedicated to discussing the impacts of military alliances like NATO and AUKUS, and the necessity of global cooperation to address these issues. By educating the public, these campaigns empower individuals to advocate for peaceful policies and support nonviolent solutions in their communities.
Encouraging Global Solidarity and Collaboration: Peace campaigns often bring together a diverse range of participants from different countries and cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of global solidarity. This unity is vital in addressing the root causes of conflict, such as inequality, injustice, and resource scarcity. The Peace Wave, for example, featured live peace actions from dozens of locations worldwide, including rallies, concerts, and public demonstrations. This global participation not only highlights the universal desire for peace but also demonstrates the power of collective action in challenging the status quo and pushing for systemic change.
Challenging Militarism and the Arms Industry: A core objective of many peace campaigns is to challenge the normalization of militarism and the influence of the arms industry on global politics. By opposing military build-ups and the proliferation of weapons, these activities aim to redirect resources towards more constructive and humanitarian endeavors. The Peace Wave specifically targeted military exercises underscoring the urgent need to reduce military spending and promote disarmament. Such actions spotlight the disproportionate impact of militarization on marginalized communities and the environment, advocating for a shift towards policies that prioritize human security and well-being.
Inspiring Future Generations: Engaging youth in peace activities is essential for sustaining long-term peacebuilding efforts. By involving young people in dialogues, educational programs, and activism, these campaigns nurture a new generation of peace advocates. The inclusive nature of events like the Peace Wave, which features contributions from various age groups and communities, ensures that the message of peace resonates with and inspires future leaders. Empowering young people to champion peace not only secures the continuity of these efforts but also brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the challenges of conflict.
Building a Culture of Peace: Ultimately, peace activities and campaigns contribute to the broader goal of building a culture of peace. This involves transforming societal values, norms, and institutions to prioritize peace over conflict. By celebrating and promoting peace, these campaigns help embed the principles of nonviolence, cooperation, and empathy into the social fabric. Events like the Peace Wave create opportunities for individuals to experience and practice these values, reinforcing the idea that peace is not just the absence of war but a proactive commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.
Conclusion
The 2024 Peace Wave was a resounding success, bringing together peace activists from around the world in a unified call for peace and demilitarization. The event highlighted the importance of global cooperation, local activism, and the power of collective action in addressing the challenges of militarization and conflict. As the world continues to grapple with these issues, the Peace Wave serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring human spirit’s capacity for peace and reconciliation.
A Night of Insightful Discussions at IPB HQ, Berlin
On Friday, June 7, from 6 to 8 pm CEST, the International Peace Bureau (IPB) headquarters in Berlin buzzed excitedly as it hosted a pivotal event in collaboration with the Middle East Treaty Organization (METO) and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. Attendees, both in-person at Marienstr. 19-20 and virtually via Zoom, gathered for a stimulating evening centered on METO’s work and their visionary future plans.
METO’s Vision for a Peaceful Middle East
METO, a coalition of civil society activists and practitioners, is dedicated to creating a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. Their overarching goal is to foster a region characterized by peace, integration, and prosperity, grounded in human and environmental security. The organization advances its mission through a combination of policy advocacy and educational programs aimed at promoting regional security and peace.
Distinguished Speakers and Engaging Discussions
The event featured prominent speakers who shed light on METO’s impactful initiatives:
Sharon Dolev, Founder and Executive Director of METO and Council Member of IPB, shared insights into the organization’s foundational work and strategic direction.
Emad Kiyaei, Director of METO, discussed the critical role of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in METO’s efforts and the broader vision for regional stability.
Asmaa Guedira, from Women’s Environment Leadership, emphasized the importance of integrating gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and the empowerment of women during times of conflict. She highlighted the need for raising awareness and fostering a climate of unity and equality in the Middle East.
The event was moderated by Sean Conner, IPB Executive Director, who guided the discussion and facilitated a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers.
Reflections on Past Efforts and Future Aspirations
Speakers reflected on previous peace efforts in the region, such as the significant meetings and decisions made by the Arab League. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to promoting global peace, with a special focus on the Middle East. Asmaa Guedira’s presentation underscored the vital role of gender diversity and the protection of women in conflict zones, urging for a more inclusive approach to peacebuilding.
During the event, speakers presented and discussed their work to promote and build off of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which is a historic document that offered a formula for ending not only the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but also the wider, lingering Arab–Israeli conflict, and to achieve a collective peace and security.
The event concluded with a small reception, providing an opportunity for attendees to network and discuss the topics further. The blend of in-person and virtual attendance ensured that the message reached a broad and diverse audience, all united by a shared goal of a peaceful and secure Middle East.
Looking Forward
As the evening drew to a close, the sense of optimism and determination was palpable. The participants left with a deeper understanding of METO’s mission and the collective efforts required to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. The event served as a testament to the power of collaboration and the relentless pursuit of a world free from the threat of weapons of mass destruction.
You may find the full event video below:
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy. Learn more
By: International Peace Bureau and Italian Network for Peace and Disarmament
CONTEXT: CHALLENGES TO ADDRESS
On May 19, 2023, following G7 leaders’ Hiroshima Vision on Nuclear Disarmament proclaimed a “commitment to achieving a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all.” As anxieties over global crises continue to grow, the pursuit of undiminished common or collective security has never been so necessary.
15 May 2024 | Rome, Italy | Executive Director Sean Conner
“We are now at an inflection point. The post-cold war period is over. A transition is under way to a new global order. While its contours remain to be defined, leaders around the world have referred to multipolarity as one of its defining traits. In this moment of transition, power dynamics have become increasingly fragmented as new poles of influence emerge, new economic blocs form and axes of contestation are redefined. There is greater competition among major powers and a loss of trust between the global North and South. A number of States increasingly seek to enhance their strategic independence, while trying to manoeuvre across existing dividing lines.”
– Antonio Guterres in the New Agenda for Peace
After the second war in particular, there was a change in understanding that issues of peace and security around the world are inextricably linked – that threats in any part of the world can have global repercussions. In the post-cold war era of globalization, aided by new technologies, integrated global markets, and ease of travel and communication, this has become increasingly true.
The International Peace Bureau (IPB) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) are thrilled to announce their collaboration on a special 15-minute video for the 2023 Geneva Peace Week (GPW), unfolding this week. This video, themed “Common Security: Bridging Divides and Restoring Trust,” aspires to unite civil society, institutional members, government officials, MPs, and all peace advocates. The focus is on the applicability of the Common Security approach in decision-making for fostering peaceful societies.
About the Video Offering a thorough exploration of the Common Security concept, the video delves into its historical, philosophical, and political underpinnings, spotlighting its practical applications. Interviews with experts, parliamentarians, and seasoned peace practitioners clarify how Common Security principles tackle today’s global challenges, particularly in regions marred by conflict or tension.
The video is structured into two segments: “What Makes it Successful” and “Potential Stumbling Blocks.” The first section accentuates the positive aspects and success factors of Common Security in rebuilding trust. Conversely, the second section presents a balanced perspective by recognizing potential obstacles in peace processes rooted in Common Security, underscoring the need for humility, compromise, and checks and balances.
Case studies showcasing successful Common Security applications further illustrate its capacity to foster trust among nations and build lasting peace agreements. The video ultimately seeks to encourage an informed dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and the public, emphasizing citizen outreach as key to the approach’s sustainability.
Featured Speakers:
Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union;
H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Federal National Council of the UAE, President of the IPU Task Force for the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine;
Mr. Daniel Carden, MP of the United Kingdom, President of the IPU’s Forum of Young Parliamentarians;
Ms. Dr. Anuradha Chenoy, Adjunct Professor at Jindal Global University, Member of the IPB Common Security working group;
Mr. Reiner Braun, historian and peace activist, former Executive Director of IPB;
Ms. Anna Sundström, Secretary General of the Olof Palme International Center;
Ms. A-Young Moon, Founder of PEACEMOMO, Council Member of IPB.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible speakers and our esteemed colleagues from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). We invite you to watch, reflect, and engage with the ideas presented in the video. Good vision!
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) newest military expenditure data for 2022 shows yet another year of increase in global military spending, up 3.7 percent from 2021 to another all-time high of US$ 2240 billion. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, increases in military spending in Europe and the Western world were certainly expected; however, with the release of this data an important question must be addressed: does the outbreak of war drive increases in military spending, or rather do the incessant, yearly increases in military spending drive conflict and work?
While there is certainly no direct or decisive answer to that question, we have to take this year’s SIPRI data in the context of the geopolitical landscape of the past decades. What is crystal clear from this perspective is that constant increases in military spending have not fostered peace or peace processes in ongoing wars and have not prevented the outbreak of new, larger, and increasingly concerning conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Likewise, increases in military spending are completely unable to address the various security concerns at the forefront of our societies – from the effects of climate change and environmental degradation to protection from future pandemics and growing inequality and food insecurity in many parts of the world. And of course, the threat posed by countries upgrading their nuclear arsenals combined with increased rhetoric around the threat of the use of nuclear weapons and further expansion of illegal nuclear sharing to Belarus (already present in Western Europe under the US nuclear umbrella) puts our entire planet at risk.
In many other cases, from Saudi Arabia and Iran to Sudan and Burundi, and Japan and China, military expenditure increases have not helped to reduce growing tensions and violence. The United States and the NATO alliance, who together continue to account for the majority of global spending, have in particular been a source of growing global tensions. In the face of recent geopolitical developments, there needs to be an alternative to constant growths in military budgets; there needs to be a resurgence of funding for diplomatic efforts, for the reduction of global tensions, complemented by funding for peace advocacy, peacebuilding, just resolution, and just reconstruction of conflict zones. The current global military expenditure is more than enough to fund not only peace work, but also to address the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), including climate change, poverty, and hunger.
The world cannot continue on the path we are on. The International Peace Bureau, Global Campaign for Military Spending, and our global network of partners reject the logic of global leaders that preparing for war creates peace, we reject the role of the military-industrial complex in fuelling this continued growth, and we reject the view that there is no alternative. We urge the UN General Assembly to organize a special session on disarmament. We will use the Global Days of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS) from 13 April until 9 May to make our message heard and promote peaceful alternatives to militarism and war.
On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, 21st September, Connection e.V., the International Fellowship of Reconciliation, the European Office for Conscientious Objection, and War Resisters’ International are calling for a signature campaign for deserters and conscientious objectors from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The #ObjectWarCampaign calls on all citizens from everywhere to join the global effort to ensure protection and asylum for conscientious objectors and deserters from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine involved in the current war in the region. They are our hope to refuse war and let peace prevail!
On April 6, 2022, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, had called on Russian soldiers to desert and promised them protection under refugee law. So far, this promise has not been fulfilled.
Within the scope of #ObjectWarCampaign, a petition has been prepared for everyone to sign in. The petition is addressed to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Council Charles Michel, and the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. The petition emphasizes the need to uphold the right to asylum for conscientious objectors and deserters from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine by hosting states. The petition launched on the WeMove.eu website can now be signed in German, English, French, Italian and Greek.
Ukraine suspended the right to conscientious objection and closed the border for men between 18 and 60. Over 100,000 men have evaded war involvement in Ukraine and fled abroad. Currently, Ukrainian citizens have temporary residence in the European Union. The #ObjectWarCampaign petition demands that the right to conscientious objection to military service is fully guaranteed in Ukraine.
The petition signatures are a crucial sign of support for conscientious objectors and deserters. This campaign highlights the importance of opening borders to those who oppose the war at great personal risk in their countries and calls on everyone around the world to support those who refuse to fight and kill.
Every recruit can be a conscientious objector, every soldier a deserter. Let’s support those who refuse to kill and end war together!
#ObjectWarCampaign #StandWithObjectors
The launch of the petition has been anticipated by an appeal sent in June 2022, to the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe -supported by 60 organizations from 20 countries – detailing why protection and support for deserters and conscientious objectors on all sides of the Ukrainian war is necessary and moreover that it is a human right. There have already been discussions about this in the European Parliament.
More information: The appeal to the European institutions can be found here. Background information can be found here.
The INTERNATIONAL PEACE BUREAU supports this campaign, as those who refuse to kill and refuse to take part in violent means of conflict resolution are also contributing to peace.
Приостановка Россией действия договора СНВ-3 (the New START Treaty) знаменует собой последнюю опасную и безответственную эскалацию ядерных угроз после вторжения на Украину год назад. Быстрое ухудшение дипломатических отношений между Россией и Западом, наряду с усилением военных действий в Украине и прежними ядерными угрозами со стороны России, должно послужить тревожным сигналом для всего мира: мы ближе, чем когда-либо, к ядерному уничтожению.
Незадолго до российского вторжения, в январе 2022 года, лидеры пяти ядерных держав подтвердили то, что мы все знаем как истину: ядерную войну нельзя вести и ее нельзя выиграть. Вместо того чтобы принять это сообщение близко к сердцу, Россия и Запад продолжают полагаться на ядерное сдерживание как на фундаментальную стратегию своей внешней политики, в том числе в качестве щита для своих империалистических авантюр. Обе стороны виновны в подрыве режима контроля над ядерными вооружениями, установленного во время холодной войны — посещение ядерных объектов США в рамках СНВ-3 также было ограничено санкциями против России. Угроза применения ядерного оружия сейчас выше, чем когда-либо в истории со времен кубинского ракетного кризиса.
Международное бюро мира вновь призывает к немедленному прекращению огня в Украине и к участию всех вовлеченных сторон в переговорах, чтобы положить конец насилию и кровопролитию. Мы требуем, чтобы переговоры включали вопросы безопасности украинцев, россиян и западных правительств, чтобы они основывались на общей безопасности и немедленно возобновили действие договора СНВ-3, а также работали над восстановлением дальнейших договоров по контролю над ядерными вооружениями и об установлении доверия, на основе принципов общей безопасности.
Кроме того, Международное бюро мира призывает положить конец дорогостоящей модернизации ядерного оружия — многомиллиардному проекту, который ничего не делает для обеспечения безопасности, — и ко всем странам поддержать Договор о запрещении ядерного оружия (ДЗЯО) во имя безопасного и безъядерного будущего.
