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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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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

Summit of the Future Side Event Report Back: Advocating for SSOD-IV

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) participated in the Action Days and the Summit of the Future held in New York from September 20 to 23. During this pivotal event, we engaged in various activities and organized two significant events, one of which was an official offsite side event featured on the Action Days calendar.

Our official offsite side event “Reversing the Doomsday Clock: Nuclear Disarmament and the Need for a Fourth Special Session on Disarmament” aimed to advocate for a nuclear-weapon-free world and stronger disarmament commitments, calling for the convening of a Fourth Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD-IV). It took place in the beautiful and warmly welcoming Church of the Covenant on the afternoon of Saturday, September 21.

The event was co-sponsored by the Republic of Kiribati, International Peace Bureau (IPB), SCRAP Weapons (SOAS University of London), Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF), Parliament of the World’s Religions, Agora Mexico and was supported by many other partners like Reverse the Trend (RTT), Justice for All, Agora Mexico, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung NY (RLSNY), the Episcopal Church, NGO Committee on Human Rights to the UN, NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, and Committee of Religious NGOs to the UN.

This gathering aimed to unite diverse stakeholders, including member states, civil society representatives, and experts in disarmament, to address the urgent need for a Fourth Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD-IV). As the UN Secretary-General stated, the Summit of the Future and its accompanying Pact for the Future offer a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for member states and multistakeholders to come together and drive substantial global action.

In Memoriam: Peter Becker (1945-2024)

Peter Becker, a renowned German lawyer and tireless advocate for peace and disarmament, passed away in 2024. Best known for his anti-nuclear work, the International Peace Bureau awarded him the 2011 Sean MacBride Peace Prize.

Becker’s legal career spanned over four decades, during which he became a leading authority in administrative and energy law. He successfully represented over a thousand students in numerous cases. He played a key role in energy law after German reunification, helping establish Becker Büttner Held (BBH), Germany’s top energy law firm.

In his peace work, Becker challenged the presence of U.S. nuclear weapons in Germany, representing cases aimed at stopping nuclear activities in Büchel and Ramstein. Though the cases were dismissed, his efforts sparked significant public awareness.

Peter Becker’s legacy as a peace advocate and legal pioneer will continue to inspire.

Read the Orbituary from IALANA: https://ialana.de/aktuell

Traueranzeige für Peter Becker 20240925 Download

The Conference took place on September 21–22, 2024in Saint Petersburg, Russia