The 9th Paris Peace Forum recently convened, bringing together political leaders, international organization representatives, private sector actors, civil society members, and young people. They discussed ways to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the face of international crises. With over 60 active conflicts globally, the forum focused on situations in Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine, prioritizing the role of civilians in conflict resolution processes.
The situation in Sudan was a significant concern, with David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), criticizing the decline of diplomacy in the face of growing military power. Miliband stated that Sudan's crisis is a symptom of a larger issue where military force prevails without challenge, and diplomacy is in decline. This sentiment was echoed in discussions on the Ukraine situation, where Mariana Betsa, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted ongoing kidnappings and deportations.
The impact of war on children's social development was also a key topic, with Inger Ashing, president and CEO of Save the Children International, emphasizing the consequences of disrupted education and social connections for young Ukrainians. Ashing noted that these disruptions can have long-term effects on children's integration into their communities. The forum also explored ways to include young people in conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms.
Fatima Maiga, a member of the International Network of Francophone Mediators, advocated for involving young people as leaders in mediation processes, citing their exceptional communication skills. The forum featured over 400 speakers across more than 80 sessions, covering geopolitics, human rights, development, climate issues, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. These discussions highlighted the challenges posed by new technologies to global governance.
A summit dedicated to children was a new initiative at this year's forum, focusing on their rights, protection, and well-being. Philippe Étienne, president of the Paris Peace Forum, emphasized the importance of investing in childhood as a means of investing in peace and the future. The forum also actively engaged young people, with 400 students and young professionals from 54 nationalities participating alongside over 200 volunteers.
The forum showcased nearly 50 field projects addressing various development and international cooperation issues. Ten projects were selected for the Scale-Up 2026-2027 program, which provides personalized support to enhance their implementation and impact. These projects included initiatives like "Kickstart your Career," focusing on AI skills development in Latin America, and "The Coastal Compact," aimed at supporting plastic waste recovery on Indian coastlines.
The Paris Peace Forum aims to maintain a platform for international dialogue and cooperation, particularly in a time of escalating geopolitical crises. The event concluded with discussions involving French political figures, such as Raphaël Glucksmann and Dominique de Villepin, underscoring the need for continued concertation among global actors to address pressing conflicts and challenges.
Key points
- The forum emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing over 60 active conflicts worldwide.
- The event highlighted the need for involving young people in conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms.
- The forum showcased nearly 50 field projects addressing various development and international cooperation issues.
