How do you define peace? As our planet continues to experience conflict in different forms – whether through outright war or systemic discrimination, how can we keep shaping peace? A good place to start is reflecting on our own definition of peace.

“What does peace mean to you?”, the theme from the first ever PeaceTalks held in 2013 will be revisited at this edition of the PeaceTalks. Coming from different backgrounds and contributing different perspectives, each speaker will share their tangible experiences and ideas to inspire people to reflect on the meaning of peace and spark a discussion on how each and every one of us can contribute to creating a world that we can truly be proud of. Whether leading from the front or supporting from behind, everyone has the potential to contribute to peace, regardless of their background or experience. Peacebuilding isn’t solely the responsibility of experts and officials; each of us, no matter our age or background, can play a part in promoting peace in our communities and beyond.

The Peace Talks initiative started in Switzerland at the Geneva PeaceTalks in 2013. Over the past ten years, it has since expanded globally and more than 20 editions have been held in more than 8 countries featuring 200+ speakers from over 50 countries.

The core objectives of the PeaceTalks are:

• DEMONSTRATE that peaceful solutions to conflict exist all over the world.
• SHOWCASE and AMPLIFY inspiring stories and what is working to build peace.
• INSPIRE ACTION and EDUCATE on the role that we each play in promoting peace.

Storytelling for Peace

Stories and their telling can create change. The best ones influence our beliefs, inspire us to make an impact, and illuminate what it means to be human. Everyone has a story to tell through which we can learn.

Storytelling is a powerful educational and peacebuilding tool. Through the telling of personal stories, topics usually addressed from a general angle in the news, come to life, taking human form. Through stories we see the individual instead of the abstract mass. This fosters empathy, understanding and dialogue

 IF…we expand the space for dialogue about peace beyond technical peacebuilding through storytelling, focusing on personal stories and what is working;

THEN…a greater audience of people will become more aware of their potential individual roles and contributions in building peace, and that their actions can have a meaningful and positive impact in sustaining peace;

BECAUSE…they will feel inspired, empowered, and encouraged to support relevant initiatives where they work or to take personal action of their own

The event will be live streamed, recorded and will be made available on www.peacetalks.net

Speakers

Special performance

Moderator