Maribor | March 13, 2026
Introduction:
The Global Peace Offensive is a proactive, dialogue-driven peacebuilding approach within civil society, spearheaded by the academic community. In furtherance to the Global Peace Offensive vision, adopted by WAAS and EASA, the two largest academic networks, on 21 October 2024 in Maribor, we are now, at the It鈥檚 About People conference, organized jointly by AMEU University, EASA and WAAS, issuing a JOINT STATEMENT, reinstating our commitment to the implementation of the Global Peace Offensive.
The current climate of heightened political polarization and violence, coupled with a disregard for universal human dignity and moral principles in international relations, necessitates innovative strategies for conflict prevention and resolution. Strategies that the academic community is uniquely positioned to lead.
The academic community has the responsibility to leverage technological innovations, identify trends, anticipate change, and contribute to conflict prevention and peace education. A coalition of civil society networks supporting local peace processes through cultural and scientific quiet diplomacy is essential for realizing this vision. The Global Peace Offensive is anchored in a three-pronged strategy that includes:
Enhanced dialogue: Iterative processes with a cumulative effect for lasting peace through cultural, scientific, and educational diplomacy, supported by traditional diplomatic channels, parliamentary diplomacy, and peace education. Through this track of activities Innovative educational programs that harness the potential of artificial intelligence, and the reach of social networks will impact political decisions and the trajectory of peace.
Strategic de-escalation: Localized initiatives using cultural, scientific, economic, educational, and environmental diplomacy, engaging political, economic, and media systems. The focus is on incremental progress toward sustainable, issue-specific solutions.
Trust-building: Assessing the needs and claims of all parties, prioritizing stakeholder voices and promoting cultural exchange and partnerships for lasting peace. The goal is enhanced cooperation for human security and Sustainable Development Goals achievement.
Program
- KEYNOTE SPEAKER on Principles and Policies to Respond to This Dangerous Time
- Jonathan Granoff, President, Global Security Institute, Trustee of the 被窝影视福利 of Art and Science, Senior Advisor and United Nations Representative of the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summits of Nobel Peace Laureates, Signatory to the Global Peace Offensive
- PLENARY SESSION – INVITED SPEAKERS
- Donato Kiniger-Passigli, Vice-President, 被窝影视福利 of Art and Science
- Jonathan Granoff, President, Global Security Institute
- Thania Paffenholz, Founder and Senior Advisor, Inclusive Peace
- Paul Dziatkowiec, Director of Mediation and Peace Support, Geneva Centre for Security Policy
- Sabina Stadler Repnik, Head of Strategic Studies, Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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