Arts, Peace, and Future: What does civil society expect from Swiss peace policy? Which hot topics must be part of the (global) peace and security agenda? How can Switzerland seize opportunities and navigate challenges as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council?

On 9 June 2022, the UN General Assembly elected Switzerland as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024. On this occasion, the Swiss Platform for Peacebuilding KOFF and the collective Politesse Publique are excited to invite you to the 5th annual peace conference, which will combine civil society expertise and artistic-speculative scenarios with regards to peace and security.

Curious, how arts, peace, and the future come together? Take the chance and join us to discuss and explore perspectives, experiences, and opportunities for peacebuilding in thematic workshops. These will inform an artistic future scenario that takes us to the year 2049, and back to today, to a panel discussion in the evening.

Program

Afternoon:

The four thematic workshops in the afternoon are organized in collaboration with KOFF member organizations. They offer space for exchanging experiences and perspectives and for developing common demands and interests of Swiss civil society regarding Switzerland's seat in the UNSC.

1. Women, peace and security: Resolution 1325 calls for the inclusion of women in peace processes and protection against gender-based violence in conflicts. What are the experiences and demands of civil society regarding the implementation of the resolution?

2. Migration and peace: The systematic inclusion of migration dynamics in security and peace policy, as well as conflict sensitivity in migration policy, is urgently needed. How can these two policy areas be linked and where are the challenges?

3. Climate change and security: The links between climate change and security are manifold and worrying. They are mentioned for the first time in the Federal Council's 2021 security policy report. Where are the entry points for civil peace work?

4. Digitalization: Digital media and technologies are closely linked to current conflict dynamics; However, they can also contribute to peace and security. How should we use digital media and technologies for peacebuilding?

Apéro riche

Evening:

In the evening, the collective Politesse Publique will take the audience to the future: in 2049, Switzerland will once again apply for a seat on the UN Security Council. Building on the outcomes of the workshops, the collective will sketch out a possible future, which will then be discussed on the panel from today's perspective.

The panel will bring together governmental and civil society experts to discuss opportunities and challenges regarding Switzerland's seat on the UN Security Council 2023 – 2024, developments in peace and security policy at the UNSC, and beyond, and the potential and limits of civil society participation on these questions.

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