Paris Peace Forum 2023: A glimmer of hope to foster multilateral collaboration

In a world marked by the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China, the Paris Peace Forum 2023 emerges as a beacon of hope and collaboration. Scheduled for the 10th and 11th of November, this international gathering seeks to bridge divides, foster dialogue, and establish action-oriented coalitions to address pressing global challenges.

This year’s overarching theme, “Seeking Common Ground in a World of Rivalry,” reflects the urgency of finding shared solutions to global issues amid the escalating tensions between major powers. The focus is on governing global commons and public goods, particularly in critical areas like climate change, outer space, and the management of critical minerals.

Underpinning the Paris Peace Forum’s mission are six major themes, each addressing a critical facet of today’s global challenges. These themes serve as a compass, guiding participants towards effective governance solutions:

Managing the Fallout of Multi-Crises on Populations: Recognizing the interconnectedness of global challenges, the Forum seeks to identify strategies for managing the aftermath of various crises on vulnerable populations.
Cooperating Through Conflicts: In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, the Forum aims to foster cooperation and dialogue as essential tools for resolving conflicts and building lasting peace.
Rethinking Globalization in a Polarized World: Against the backdrop of a polarized world, the Forum encourages participants to reimagine and reshape globalization to promote inclusivity and fairness.
Catalyzing Climate and Environmental Solutions: With environmental issues at the forefront, the Forum focuses on initiatives and strategies to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Ensuring a Safer and Ethical Digital World: As the digital landscape evolves, the Forum delves into discussions on cybersecurity, ethics, and safety in the digital realm.
Fostering More Inclusive and Just Societies: In the pursuit of a better world, the Forum explores avenues for creating societies that are not only inclusive but also just.

2023 Priorities: Protecting the Planet and the People, Ensuring Trust and Safety in the Digital World, Addressing Inequalities and Accelerating SDGs, Crafting Peace and Building a Safer World

The Paris Peace Forum 2023 sets ambitious priorities, aligning its efforts with the most critical challenges of our time. These include protecting the planet and its inhabitants, ensuring trust and safety in the digital realm, addressing inequalities and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and actively contributing to creating a more peaceful and secure world.

Partnerships and Collaborations: A Global Endeavor

This year’s forum will bring together diverse voices representing states, international organizations, businesses, development banks, foundations, and NGOs from across the globe. Collaborators include the International Energy Agency (IEA), the European Union (EU), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), among others. These partnerships underscore the global nature of the challenges at hand and emphasize the need for collective action.

Speakers: A Multi-Actor Event

Among the notable speakers are:

Jacinda Ardern, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic
Dr. Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace
Comfort Ero, President & CEO of the International Crisis Group
Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana
Charles Michel, President of the European Council
Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
Shunichi Miyanaga, Chairman of the Board of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Brad Smith, Vice-Chair and President of Microsoft
Mia Mottley, Prime Minister, Barbados
Chen Qiufan, Science fiction writer, columnist, and scriptwriter
Maria Ressa, CEO, Rappler; 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Henry Wang, Founder and President of the Center for China and Globalization
Sarah Wayne Callies, Actress and Ambassador, International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Razan Al Mubarak, President, International Union for Conservation of Nature; UN Climate Change High-Level Champion

Projects: Space for Solutions

The Paris Peace Forum 2023 will showcase 60 innovative projects and initiatives during its 6th edition. Dubbed the “Space for Solutions,” these projects will occupy a dedicated space within the iconic Palais Brongniart, offering a platform for contributors to share insights, discuss their work, and contribute to the ongoing discourse on global governance issues.

NB: Useful Information

The Palais Brongniart, a symbol of Parisian elegance, will once again host the forum at 16 Pl. de la Bourse, 75002 Paris, France. Media accreditation information is available for those keen on covering this significant event.

In the midst of rising global tensions, the Paris Peace Forum 2023 stands as a testament to the enduring power of dialogue, cooperation, and collective action. As participants from various corners of the globe converge, the stage is set for a transformative event transcending political differences and ideological divides. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage as the world unites to pursue a more harmonious and just future.