Maribor, 14 March 2025, WAAS-EASA Joint Statement — 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’s 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 Global Peace Offensive is a proactive, dialogue-driven peacebuilding approach within civil society, spearheaded by the academic community. 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 which the academic community is uniquely positioned to lead.
Above, from left: Klaus Mainzer, Ludvik Toplak, Donato Kiniger-Passigli
The academic community has the responsibility to leverage technological innovations, identify trends, anticipate change, 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:
- 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.
- 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.
The time for a concerted, knowledge-driven peace effort is now.
