Geneva Peace Week Meets (GPW Meets) is an initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between multilateral hubs engaged in peacebuilding. Over the past decade, Geneva Peace Week (GPW) has established itself as a leading forum for global peace discussions, yet its location in Europe presents logistical challenges for broader international participation.
GPW Meets Addis Ababa aims to bridge this gap by fostering meaningful exchanges between Geneva-based professionals and their counterparts in Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of Africa. This event will:
Facilitate mutual learning and dialogue.
Enhance cross-regional collaboration for peacebuilding.
Identify synergies between Geneva’s and Africa’s peace and security efforts.
Taking place in a hybrid format, the event will highlight locally led peacebuilding initiatives and explore how multilateral institutions can better support and learn from African-led solutions.
Addis Ababa hosts the African Union (AU) and numerous UN agencies, making it a strategic hub for African peace and security efforts.
Geneva is home to key international organizations in humanitarian action, human rights, trade, development, and peace mediation.
By leveraging the strengths of both cities, GPW Meets Addis Ababa seeks to deepen collaboration, enhance coordination, and build lasting partnerships. Discussions will continue at Geneva Peace Week 2025, ensuring that insights gained in Addis Ababa lead to sustained action.
Geneva Peace Week Meets Addis Ababa will take place over two days:
Day 1 (April 7 , 2025): Focuses on geopolitical challenges, exploring key issues at the intersection of peace, security, and climate. High-level discussions will address shifting global dynamics, Africa’s role in multilateral governance, and the impacts of climate change on stability and conflict prevention.
Day 2 (April 8, 2025): Dedicated to Youth & Peace in Africa, featuring two thematic sessions highlighting the role of young leaders in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and governance. The discussions will emphasize the importance of youth participation in shaping sustainable and locally driven peace initiatives. Day 2 will end with a special edition of the PeaceTalks featuring 4 inspirational stories.
GPW Meets Addis Ababa is organized by the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, Amani Africa, and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
