Geneva Peace Week Meets Addis Ababa: A Regional Platform for Dialogue and Action
- April 17, 2025 11:50
Geneva Peace Week Meets Addis Ababa: A Regional Platform for Dialogue and Action
The second edition of Geneva Peace Week Meets successfully brought together peacebuilding communities from across Africa and Geneva for two days of high-level dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
Held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Addis Ababa, the event was organized by the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform (GPP) in partnership with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and Amani Africa. A total of 872 participants joined in person and online, underscoring the growing importance of regional engagement in the global peacebuilding agenda.
Day One Highlights
Session 1: High-Level Plenary – Geopolitical Challenges for Peace and Security in Africa
With over 330 participants, this session explored Africa’s evolving role in global geopolitics and the implications for regional peace and cooperation. Speakers emphasized the need for African-led solutions and stronger multilateral frameworks. Watch video here.
Session 2: Geneva–Addis Ababa Peace Dialogue – Climate, Peace & Security
This session brought together climate and peacebuilding experts to examine the intersection of environmental stress and insecurity. With 148 attendees, it underscored the urgency of integrating climate adaptation into peace strategies. Watch video here.
Day Two: Expertise and Innovation
Session 3: Advancing Sustainable Peace through International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
Organized by the ICRC and Addis Ababa University’s IHL Clinic, this session highlighted the role of legal frameworks in sustaining peace and protecting civilians. The conversation, attended by 114 participants, called for greater accountability and awareness of IHL principles. Watch video here.
Session 4: New Technologies, Digitalization & AI for Youth Peacebuilders
With 151 participants, this session focused on how digital innovation can both support and challenge peacebuilding. Organized by UNDP, the African Union Commission, Inclusive Peace, and ISS, it showcased youth-led solutions and called for stronger digital ethics in peace work. Watch video here.
Closing Session: PeaceTalks at Fendika
Organized by Interpeace, the GPP and the FDFA, the event concluded with the Addis Ababa PeaceTalks, a storytelling session hosted at Fendika Cultural Center, where peacebuilders, civil society leaders, and artists shared personal narratives of resilience and reconciliation. The session attracted 128 participants and closed the event on a powerful, human note. Watch video here.
What’s Next?
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