23-25 October 2015, Varberg, Sweden
SIPRI’s Suyoun Jang and Kate Sullivan observed the International Peace Forum and presented key takeways during the closing session. The three-day programme, hosted by Varberg municipality, featured a keynote address by 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee, as well as a range of artistic performances and seminars.
Discussions on the conflicts in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Burma/Myanmar, Mali and Syria complimented thematic analyses on topics like interreligious dialogue, sexual violence, Swedish weapons exports, women’s rights and corporate social responsibility. The forum promoted the exchange of ideas, experiences and knowledge among politicians, activists, civil society organisations and students working toward peace.
The International Peace Forum is part of the year-long event series ‘VARBERG CALLING for Peace’ celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 1915 General Peace Congress of Varberg. For more information (in Swedish), please visit:
http://www.varberg.se/upplevagora/varbergcallingforpeace.4.264e8b07148a6a79937c6c6e.html
Key takeaways from the International Peace Forum in Varberg (PDF).