Uniting for Peace Spring Conference 2025 Report
Theme: Wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan – What Future for the UN and World Peace?
Date: 24 April, 2025
Format: Online (Zoom)
Chair: Rita Payne – Vice President, Uniting for Peace; Former BBC Asia Editor; Former President, Commonwealth Journalists Association
Introduction
The Spring Conference opened with welcoming remarks from Vijay Mehta, founder of Uniting for Peace. He set the tone by warning of the increasing number of violent global conflicts—over 120 in total—and the collapse of the post-war international rules-based order. He emphasised the growing impotence of international institutions like the United Nations and called for their urgent reform. Vijay pointed out that peace is becoming elusive due to systemic issues such as global inequality, resource scarcity, climate stress, technological militarism, and rising authoritarianism.
Chair Rita Payne welcomed participants from around the world and underscored the importance of coming together in solidarity. She emphasised the value of peaceful resistance, the global role of citizen movements, and the need for every voice to contribute to building a peaceful future. Rita reminded attendees that this is one of the most dangerous and fragmented periods since World War II and that organisations like Uniting for Peace must lead with boldness and clarity.
Speaker Presentations
- Vijay Mehta
Vijay expanded on his introduction with a detailed analysis of the evolving nature of modern warfare. He pointed to cyber warfare, misinformation campaigns, and proxy wars as the new frontlines of conflict. He criticised the Western narrative on the Gaza crisis and emphasised the unchecked impunity enjoyed by certain states. Vijay proposed several solutions: reforming the UN Security Council, empowering civil society, increasing UN independence through diversified funding, and investing in peace education. He encouraged individuals to engage in activism, write to leaders and media, join peace campaigns, and promote a culture of peace in their communities.
- Oleksandra Matviichuk
Chair of the Centre for Civil Liberties and a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2022), Alexandra delivered a harrowing firsthand account of documenting war crimes in Ukraine. She described the systematic abuse suffered by civilians under Russian occupation: forced disappearances, torture, rape, and child abduction. She warned that reducing these atrocities to geopolitical calculations erases the human suffering at the heart of the crisis. Alexandra argued that peace cannot mean silence or occupation—it must be grounded in human rights, justice, and accountability. She called for urgent reform of the international peace and security system, saying the UN Security Council is paralysed and outdated.
- Dr. Yurii Sheliazhenko
Executive Secretary of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, Dr. Sheliazhenko offered a radical yet principled approach to peace. He urged an end to militarism altogether, arguing for a world governed by civilian-based nonviolent resistance. Drawing on the legacy of draft resisters during the Vietnam War, he proposed universal conscientious objection to war and the abolition of conscription. Dr. Sheliazhenko outlined how civil disobedience, mutual care, and human rights-based education could form the basis of true security. He also described the persecution of conscientious objectors in both Ukraine and Russia and called on international institutions to protect their rights.
- Dr. Richard Lawson
A psychiatrist and long-time peace advocate, Dr. Lawson framed war as a collective mental illness. He described it as madness driven by anger, detachment from reality, and destructive repetition. Drawing on data from ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project), he analysed 20 current wars and identified root causes: religion (notably extremism), dictatorship, ethnic rivalry, militias, foreign intervention, and secessionist movements. He proposed specific actions for the UN, including ranking countries by human rights performance, introducing ammunition detection and control, and offering diplomatic support for peaceful secession. He also stressed the importance of challenging the myth that military power ensures security.
Open Discussion and Q&A
Following the presentations, Chair Rita Payne moderated a lively and engaging Q&A session with participants from multiple regions including UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ukraine and Africa.
- Dr. Thomas Daffern called for a permanent peace policy think tank and an international institute for peace studies on par with major military institutions. He criticised the asymmetry in funding and visibility between peace initiatives and war research.
- Barbara Hardcastle stressed the psychological toll of hopelessness, especially among youth. She shared her experiences in peace education and highlighted how instilling hope can empower future generations.
- Andreu Ginestet, an attendee, described a theatre project that visualizes a seven-year path to societal transformation. He emphasised the role of imagination and cultural narrative in shaping collective action.
- Raceme, one of the organisers, pointed out the underrepresentation of the Gaza conflict in the discussion. This sparked a passionate debate on Israel-Palestine.
- John Gittings urged the peace movement to engage more with countries outside the Western bloc and to amplify the voice of the Global South. He emphasised that existential threats like climate change and AI must be part of the peace agenda.
- Norbert presented BetterWorld.info as a resource hub aggregating tens of thousands of curated articles and links on current conflicts, including Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.
- Barry Simon introduced the global initiative Concerts for Peace, using music to foster empathy and cross-cultural understanding. He emphasised that culture and the arts must be central to peacebuilding.
The debate touched on issues such as:
- U.S. military support for Israel
- Media bias and misinformation
- The role of theology in fuelling or mitigating conflict
- The risks posed by cyber and information warfare
- Grassroots mobilisation versus institutional reform
Closing Remarks
Vijay Mehta concluded by expressing gratitude to all speakers, participants, and organisers. He reiterated the power of citizen action and quoted inspirational messages on the importance of individual and collective responsibility:
“One voice can make an impact. One candle lights the room. One life can make a difference.”
Chair Rita Payne closed the conference by reflecting on the range of perspectives shared and the shared commitment to peace. She emphasised that even in the face of global division and violence, unified action and dialogue are still possible—and essential.
The event ended on a hopeful note, with a call for ongoing engagement and contribution to Uniting for Peace’s mission.
Quotes to Remember:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
“If you think you are too small to change the world, try sleeping with a mosquito.” – Dalai Lama