Panel Discussion at the Austrian Forum for Peace

Peace does not emerge automatically, it requires institutions, relationships, and social systems capable of managing conflict constructively over time. This panel explores how societies can design “peace architectures” that strengthen resilience, support reconciliation, and address the root causes of conflict. Drawing on insights from peace practice and research, panellists will discuss how future approaches to peacebuilding can respond to increasingly complex global challenges.

Moderator: Jean-Paul Chami, Peacebuilding Advisor

Speakers:

Rana Yazaji, Executive Director of the Artas Foundation

Kuol Arou Kuol, South Sudanese peacebuilder, refugee leader, and Practitioner Associate of Unyoke Foundation

Duncan Morrow, Director of Community Engagement at Ulster University

Michael Fryer, Coach and Consultant

Closing: Tobias Lang, ACP Director

Moderation: Damita Pressl

Danke an CPDC und Land Burgenland!

Öffentliche Podiumsdiskussion im Rahmen des Austrian Forum for Peace

Die internationale Rolle der USA verändert sich und stellt Europa sowie die multilaterale Ordnung vor neue Herausforderungen. Das Panel diskutiert, welche Auswirkungen aktuelle Entwicklungen in der US-Politik auf internationale Kooperation, Sicherheitspolitik und das Völkerrecht haben. Gleichzeitig geht es um die Frage, wie Europa neue politische Narrative und strategische Ansätze entwickeln kann, um eine zukunftsfähige Architektur des Friedens zu gestalten.

Moderatorin: Damita Pressl, Journalistin

Sprecher*innen:

Martin Kobler, Mitglied des ACP-Beirats und Diplomat

Hannelore Veit, Moderatorin und Vizepräsidentin der ÖAG

Matt Karnitschnig, Chefredakteur von euractiv

Irene Giner-Reichl, Vizepräsidentin des ACP und Präsidentin des Global Forum on Sustainable Energy

Danke an CPDC und Land Burgenland!

Spotlight Conversation at the Austrian Forum for Peace 2026

In the midst of violent conflict and collapsing state institutions, Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, Right Livelihood Award laureates 2025, have emerged as remarkable examples of grassroots organisation and community protection. Created by local communities to coordinate humanitarian support and mutual aid, these networks demonstrate how solidarity and resilience can sustain societies during war. This conversation explores what the international community can learn from those practicing peace and protection under extreme conditions.

Video Message: Alaa Ismail Abdelkreem, Sudanese peacebuilder and human rights defender and Sudan Emergency Response Rooms

Moderator: Jan Pospisil, ACP Advisory Board Member, Affiliated Researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs and co-investigator in the PeaceRep

Speakers:

Alsanosi Adam, External Communications Coordinator for the Emergency Response Rooms of Sudan, Right Livelihood Award laureate

Winnifred Bedigen, Lecturer at the University of Leeds, specialising in African indigenous knowledge systems, peacebuilding and gender in post-conflict societies

Moderation: Damita Pressl

Danke an CPDC und Land Burgenland!

Panel Discussion at the Austrian Forum for Peace 2026

As the landscape of peace mediation evolves, a growing number of states and regional actors are taking active roles in facilitating negotiations and diplomatic engagement. This panel examines how these shifts are reshaping the broader ecosystem in which peacebuilding organisations operate and how civil society dialogue initiatives connect to changing mediation dynamics. Panelists will reflect on how peacebuilding practice can adapt to new political realities while continuing to contribute meaningfully to conflict resolution.

Moderator: Anna Hess, ACP Advisory Board Member, Research Associate with the Geneva Graduate Institute

Speakers:

Itonde Kakoma, CEO and President of Interpeace

Chris Coulter, Executive Director of Berghof Foundation

Imad Karam, Senior Peacebuilder and Filmmaker

Peter Jones, Ottawa University

Moderation: Damita Pressl

Danke an CPDC und Land Burgenland!

Danke an CPDC und Land Burgenland!

Vortrag von ACP Head of Research Adham Hamed im Rahmen der Vorlesung “Internationale Politik” am Institut für Politikwissenschaft (SoSe26)

Was die schwindende Relevanz von Klimapolitik für unsere Sicherheit bedeutet

Synthesis and Perspectives for the Future

Summary of the Workshop Outcomes

Bernadette Holzer, Head of International Conference Management, ACP

Paneldiscussion: Synthesis and Perspectives for the Future

Speakers

Christian Strohal, Chairman of the Advisory Board, ACP

Ertuğrul Apakan, former Turkish diplomat

Nancy Annan, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Peace and Security, Coventry University

Moderator:

Damita Pressl

Closing Remarks

Tobias Lang, Director, ACP

Rebuilding trust in a Fractured World

Speakers:

Mario Drobics, Head of Competence Unit for Cooperative Digital Technologies, AIT

Annika Hansen, Deputy Head of Policy, Partnerships & Innovation Team, ZIF Berlin

Lina Rukšteliene, Lithuanian Ambassador to Austria

Branka Panic, Founder and Executive Director, AI for PEACE

Daniel Hikes-Wurm, Senior Advisor for Defence Policy, Directorate General for Defence Policy of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence

Moderator:

Damita Pressl