Conference languages: German/English (simultaneous interpretation)

Throughout history, peace processes on equal terms have been rare, often giving way to wars ending through conquests or imposed peace treaties. However, only a fraction of these treaties has resulted in lasting peace. It comes as no surprise that contemporary peace initiatives encounter significant challenges as well. Great powers continue to wield strong influence in peace processes, yet an unmistakable paradigm shift is underway, as countries from the Global South continue to gain political weight and begin to actively participate, for instance by positioning themselves as mediating parties. Furthermore, civil society organizations actively shape outcomes by fostering dialogue, mobilizing societal constituencies, and establishing global networks and thus assume an increasingly important role in peace processes.

At this year's Dresden Forum for International Politics, we delve into the ways in which both state and civil society actors shape the dynamics, initiation, and outcomes of peace processes within today’s ever-evolving multipolar global landscape.

The Dresden Forum for International Politics is organised by the Development and Peace Foundation (sef:) together with the Saxon State Chancellery, the Frauenkirche Foundation and the Centre for International Studies at Technical University Dresden.