The Peace Festival brought people together to envision a future beyond militarisation

On Saturday, 11 October, the Peace Festival was held in Zvezda Park, a central location in Ljubljana. It was conceived as an open space for encounter, dialogue and creativity, dedicated to reflecting on a future free from violence and militarisation.

The morning part of the festival featured a social and creative programme, including workshops for children and presentations of organisations and initiatives working in the fields of peace, nonviolence, human rights and solidarity. Visitors could stroll among the stands, learn about different peace initiatives and take part in the artistic and musical programme. The latter included poetry readings and the Living Peace letters series, which opened space for reflection, expression and dialogue on the meaning of peace in contemporary society.

In the afternoon, a round table discussion followed, addressing current challenges and perspectives of peace policy. The discussion featured political scientist and economist Rok Kogej, political scientist and publicist Dr. Uroš Lipušček, director of the Peace Institute Dr. Iztok Šori, and Boris Vasev, journalist at RTV Slovenija. The debate was moderated by Jaša Jenull. Speakers and participants reflected on the importance of peace policy today, the necessity of disarmament and the opportunities societies have in shaping sustainable and nonviolent responses to global conflicts.

The central part of the festival was the  Peace Assembly, held at 4 p.m. and dedicated to collectively formulating proposals and demands by citizens for Slovenia’s peace policy and beyond. Participants discussed the necessity of pursuing peace that transcends the logic of armament and violence, focusing on three key thematic areas: armament and militarisation, peace policy, and the culture of peace and nonviolence in society. Through moderated group discussions, they developed proposals and recommendations for decision-makers and political parties, which will be publicly presented and shared ahead of the upcoming national elections. The Assembly provided a space to articulate social expectations and to strengthen the active role of civil society in shaping peace policy.

Photo: Jure Merčnik

Part of the festival is funded within the PROSECO project.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.