Austrian Centre for Peace

Towards
A Climate of Peace

Second Austrian Forum for Peace: 1 - 4 July 2024, Conference in Stadtschlaining

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Austrian Forum for Peace 2024: “Towards a Climate of Peace”

Recent events in different parts of the world have shown that violence, militarisation and war are once again being used and presented as legitimate ways of asserting economic and political interests. Important peace processes are stalling, multilateral organisations are losing their relevance, the calls for dialogue and civil society-based tools of conflict resolution and peace work are fading, and resources are lacking.

This year's Austrian Forum for Peace, titled "Towards a Climate of Peace", aims to address the challenges of international conflict transformation in a changing world. The conference seeks to strengthen networks, discuss different approaches, initiate thought processes, generate ideas, and contribute to the promotion of sustainable global peace.

Increasing global complexity and unpredictability are exacerbated by the effects of the man-made climate crisis. This threat is felt across conflict lines and can worsen the burden on countries affected by conflict. However, it can also be an opportunity to build trust between opposing parties and work together on solutions. This approach, known as Environmental Peacebuilding, was first discussed at the UN Climate Change Conference COP 28 in 2023 and has been specifically pursued at the ACP for some time.

At the same time, the global system is becoming more fragmented and restructured, partly due to the increasing number of international mediation parties, some of which are involved in conflicts. In this new reality, one possible approach could be to use the comparative advantages of new, different actors in a targeted manner to support regions affected on their way to a climate of peace.

The use of technology, including artificial intelligence, also plays a major role not only in warfare worldwide, but increasingly also in considerations and projects for the prevention of civil conflict and peacebuilding.

Where

Rochusplatz 1 / Burg Schlaining, 7461, Stadtschlaining

You can find our guest information here.



Visit Friedensburg

When

1-4 July 2024

Event Schedule

Austrian Forum for Peace 2024: Towards a Climate of Peace” is full of engaging events, workshops and panel discussions, you can find our tentative schedule, here:


1 July 2024
Languages: German and English (with interpretation)

Summer School for Students: Towards a Climate of Peace in the Middle East (closed, lunch included) 

Lunch

Summer School for Students: Towards a Climate of Peace in the Middle East (closed)

Opening Segment Granarium


Opening
Moritz Ehrmann, Director, ACP

Welcome Address
Norbert Darabos, President, ACP, former Federal Minister of Defence
Hans Peter Doskozil, Governor of Burgenland, former Federal Minister of Defence

Speeches
Leonore Gewessler, Federal Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology

Reception Castle Courtyard / Burghof 

Hosted by the Governor of Burgenland


2 July 2024 - Climate, Peace and Security 
Languages: English (main language) / German (some elements - see below)

Panel Discussion: Climate, Peace and Security Granarium


Speakers:
Ahmed Abdel-Latif, Director, Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Alexandra Fong, Chief, Policy and Guidance, United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

Coffee Break

Workshops


Open Workshops:
Peace Education: Heimatland Erde (German only / nur auf Deutsch)
Klima zum Mitmachen – Good Practice-Beispiele partizipativer Klimaprojekte auf kommunaler Ebene (German only / nur auf Deutsch)
Ethical Hacking for Peace

Closed Workshop:
Climate, Peace, and Security
Emerging Actors in International Mediation
Redefining the Role of Key Stakeholders and Counter-Powers in West-African Peace Processes
Summer School: Towards a Climate of Peace in the Middle East

Lunchbreak Lunch until 13:30

Workshops


Open Workshops:
Peace Education: Heimatland Erde (German only / nur auf Deutsch)
Klima zum Mitmachen – Good Practice-Beispiele partizipativer Klimaprojekte auf kommunaler Ebene (German only / nur auf Deutsch)
Ethical Hacking for Peace

Closed Workshop:
Climate, Peace, and Security
Emerging Actors in International Mediation
Redefining the Role of Key Stakeholders and Counter-Powers in West-African Peace Processes
Summer School: Towards a Climate of Peace in the Middle East

Public Panel Discussion: Krieg in der Ukraine – Wege aus dem Labyrinth Granarium
(German with English interpretation / auf Deutsch)


Speakers:
Stephanie Fenkart, Director, International Institute for Peace (IIP)
Raphael Nägeli, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the OSCE, the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna

Moderator:
Moritz Ehrmann, Director, Austrian Centre for Peace

Dinner Conference Hotel Schlaining / Konferenzhotel Schlaining

Evening Programme: Movie Screening Granarium


3 July 2024 - Changing Geopolitics
Languages: English (main language) / German (some elements - see below)

Panel Discussion: Emerging Powers in a Fragmented World Order  Granarium


Speakers:
Hesham Al Ghannam, Director Security, Research Center at Naif Arab University  (tbc)
Luo Yanqi, Assistant Researcher, Xiangshan Forum
Mustafa Aydin, President, International Relations Council of Turkey

Moderator:
Angela Kane, Advisory Board, ACP

Coffee Break

Workshops


Open Workshops:
Peace Education: Heimatland Erde (German only / nur auf Deutsch)
Klima zum Mitmachen – Good Practice-Beispiele partizipativer Klimaprojekte auf kommunaler Ebene (German only / nur auf Deutsch)
#Data4Peacebuilding Hackathon: Towards a Climate of Peace Edition

Closed Workshop:
Emerging Actors in International Mediation
Redefining the Role of Key Stakeholders and Counter-Powers in West-African Peace Processes
Summer School: Towards a Climate of Peace in the Middle East

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Lunchbreak Lunch until 13:30

Workshops


Open Workshops:
Peace Education: Heimatland Erde (German only / nur auf Deutsch)
Klima zum Mitmachen – Good Practice-Beispiele partizipativer Klimaprojekte auf kommunaler Ebene (German only / nur auf Deutsch)
#Data4Peacebuilding Hackathon: Towards a Climate of Peace Edition

Closed Workshop:
Emerging Actors in International Mediation
Redefining the Role of Key Stakeholders and Counter-Powers in West-African Peace Processes
Summer School: Towards a Climate of Peace in the Middle East

Panel Discussion: Emerging actors in International Conflict Resolution Granarium


Speakers:
Ghassan El Kahlout, Director, Centre for Peace and Humanitarian Studies, Doha Institute
Kholood Khair , Director, Confluence Advisory
Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General, Center for Global Pluralism

Moderator:
Anna Hess, Senior Conflict Resolution Advisor, ACP

Dinner Conference Hotel Schlaining / Konferenzhotel Schlaining

Evening Programme: Music & Culture


4 July 2024 - Climate & Tech
Languages: English / German (Closing Event)

Panel Discussion: Climate & Tech Granarium

Closing & Jazz-Brunch Castle Courtyard / Burghof

Open Workshops

Speaker 1

Friedenspädagogik: Heimatland Erde – Polykrise sucht Antworten in einem planetaren Bewusstsein


Speaker 2

Klima zum Mitmachen: Good Practice-Beispiele partizipativer Klimaprojekte auf kommunaler Ebene

(c) Karo Pernegger

Speaker 3

#Data4Peacebuilding Hackathon
Towards a Climate of Peace Edition

No prerequisite digital skills are required.

Speaker 4

Ethical Hacking for Peace
Building Peace in the Digital Age:

Strengthen Your Cyber Defenses!

Registration

Register your interest for the Austrian Forum for Peace 2024 unitl 15 May 2024.

You can see more information about the programme by visiting here.

Click here to register your interest

Event Venue

Event venue location info and gallery

Schlaining Castle, Burgenland, Austria

Friedensburg Schlaining, standing tall with its meter-thick walls and imposing towers, is among Austria's best-preserved castles and now serves as a symbol of peace. Its origins trace back to 1271 when it was known as Castrum Zloynuk and belonged to the Güssing Counts. In the 15th century, Emperor Frederick III's conquest led to the castle's transfer to mercenary leader Andreas Baumkircher, sparking the infamous Baumkircher Feud. In 1527, King Ferdinand I entrusted the Batthyány family with the Lordship of Schlaining, setting the stage for their enduring influence. The castle underwent a transformation from fortress to opulent residence under their ownership. The turbulent events of 1848 saw the demise of the last Ludwig Batthyány, Hungarian Prime Minister, leading to the castle changing hands in 1849. Acquired by railway pioneer Dr. Franz Schmidt and later by DDDr. Udo Illig in 1957, the castle eventually became the property of Burgenland in 1980, marking a chapter in its ongoing historical narrative.
Visit Friedensburg | Barrier-Free Access | List of Accommodations

See What Is Around Our Beautiful Venue with Our Tourism Programme


Located in the easternmost part of Austria, Burgenland is a captivating region renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This picturesque area is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting vast vineyards, tranquil lakes, and rolling hills. The Neusiedler See, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, allures visitors with its unique ecosystem and serves as a paradise for birdwatchers and water sports enthusiasts. Burgenland's charming wine-growing villages along the South Styrian Wine Road offer exquisite wine tastings, allowing visitors to savor the region's award-winning wines, particularly its renowned Blaufränkisch and Rotburger varieties.

Beyond its natural splendor, Burgenland offers a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions. The region's medieval castles and fortresses, including Burg Forchtenstein and Burg Güssing, stand as testaments to its fascinating past. Visitors can immerse themselves in history by exploring the Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, a grandiose baroque landmark where Joseph Haydn once composed his masterpieces. The quaint towns of Rust and Rust-on-Neusiedlersee are celebrated for their traditional thatched-roof houses and their lively festivals, notably the well-known "Rustica" showcasing local customs and traditions.

Burgenland's tourism is not only about natural beauty and history but also encompasses a vibrant cultural scene and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The region hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Haydn Festival and the operetta performances at Schloss Tabor. Additionally, its indulgent hot springs and wellness resorts nestled amidst the vineyards offer a serene retreat, inviting visitors to relax and rejuvenate while soaking in the region's tranquil ambiance. With its harmonious blend of nature, history, and culture, Burgenland beckons travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience in Austria.

Partners


Sponsors

F.A.Q

  • This year's themes focus on Environmental Peacebuilding and the involvement of New Actors in Mediation.

  • You can apply here.

  • Everything you need to know is here.

  • You can find travel information here.

  • Please find more information here.

  • Here you can find a list of accommodations. Daily shuttles from Oberwart and Bad Tatzmannsdorf will be provided during the Austrian Forum for Peace.

  • Please visit Membership - ACP to learn more.

  • Please contact us via communication@ac4p.at.

  • Please contact us via communication@ac4p.at.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, you can reach out below.

Address

Rochusplatz 1 / Burg Schlaining
A-7461< Stadtschlaining, Austria

Phone Number

+43 3355 2498

Email

peaceforum(at)ac4p.at