Austrian Forum for Peace 2026:
The Art of Peace
The Forum foregrounds the question: How can people be protected when norms, laws, and multilateral mechanisms are under stress or collapse? It highlights the limits of current approaches to civilian protection and calls for an expanded vision—where protection is not only reactive, but transformative and embedded in just peace architectures.
At the same time, a powerful narrative of deterrence is reshaping Europe: one that equates security with militarisation. Amid massive investments in rearmament, the Forum asks: What becomes of peace when defence dominates the discourse? Echoing ACP’s commitment to peace through dialogue, participation, and justice, AFP 2026 reaffirms that lasting security cannot be achieved by arms alone—but by building societies resilient to violence through inclusive, people-centred peacebuilding.
AFP 2026 reimagines international peacebuilding through the lens of human-centred and intersectional peace: the idea that peace begins with the safety, dignity, and agency of every person, taking into account the unique risks they face—including in digital spaces. The Forum also explores how PeaceTech—when ethically applied—can expand the scope of protection and participation through tools for early warning, digital diplomacy, and inclusive dialogue.
AFP 2026 is built on the guiding idea that peace can both be learned and experienced. Peace is a skill — a craft that requires knowledge, methods, and professional practice. At the same time, peace is an art — an expressive form that resonates emotionally, opens new perspectives, and creates spaces of empathy and encounter. This duality shapes the entire concept of the Austrian Forum for Peace 2026.
At the centre of the Forum are the core competencies of contemporary peace practice. These include skills in conflict resolution such as mediation, dialogue facilitation, and diplomatic negotiation; the expertise and operational realities of international peace missions, including protection concepts, mandate design, and the responsible use of new technologies; as well as long-term approaches to conflict transformation that address reconciliation, peace education, narrative work, and memory culture. Together, these three dimensions form the substantive backbone of the Forum, showing that peace is not an abstract ideal but a practical, learnable capability — and one that gains depth and resonance when complemented by artistic and creative forms of expression.
Building on the UN’s New Agenda for Peace, AFP 2026 places frameworks like PoC, WPS, YPS, and Child Protection not merely as technical instruments, but as intersectional and ethical yardsticks for shaping peaceful futures. This vision furthermore echoes UNESCO’s commitment to nurturing a culture of peace through education, cultural cooperation, and the protection of human dignity across diverse societies. Peace is more than the absence of violence—it must be emancipatory: grounded in local agency, shaped by everyday experience, and attuned to digital and ecological transformation.
Where
Rochusplatz 1 / Burg Schlaining, 7461, Stadtschlaining
You can find our guest information here.
Event Schedule
Austrian Forum for Peace 2026 "The Art of Peace" is full of engaging events, workshops and panel discussions, you can find our tentative schedule, here:
Moderation: Damita Pressl
Daily Shuttles
29th June
Languages: German and English (with interpretation)
Workshops (closed, lunch included)
Information will follow.
Lunch
Workshops (closed, lunch included)
Information will follow.
Opening Segment Granarium
Music by: tbd
Opening
Information will follow.
Welcome Address
Information will follow.
Opening Speeches
Information will follow.
Keynote
Information will follow.
Reception Castle Courtyard / Burghof
Hosted by Hans Peter Doskozil, Governor of Burgenland
30th June
Languages: English (main language) / German (some elements)
Panel Discussion Granarium
Speakers:
Information will follow.
Moderator:
Information will follow.
Coffee Break
Workshops
Open Workshops:
Information will follow.
Lunchbreak
Workshops
Open Workshops:
Information will follow.
Public Panel Discussion (German) Granarium
(German with English interpretation / auf Deutsch)
Speakers:
Information will follow.
Moderator:
Information will follow.
Dinner Conference Hotel Schlaining / Konferenzhotel Schlaining
1st July
Languages: English (main language) / German (some elements - see below)
Panel Discussion Granarium
Speakers:
Information will follow.
Moderator:
Information will follow.
Coffee Break
Workshops
Open Workshops:
Information will follow.
Lunchbreak
Workshops
Open Workshops:
Information will follow.
Evening ProgrammeGranarium
English and German
Speakers:
Information will follow.
Moderator:
Information will follow.
Dinner Conference Hotel Schlaining
2nd July
Sprache: Englisch / Deutsch
Closing Event
Summary of the Workshop Outcomes
Information will follow.
Paneldiscussion
Speakers
Information will follow.
Moderator:
Information will follow.
Closing Remarks
Information will follow.
Closing & Jazz-Brunch Castle Courtyard / Burghof
Workshop
Information will follow.
Open Workshops
Experts & Speakers
Registration
Public Events
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
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.
Gallery
Check out some Images from the Austrian Forum for Peace 2025
Opening Segment: f.l.t.r.: Norbert Darabos (President of the Austrian Centre for Peace), Keynote Speaker Yair Hirschfeld (University of Haifa), Deputy Governor Anja Haider-Wallner, Tobias Lang (Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace) (c) Foto Andi Bruckner Download
Opening Segment: f.l.t.r.: Norbert Darabos (President of the Austrian Centre for Peace), Keynote Speaker Yair Hirschfeld (University of Haifa), Deputy Governor Anja Haider-Wallner, Tobias Lang (Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace), Damita Pressl (Moderator), Bernadette Holzer (Conference Director, Austrian Centre for Peace) (c) Andi BrucknerDownload
Opening Segment: f.l.t.r.: Deputy Regional Office Director Andreas Temmel, Norbert Darabos (President of the Austrian Centre for Peace), Keynote Speaker Yair Hirschfeld (University of Haifa), Deputy Governor Anja Haider-Wallner, Tobias Lang (Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace), Rainer Winter (Office of the Bgld. Provincial Government, Head of Department Europe and International Affairs (c) Andi BrucknerDownload
Opening Segment: f.l.t.r.: Andrea Maller-Weiß (Managing Director Bank Burgenland), Norbert Darabos (President of the Austrian Centre for Peace), Reinhard Czerny (CFO Burgenland Energie), Dieter Moritz (Regional Director Wiener Städtische), Martin Geiger (Head of Siemens Burgenland), Tobias Lang, Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace, Bernadette Holzer (Conference Director, Austrian Centre for Peace) (c) Andi BrucknerDownload
Opening Segment: Norbert Darabos, President of the Austrian Centre for Peace (c) Andi BrucknerDownload
1st July - Panel Discussion Transatlantic Relations (f.l.t.r.): Tobias Lang, Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace, Wolfgang Petritsch, President of the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip), Farah Bdour, senior advisor at the Palestinian Territories, Egypt and the Levant (IPEL) program (United States Institute of Peace), Irene Giner-Reichl, former Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations in Vienna and Austrian Ambassador to China, Mongolia, Brazil and Suriname, Bettina Muscheidt, former EU Head of Delegation and Ambassador to Yemen, Libya, and Nicaragua, Bernadette Holzer, Conference Director at the Austrian Centre for Peace, Oliver P. Richmond, Professor of International Relations, Peace and Conflict at the University of Manchester (c) ACPDownload
1st July - Panel Discussion Transatlantic Relations (f.l.t.r.): Irene Giner-Reichl, former Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations in Vienna and Austrian Ambassador to China, Mongolia, Brazil and Suriname, Farah Bdour, senior advisor at the Palestinian Territories, Egypt and the Levant (IPEL) program (United States Institute of Peace), Wolfgang Petritsch, President of the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip), Oliver P. Richmond, Professor of International Relations, Peace and Conflict at the University of Manchester, Bettina Muscheidt, former EU Head of Delegation and Ambassador to Yemen, Libya, and Nicaragua (c) ACPDownload
1st July - Public Panel Discussion (German) Europa ohne Washington? Neue Strategien im Umgang mit Russland (f.l.t.r.): Damita Pressl, Journalist and Moderator, Georg Häsler, security policy editor at NZZ, Norbert Darabos, President of the ACP and former Austrian Minister of Defence, Ursula Plassnik, former Austrian Foreign Minister, Tobias Lang, Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace, Heinz Gärtner, Department of Political Science (University of Vienna), Alexander Dubowy, political analyst and Eastern Europe / Russia / CIS researcher (c) ACPDownload
1st July - Public Panel Discussion (German) Europa ohne Washington? Neue Strategien im Umgang mit Russland (f.l.t.r.): Damita Pressl, Journalist and Moderator, Georg Häsler, security policy editor at NZZ, Ursula Plassnik, former Austrian Foreign Minister, Alexander Dubowy, political analyst and Eastern Europe / Russia / CIS researcher, Heinz Gärtner, Department of Political Science (University of Vienna) (c) ACPDownload
2nd July - Panel Discussion Peace in the Age of Disinformation - Rebuilding trust in a Fractured World (f.l.t.r.): Tobias Lang, Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace, Branka Panic, Founder and Executive Director of AI for PEACE, Mario Drobics, Head of Competence Unit for Cooperative Digital Technologies at the AIT, Lina Rukšteliene, Lithuanian Ambassador to Austria, Annika Hansen, Deputy Head of Policy, Partnerships & Innovation Team at ZIF Berlin, Daniel Hikes-Wurm, Senior Advisor for Defence Policy at the Directorate General for Defence Policy of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, Norbert Darabos (President of the Austrian Centre for Peace) (c) ACPDownload
2nd July - Panel Discussion Peace in the Age of Disinformation - Rebuilding trust in a Fractured World (f.l.t.r.): Damita Pressl, Journalist and Moderator, Lina Rukšteliene, Lithuanian Ambassador to Austria, Daniel Hikes-Wurm, Senior Advisor for Defence Policy at the Directorate General for Defence Policy of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, Norbert Darabos (President of the Austrian Centre for Peace), Branka Panic, Founder and Executive Director of AI for PEACE, Mario Drobics, Head of Competence Unit for Cooperative Digital Technologies at the AIT, Annika Hansen, Deputy Head of Policy, Partnerships & Innovation Team at ZIF Berlin (c) ACPDownload
2nd July - How to Build a Truth Engine: Movie Screening & Discussion (f.l.t.r.): Tobias Lang, Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace, Damita Pressl, Journalist and Moderator, Friedrich Moser, director, Norbert Darabos, President of the Austrian Centre for Peace, Bernadette Holzer, Conference Director at the Austrian Centre for Peace (c) ACPDownload
2nd July - How to Build a Truth Engine: Movie Screening & Discussion (f.l.t.r.): Damita Pressl, Journalista and Moderatora, Friedrich Moser, director (c) ACPDownload
3rd July - Paneldiscussion Synthesis and Perspectives for the Future (f.l.t.r.): Christian Strohal, Chairman of the ACP-Advisory Board, Tobias Lang, Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace, Bernadette Holzer, Conference Director at the Austrian Centre for Peace, Damita Pressl, Journalista and Moderatora, Ertuğrul Apakan, former Turkish diplomat, Nancy Annan, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Peace and Security (Coventry University), Norbert Darabos, President of the Austrian Centre for Peace (c) ACPDownload
3rd July - Paneldiscussion Synthesis and Perspectives for the Future (f.l.t.r.): Damita Pressl, Journalist and Moderator, Ertuğrul Apakan, former Turkish diplomat, Nancy Annan, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Peace and Security (Coventry University), Christian Strohal, Chairman of the ACP-Advisory Board (c) ACPDownload
3rd July - Closing: Bernadette Holzer, Conference Director at the Austrian Centre for Peace (c) ACPDownload
Workshop "The Blueprint: Austria’s Vision for PeaceTech" - Participants: Nathan Coyle (AIT/ACP), Michael Sedlak (Wirtschaftsagentur Burgenland), Hans Lampalzer (Federal Ministry of Defence), Markus Kornprobst (Diplomatic Academy Vienna), Thomas J. Lampoltshammer (University for Continuing Education Krems), Friedrich Moser (Director of How to Build a Truth Engine), Tobias Lang (ACP), Heather Wokusch, Caroline Hungerländer (IUFE), Philipe Reinsch (SilkRoad 4.0), Caitlin Roche (ACP), Jan Pospisil (Coventry University), Annika Hansen (ZIF), Astrid Holzinger (ACP), Lukas Rohatsch (FH Technikum Wien), Nicole Antal (Ministry of the Interior), Claire Haering (OSCE), Maximilian Lakitsch (University of Graz), Charles E. Ehrlich (Salzburg Global), Wolfgang Kutschera (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Martin Semberger (Federal Chancellery), Mario Drobics (AIT), Christopher Lindinger (Mozarteum Salzburg), Michael Authried (Ministry of Defence) (c) ACPDownload
Workshop "Lebendige Bücher - Yaşayan Kitaplar - Žive knjige - ספרים מלאי חיים – Libros Vivientes - Živindi Lil - Lively Books - كتب حية - Élő Könyvek" (c) ACPDownload
Check out some Images from the Austrian Forum for Peace 2024
Opening Segment: M.Ehrmann, L. Gewessler, H. Fischer, L. Kajfež Bogataj, N. Darabos, E. Huber, H.P. Doskozil (c) Foto Lexi
Opening Segment: K. Kohansal Vajargah, M. Ehrmann, M. Stubits, A. Benkö, A. Maller-Weiß, M. Geiger, E. Huber (c) Foto Lexi
Opening Segment: Governor of Burgenland Hans Peter Doskozil during his speech (c) Foto Lexi
Opening Segment: ACP Director Moritz Ehrmann during his speech (c) Foto Lexi
Opening Segment: Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen Video Message (c) Foto Lexi
Opening Segment: ACP President Norbert Darabos during his speech (c) Foto Lexi
Opening Segment: Professor Lučka Kajfež Bogataj University of Ljubljana during her speech (c) Foto Lexi
Opening Segment: Federal Minister Leonore Gewessle during her speech (c) Foto Lexi
Opening Segment: Former Federal President Heinz Fischer during his speech (c) Foto Lexi
Panel Discussion "How to Put the Climate, Peace and Security Nexus into Practice": Alexandra Fong, Moritz Ehrmann, Aisha Al-Sarihi, Irene Giner-Reichl, Mamadou Bodian, Lučka Kajfež Bogataj
Public Panel Discussion "Krieg in der Ukraine – Wege aus dem Labyrinth": Damita Pressl, Raphael Nägeli, Daniela Prugger, Stephanie Fenkart
Panel Discussion "Emerging Powers in a Fragmented World Order": Angela Kane, Mustafa Aydin, Jacob Happymon, Luo Yanqi
Guided tour through Schlaining Castle during the conference
Panel Discussion "Emerging Actors in International Conflict Resolution": Meredith Preston McGhie, Hrair Balian, Anna Hess, Ghassan El Kahlout, Kholood Khair
Evening Programme "Music & Culture" by: Young Pannonian Spirit Quartet and the Joseph Haydn Privathochschule
Panel Discussion "Technology for Peace in Times of Climate Change": Fabjan Lashi, Paulina Behluli, Fabiola Hanna, Sara Petti, Nathan Coyle
Closing EventCheck out some Images from the Austrian Forum for Peace 2023
Guided Tour in the Peace Castle Schlaining (c) Foto Andi Bruckner
Opening Segment: R. Mardini (c) Foto Andi Bruckner
Opening Segment: H. Zaki (c) Foto Andi Bruckner
Opening Segment: I. Djundev (c) Foto Andi Bruckner
Opening Segment: P. Neumann, H. Shelest, S. Glass, Ch. Kokkinakis, M. Ehrmann, D. Pressl (c) Foto Andi Bruckner
Public Panel Discussion: M. Ehrmann, M. Elsberg, T. Tausch, D. Pressl, St. Sharma, G. Drexler (c) Foto Andi Bruckner
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F.A.Q
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What are the key themes of the Austrian Forum for Peace 2026?
Information will follow.
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How can I get to the event venue?
You can find travel information here.
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Is barrier-free access to the event area possible?
Please find more information here.
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Where can I stay during the Austrian Forum for Peace?
Here you can find a list of accommodations. Daily shuttles from Oberwart and Bad Tatzmannsdorf will be provided during the Austrian Forum for Peace.
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How can I participate in the Austrian Forum for Peace?
You can apply here.
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What are the participation fees?
Everything you need to know is here.
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How can I become a member of the ACP?
Please visit Membership - ACP to learn more.
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How can I become a sponsor of the Austrian Forum for Peace?
Please contact us via communication@ac4p.at.
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I am a journalist and would like to report on Austrian Forum for Peace. How do I get media accreditation?
Please contact us via communication@ac4p.at.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, you can reach out below.
Address
Rochusplatz 1 / Burg SchlainingA-7461< Stadtschlaining, Austria