International Forum for Peace
event report: International Forum for Peace, 22. – 23. JUNE 2025, Brussels
As global conflicts intensify—from Gaza to Ukraine, from the Congo to Yemen—the call for peace is more urgent than ever. In response, over 50 delegations from around the world convened in Brussels for the International Forum for Peace 2025, a landmark event co-organised by ten organisations including the European Left, transform! europe, and the European Forum of the Left, Green and Progressive Forces. Taking place just days before the NATO Summit in The Hague, the Forum served as a powerful counterpoint to rising militarisation, offering a platform for diplomacy, dialogue, and solidarity.
“This highly significant event,” said Maite Mola, Head of the International Commission of the European Left, “brought together leaders of global movements, Members of the European Parliament, diplomats, and messages of solidarity from the presidents of Mexico, Brazil, and Cuba. It was a space that fostered dialogue, cooperation, and above all, empathy—essential ingredients for building bridges instead of walls.”
Walter Baier, President of the European Left, described the peace movement as a survival movement in the face of renewed militarism and geopolitical recklessness. “Western elites suffer from collective amnesia,” he warned, “gambling with our lives, our future, and the planet.” Baier called for a new European peace architecture rooted in autonomy and justice, with security defined not by missiles but by access to clean water, housing, healthcare, education, and climate action. His full intervention is available below.
Among the many powerful contributions at the Forum, the intervention by Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), stood out for its clear articulation of the role of the labour movement in peacebuilding. “Peace is not merely the silence of guns,” she declared. “It is the presence of social justice… democracy without decent work is fragile, and reconstruction without workers’ voices will always fail.” Lynch’s participation underscored the essential role of trade unions in peacebuilding, as she presented ETUC’s new Trade Unions for Peace initiative—a worker-led effort rooted in solidarity, dialogue, and dignity. Full intervention available [here].
In a world edging dangerously close to total war, the International Forum for Peace made one message unmistakably clear: peace is not a passive dream, but an organised, determined path forward. And that path begins with people, movements, and trade unions united in action.
program outlook
day 1
The Forum kicked off with a powerful call for global unity in peace. Maite Mola (Head of the European Left’s International Commission) opened the event. Video messages followed from Claudia Sheinbaum (President of Mexico) and Lula da Silva (President of Brazil). Özlem Demirel, MEP (Die Linke), addressed European security, while Iván Orosa underscored the impact of the Peace Counter‑Summit in The Hague.
Plenary: International Mobilization for Peace and Security
Moderated by Bert De Belder, this session brought together diverse leaders: Layla Hazaineh (Palestine, Progressive International), Peter Mertens (PVDA‑PTB, Belgium), Gloria Inés Ramírez Ríos (former Labor Minister, Colombia), Jorge Cano Pérez (Cuban Embassy, Belgium), Jimmy Dijk (SP, Netherlands), Danilo Della Valle (MEP, The Left, Italy), João Oliveira (MEP, The Left, Portugal), Esther Lynch (General Secretary, ETUC), Qi Wei (China Center for Contemporary World Studies), Walter Baier (President, European Left)
iNTERVENTION OF THE pRESIDENT OF THE eUROPEAN lEFT:
My friends,
Yesterday, Donald Trump ordered the bombing of Iran. It violated international law and the UN Charter. On the same day, 84 years ago, Hitler launched his war on the Soviet Union. He had no idea what destruction his decision would bring. Trump is no different. Western elites suffer from collective amnesia. They are gambling. Gambling with our lives. With our future. With the planet. That is why the peace movement is a survival movement.
Yesterday, in The Hague, against NATO’s war summit. In Berlin, protesting genocide in Gaza. In Rome, marching for peace, for Palestine, and against authoritarianism. Last weeks in Paris, Brussels, Copenhagen, Boston, New Yorks This is a global peace movement. – And it is still gowing! The world stands on the brink of disaster.
Yes, a new global order is emerging— But it is shaped by the crises of the old. The climate crisis. The exploitation of the Global South. Imperialist rivalries. This is why we must strengthen international law. Not weaken it. Not ignore it.
We condemned Russia’s war on Ukraine from day one—
Because of the suffering. Because of the destruction.
And because it breaks international law. International law is the last defense against that the transition to the multipolar world turns into chaos and a world war. We need honesty.
We need clarity. And we need courage to speak out.
This war in Ukraine is not just a war between Ukraine and Russia. It is a war between Russia and NATO. Between nuclear powers. It must end. Now – for the sake of the Ukrainian and Russian people, for the sake of Europe and the sake of the world.
NATO and the EU are by no means innocent. They bombed Yugoslavia. They invaded Iraq. They destroyed Libya. They talk of human rights— But supply Israel with weapons for genocide in Gaza.
Today, EU Foreign Ministers meet. They will discuss the EU-Israel Association Agreement. If they are serious about international law, only one outcome is possible: Sanctions on Israel. Suspension of the agreement. Because they are hypocrites. They say they support Ukraine with weapons.
But where were they when peace proposals came from South Africa, Brazil, China, and the Vatican? More weapons will not bring peace. They never have. They never will. We want a just and lasting peace. Not a deal between Trump and Putin to carve up Ukraine’s land and resources.The principles for peace already exist. They were on the table in Istanbul, March 2023. Spoiled by Boris Johnson.
A real peace means:
- Respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- Protection for Russian-speaking communities—by law, not war.
- Neutrality for Ukraine—like Finland once was, and Austria still is.
But instead of peace, NATO and the EU use this war as an excuse to rearm— to launch the biggest military spending spree since World War II.
While they cut funding for:
- Healthcare.
- Housing.
- Climate action.
- Democracy.
They plan:
- €800 billion for new weapons.
- €150 billion in war loans.
- 5% of GDP on the military.
They call it defense. But Europe already outspends Russia.
Only the U.S. spends more. This is not about defense. It’s about profits. Profits for the arms industry. This is not security.
It is destruction. A tsunami that threatens our future. We say no. We stand with workers. We support the European Trade Union Confederation. We reject austerity. We reject war.
Now is the time for Europe to choose peace. But not peace through power. Not peace through empire. We need people’s peace. Social peace. Real peace.
Let’s fight for a peaceful Europe— A Europe that is not NATO’s servant. A Europe that removes NATO from its treaties. A Europe that defines security not by missiles, but by: Clean water. Safe housing. Public healthcare. Education. A just transition to a green economy. Dignity for all.
We need a new security architecture— Democratic. Peaceful. Autonomous. And yes, diverse. Let’s remember—
It was neutral countries that led the UN Treaty to ban nuclear weapons. Austria. Ireland. Malta. Only three EU countries have signed. That is a scandal.
The EU must support these voices. Not silence them. Let Cyprus be free and united. Let Ireland reunite in peace. Let neutrality be respected— As a strength, not a threat.
And let us say, clearly: No nuclear weapons in Europe.
Not now. Not ever. No new U.S. missiles in Germany.
No more threats of nuclear war. Let’s make Europe a nuclear free zone— Like Latin America. Like Africa. Let’s build a nuclear-free world.
We are proud to be part of the peace movement. This movement brings together:
- Trade unions
- Women’s movements
- Environmentalists
- Migrant rights activists
- Faith communities
We, on the Left, have a duty. A duty to unite. Now is not the time for division. Not the time for sectarianism. We must build a broad front— For peace. For justice. For life. It won’t be easy. But it is possible. Another world is not a dream. It is a demand. Let’s rise together. Thank you.
Public Action for Peace: Place de la Monnaie
Public Action for Peace – Place de la Monnaie, Brussels. Organized by the Belgian platform Stop Militarisation. This action brought the call for peace straight to the heart of the city. Die-in” action with giant PACE flag, alarm siren, placards with slogans, music, peace songs. Voices from Belgian and international activists, trade unionists, and public figures delivered speeches calling for disarmament, justice, and global solidarity.
Banners, placards, and collective action made one message clear: NO to war. YES to peace.
Day 2
🔴 Panel 1 – Against Militarization, War & the Arms Race
With Laëtitia Sédou (ENAAT), Lichen Ullmann (Vredesactie / Stop Militarisation), Hillal Sor (MWB-FGTB), Katerina Anastasiou (transform!europe / Stop ReArm), Jon Rodríguez Forrest (IU, Spain) and Vasiliki Lazou (SYRIZA-PA). They exposed the dangers of an expanding arms race and called for a demilitarised, peaceful Europe.
🟠 Panel 2 – Migration and Refugees: Consequences and Struggles
With Gil Puystiens (Amistad Sin Fronteras, Belgium), Dr. Erik Guerrero Márquez (Frente Migrante / Frente Morena España), Nuvpreet Kalra Singh (Codepink UK), and Gustavo Alvarez (Uruguay). They shared frontline experiences of displacement and border violence—and resistance.
🟢 Panel 3 – For the Diplomatic and Negotiated Resolution of Conflicts
With Sean Conner (IPB), Niamh Ní Bhriain (Transnational Institute), Brian Carty (Sinn Féin, EU Parliament team), Ghassan Saliba (Lebanese Committee for Peace and Solidarity), Giulia Bordin (Pax Christi International), Nerea Fernández (Izquierda Unida), Alejandro Rusconi (FSP) and Dr. Amal Fadou Shakaa (Mission of Palestine for European Union). Together, they mapped bold paths toward peace rooted in diplomacy, justice, and cooperation.
🟡 Panel 4 – A Multipolar World: A Pact for the Future
Coordinated by David Adler (Progressive International), with powerful insights from: Ingar Solty (Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, Germany), Coll McCail (Progressive International), Tings Chak (Tricontinental Institute / IPA), Austin Cole (Black Alliance for Peace), Dragana Zivancevic WILPF – Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. A dynamic discussion on building a just, multipolar world based on cooperation—not domination.
🟣 Panel 5 – For an Autonomous and Peaceful Europe
Coordinated by Marga Ferré (transform!europe), with contributions from: Gavin Rae (transform!europe), Anna Bruna Camposampiero (PRC, Italy), Ansje Vanbeselaere (President of Intal, Belgium), Arnljot Ask (RED Party, Norway), Roland Nivet (Mouvement de la paix, France), Enrique Carmona (Spain). A vision for Europe rooted in peace, sovereignty, and solidarity.
Plenary Session – For a Peaceful Future in Europe and the World
This plenary brought together global voices committed to peace, sovereignty, and multilateral cooperation.
Moderated by José Luis Centella, the session featured contributions from: Maurizio Copolla – International Peoples’ Assembly, Nguyen Trung Viet – Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Vietnam, Jorge Valero – Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Marta Martín – Deputy Secretary of International Relations of the PCE & EL Executive Board, Heber Bousses – Frente Amplio, Uruguay, Cristina Simó – Women’s International Democratic Federation (FDIM)
FINAL DECLARATION of the International Forum for Peace
The session concluded with the presentation of the Final Declaration of the International Forum for Peace: For a World in Peace Stop the increase in military spending and the militarization of our society!
Those of us who have promoted this International Forum for Peace believe that to build peace, we must unite, cooperate, and organize ourselves in plurality and diversity to cooperate in supporting the struggles of the working class, the efforts of social movements, with special attention to the incorporation of youth, in the project of building a common security architecture, based on multilateralism and respect for the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, focused on diplomacy, disarmament, social justice, and environmental sustainability, rejecting those power structures that fuel war, perpetuate poverty, destroy the planet, and solidarize with those who fight for a dignified future in all corners of the world.
Read International Forum for Peace Final Declaration [here]