Wars have long been considered inevitable, but in the 21st century they threaten the very survival of humanity. The destructive power of conflict is growing exponentially: autonomous military robotics, artificial intelligence-driven warfare and thermonuclear weapons are posing risks beyond human control. At the same time, climate disruption, ecological stress, political polarization and growing inequality are generating instability, fuelling new conflicts that could degenerate into the ultimate world war.In the face of this growing complexity, traditional diplomatic tools - such as state-based negotiations and treaties - are no longer sufficient. New approaches to peace-building are needed, involving both state and non-state actors, while respecting the principles of human security. What we urgently need is a new paradigm that aims not only to put an end to wars, but also to make them obsolete: by creating systemic conditions that prevent violent conflicts from continuing, by empowering new generations of leaders and by generalizing practices that normalize life without violence.The launch of the Atlas of Peaceful Futures Practices and the inauguration of the Global Offensive Center for Peace in Maribor in autumn 2025 mark two important milestones on this path - providing both a vision and practical tools to help shape futures where war is no longer an option. The organizations behind these initiatives - Learning Planet Institute and World Academy of Art & Science (WAAS) - are meeting with their partners in a joint roundtable to explore the conditions for building a society based on peace.Questions to be explored in the round table
- Why do we urgently need to change our approach to peacebuilding - and how? What makes traditional approaches insufficient in the face of accelerating risk and instability, and what role can technology (including AI) play in advancing peace for all?
- What conditions are needed to make war obsolete in the 21st century? How do we need to evolve governance, culture, economics and technology so that war is no longer viable?
- How can we empower the next generation to lead us towards a peaceful future? What tools, practices and global networks can equip young leaders to orchestrate systemic peace?
presenters
- Donato Kiniger Passigli, Vice-President of WAAS, Founder of The Global Peace Offensive
- Pavel Luksha, founder of Global Education Futures, associate researcher and head of the Peaceful Futures initiative at the Learning Planet Institute
round table participants
- Judy Foster, CEO of Stop Ecocide International
- Luka Martin Tomažič, Vice-Rector for Research at the’Alma Mater Europaea University, legal researcher for’Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression
- Peace Monica Pimer, founder and executive director, Nile Girls Forum
- Janani Ramanathan, WAAS General Secretary, Senior Research Associate at The Mother's Service Society
- Darlene Shelton, CEO of Peace Channel