In 2025, peace was not only in crisis, but at a turning point. Violent conflicts at record levels, the climate crisis, the decline of liberal democracies and shrinking civic space further intensified instability. Polarization, disinformation and propaganda deepened societal divisions, undermined trust and weakened multilateral efforts. In a world in which narratives shape politics as much as political decisions, the manipulation of information has become a powerful weapon that undermines peace efforts and democratic resilience. As conflicts persisted across numerous regions, organisations and individuals faced the challenge of ensuring that current and future technologies would contribute to peace rather than further intensify conflict.

From Ukraine to Gaza and Sudan to the Sahel, these crises were — and continue to be — more complex, fragmented and interconnected than ever before. At the same time, new geopolitical actors challenged existing power structures, while multilateral cooperation came under increasing pressure. The United Nations’ Pact for the Future and the New Agenda for Peace introduced renewed momentum for peace, security and sustainable development. Nevertheless, the question remained how these principles could be translated into concrete action when the very foundations of democracy, dialogue and cooperation are themselves under threat.

Against this backdrop, the Austrian Forum for Peace 2025 was held under the theme “Peace in Crisis” and brought together policymakers, civil society representatives, peace practitioners, researchers, journalists and educators to discuss how peacebuilding can be further developed both locally and globally. In light of shifting conflict dynamics and shrinking democratic spaces, the forum highlighted the urgent need for new approaches to peacebuilding — strengthening civil society, rebuilding trust in multilateralism and fostering societal resilience through education and participation.

At a time when traditional peace approaches are being put to the test, the forum provided a space for critical dialogue, new strategies and fresh perspectives. It connected global and local voices, fostered new alliances and contributed to rethinking peacebuilding for an unpredictable future.

The Austrian Forum for Peace (AFP) was established in 2023 as a new platform to discuss established and emerging approaches to conflict transformation and peacebuilding, and to contribute to the global search for sustainable peace within a changing world order. Following the success of its first edition, which brought together around 400 participants from 30 countries and five continents, AFP 2025 once again underscored the importance of inclusive international dialogue on peace and security.

Through keynote speeches, panel discussions and thematic workshops, the forum benefited from the diverse experiences, approaches and perspectives of the invited experts. The Austrian Forum for Peace 2025 was also open to students and members of the broader public interested in engaging with and shaping the future of peace.

The plenary sessions of the conference can be accessed via the ACP podcast "Inside Conflict".

Findings

See Publications for more information. 

Opening event on 30 June 2025:

AGENDA

Here you will find all information on the conference's focal topics, workshops and events as well as the participating experts.

Austrian Forum for Peace - Impressions (c) Foto Andi Bruckner