GENEVA, 17 September 2019 – Mistrust and suspicion are at the origin of the all too familiar violent conflicts around the world today. Violent conflicts tear apart society and destroy the trust that binds relationships. Trust is the foundation for lasting peace in society.

On Thursday, 19 September 2019, ahead of the International Day of Peace on 21 September, peacebuilders from around the world will share their personal stories and experiences at the 2019 Geneva Peace Talks, to highlight their efforts in promoting trust in conflict-affected regions of the world.

The event will take place at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Building E, Room XVIII from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Geneva time.

The Geneva Peace Talks are a public event co-organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva, Interpeace and the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform to celebrate the International Day of Peace.

The 2019 Geneva Peace Talks is organized under the theme: Trust Matters!

The meaning of trust in today’s globalized world may vary across sectors, however, the essence of trust as a pillar for peace remains.  Trust is the cornerstone for peace. It is the glue that holds relationships, societies and economies together.

The 2019 Geneva Peace Talks will bring together speakers from across different professional and personal backgrounds to share their personal stories and experiences in promoting trust as the foundation for society, through a series of 8-minute talks.

African entrepreneur and founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation supporting good governance and great leadership in Africa, Mo Ibrahim, will join award winning filmmaker and winner of the 2019 Cannes Camera d’Or to share his personal story and experiences at this high-profile annual event for peace.

Other speakers include leading peace mediator, Antje Herrberg, Guatemalan global peacebuilder, Bernardo Arévalo de León and Colombian policewoman, Coronel Lurangeli Franco. Two young women, Zainab Nankya and Salama Ibrahim, involved in building bridges between religious communities in Nigeria and Uganda will also be sharing their stories and personal experiences alongside Dina Alami, a young person working to build bridges between youth and politicians in Sweden.

This diversity of speakers emphasizes that each and every one of us, regardless of our age and background, can contribute to promoting trust and peace in our communities and beyond.

The event will also feature live painting by Abbes Boukhobza and musical performance by Pososhok.