The 91黑料网 of Art and Science听and the听Global Peace Offensive Center听participated in the听, organized by听听in K艖szeg, Hungary, from February 23-27, 2026. This event brought together scholars, policymakers, students, and civil society actors to explore how peace can be reimagined as a long-term, anticipatory process grounded in ethics and sustainability. This year’s program examined how culture, education, and science can promote lasting peace and human security.
Among the high-level discussants at the event were: Tshilidzi Marwala鈥擱ector of the United Nations University, Tokyo, Japan; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations; Bal谩zs Hank贸鈥擬inister, Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary; H.E. Katalin Bogyay鈥擯resident of the UNESCO National Commission of Hungary, President of UN Association of Hungary, Founder of Women4Diplomacy International and WAAS Feloow; Sean Cleary鈥擲trategic Concepts, South Africa; and Emil Brix鈥擯resident of the Austrian Research Association, Austria.
The Global Peace Offensive Center, established by WAAS, Alma Mater Europaea University (AMEU), and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA), was represented at this event by: Donato Kiniger Passigli鈥擯resident of the Global Peace Offensive Center and WAAS Vice President (Social Sciences & Humanities); Ludvik Toplak鈥擠irector of the Global Peace Offensive Center, Rector of Alma Mater Europaea University; Luka Martin Toma啪i膷鈥擫ead Researcher, Global Peace Offensive Center, Associate Professor of Law & Vice Dean for Research at Alma Mater Europaea University; Tanja Angleitner鈥擧ead of International Relations at Alma Mater Europaea University; and Emma Sla啪ansk谩鈥擥lobal Peace Offensive Initiative volunteer and junior researcher.
Among the highlights was a roundtable on 鈥淟asting Peace and Human Security,鈥� where experts discussed the interconnected challenges of our time, including armed conflicts, climate change, social inequalities, and the accelerating impact of transformative technologies. The discussion emphasized how integrative approaches can establish new pathways toward peace and resilience. Donato Kiniger Passigli, in his presentation, stressed that lasting peace is grounded in human security and observed that times of disruption present opportunities to reset human relations, promoting positive peace, nurturing mutual understanding and de-escalating tensions He highlighted that the Peace Offensive initiative prioritizes human security by fostering dialogue, inclusion, and conflict prevention. This initiative aims at empowering communities鈥攅specially youth and emerging leaders鈥攖o build resilient, peaceful societies through cultural, scientific, and educational diplomacy, which are essential tools for safeguarding safety, dignity, and well-being for all.
A panel titled 鈥淎mbassadors for Peace Initiative: Pathways and Challenges to Cooperation鈥� explored innovative peace initiatives that foster cross-sector cooperation to strengthen resilience against global risks. The discussion underscored the importance of addressing political polarization and violence through cultural, scientific, and educational diplomacy as vital strategies for fostering unity and resilience. Donato Kiniger Passigli and Emma Sla啪ansk谩 emphasized that a proactive “peace offensive” is crucial鈥攁 strategic effort to foster dialogue, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful coexistence. They highlighted that collaborative governance, education, and cultural initiatives are key to preventing violence, supporting recovery, and ensuring long-term stability. These approaches are increasingly vital in countering conflicts, climate change, and technological disruptions threatening human security.
Additionally, a panel on 鈥淭he Complexity and Paradoxes of Military Defense: Fear, Uncertainty, Technology, and Causes of War鈥� examined the paradoxes surrounding military defense and the root causes of war today. Moving beyond immediate political triggers, participants explored deeper structural and psychological factors such as fear, inequality, resource competition, and arms races over emerging technologies. The panel identified ways to transform these root causes into opportunities for dialogue, prevention, and collective resilience.
WAAS and the Global Peace Offensive Center thank Ferenc Miszlivetz, Jody Jensen, and their colleagues at iASK for providing us with the opportunity to present our strategy and mission. We also appreciate their connecting us to a broader network of experts dedicated to advancing peace and security.
