Every year, the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people. The topic of inclusion and respect for diversity is an important one affecting all of us, especially in these times.

Building on the success of the four previous Geneva Peace Talks, a fifth edition is planned for 21 September, 2017. Organized under the theme “Building Bridges,” the Geneva Peace Talks aim to encourage and promote breaking out of silos and working together to generate common understandings and solutions in today’s times where uncertainty has become the new norm.

Through personal stories, speakers will share tangible experiences and ideas to inspire people and spark a discussion on how each and every one of us can play a role in reaching out and building bridges. The talks highlights that, now more than ever, we need to work together to achieve long lasting peace. The Geneva Peace Talks symbolically stand for a Geneva spirit to resolve conflict through finding common ground amongst diversity and this year aims to contribute to this path towards more peaceful societies.