Author name: stu.skillselephant@gmail.com

Wars have long been seen as inevitable, but in the 21st century they threaten humanity’s very survival. The destructive power of conflict is escalating exponentially — with autonomous military robotics, AI-driven warfare, and thermonuclear weapons raising risks beyond human control. At the same time, climate breakdown, ecological stress, political polarisation, and widening inequality are driving instability that fuels new conflicts that can spiral into an ultimate global war.   In this growing complexity, traditional diplomatic  tools — such as states-based negotiations and treaties — are no longer enough. New peacebuilding approaches are needed involving both state and non-state actors, respecting human security principles. What we urgently need is a new paradigm that aims not only to end wars, but to make them obsolete: building systemic conditions where violent conflicts cannot continue, empowering new generations of leaders, and scaling practices that normalize life without violence.   The launch of Atlas of Peaceful Futures Practices and the inauguration of the Global Peace Offensive Center in Maribor in Autumn 2025 mark two milestones on this path — providing both vision and practical tools to help shape futures where war is no longer an option. Organizations behind these initiatives – Learning Planet Institute and World Academy of Art & Science – come together with their partners in the joint panel discussion to explore conditions of building peace-based society.   Questions to be explored in the panel: Why must we urgently change our approach to peacebuilding — and how? What makes traditional approaches insufficient in the face of accelerating risks 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, economy, and technology so that war is no longer viable? How do we empower the next generation to lead us toward peaceful futures? Which tools, practices, and global networks can equip young leaders to orchestrate systemic peace? Presenters: * Donato Kiniger Passigli, Vice President of WAAS, Founder of Peace Offensive * Pavel Luksha, Founder of Global Education Futures, Associate Research & Lead of Peaceful Futures initiative at Learning Planet Institute * Judy Foster, CEO Stop Ecocide International * Luka Martin Tomažič, Vice-Rector for Research at Alma Mater Europaea University, Legal Researcher for Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression

Prime Cause of the Polycrisis? A range of existential risks, increasingly converging, is threatening the world. The complexity of this emerging polycrisis demands that numerous risks be considered simultaneously. This may seem like an impossible task for policymakers on all levels, but the challenge is greatly reduced if we can instead identify and address the underlying causes. In this webinar, we consider one of these underlying causes, Extractivism The dominant global culture of the Anthropocene age is characterised by a brazen attitude toward nature and other people alike: A belief that we must take all we can before someone else does, rather than taking only the minimum we need to survive. Globalised consumer culture has been with us since the 1960s, approximately, though it did not arrive everywhere at once and still eludes the world’s poorest. This prevailing attitude, favouring extraction, consumption, and profit maximisation, became increasingly radical over time. With the rise of neoliberalism in the early 1980s, an extremely extractivist attitude was openly celebrated, turning vice into virtue by proclaiming that ‘greed is good’. Natural and human resources have been extracted relentlessly ever since, especially from the Global South and from working people everywhere, and mainly for the benefit of the Global North and the privileged few. Consumers are nevertheless implicated by, and share some responsibility for, this extractivist system. Most recently, techno-capitalism is taking extractivism into new domains such as data mining. This dominant cultural attitude was not always acceptable, does not apply everywhere even today, and is therefore not to be regarded as a natural and unchangeable condition. It is our choice how we handle natural resources, and while we may not be able to avoid extraction altogether, there are better ways to use and reuse them. The crucial question this debate addresses is: What alternative approaches should be adopted as a guiding principle for natural resource management policy to help avert a full-blown polycrisis in the near future?

The Role of Science in War and Peace — Dialogue, Respect, and Dignity Science has always been one of humanity’s most powerful tools. It has cured diseases, connected continents, and expanded our understanding of the universe. At the same time, it has also been used to create weapons capable of immense destruction. This dual nature of science places a deep responsibility on how it is developed, shared, and applied. In the context of war and peace, science is not just a technical force—it is a moral one, shaped by human values such as dialogue, respect, and dignity. Science as a Double-Edged Sword Throughout history, scientific discoveries have played decisive roles in warfare. Advances in chemistry led to explosives and chemical weapons; physics gave rise to nuclear arms; and modern computing has enabled cyber warfare and autonomous weapons. These developments have changed how wars are fought, often increasing their scale and impact. However, science itself is neutral. It does not choose violence or peace—people do. The same scientific knowledge used to build weapons can also be used to protect lives, prevent conflicts, and rebuild societies after war. This reality highlights the importance of ethical decision-making and global responsibility in scientific progress. Science in the Service of Peace Science has been a powerful force for peace when guided by cooperation and shared human goals. Medical science saves lives in conflict zones through emergency care, vaccines, and trauma treatment. Environmental science helps nations understand shared threats such as climate change and resource scarcity—often root causes of conflict. International scientific collaborations also act as bridges between hostile nations. When scientists work together across borders, they create channels of communication that transcend politics. These collaborations encourage dialogue, build trust, and demonstrate that cooperation is possible even during times of tension. Dialogue: Science as a Common Language One of the most important roles of science in promoting peace is its ability to foster dialogue. Scientific methods rely on evidence, peer review, and open discussion. These principles encourage listening, questioning, and mutual understanding—qualities essential for peaceful conflict resolution. Global scientific forums, research partnerships, and academic exchanges allow countries to communicate through knowledge rather than force. Even when political dialogue breaks down, scientific dialogue often continues, keeping connections alive and reducing the risk of misunderstanding and escalation. Respect: Ethical Responsibility in Scientific Advancement Respect must guide how science is used, especially in military contexts. This includes respect for international law, civilian lives, and the long-term consequences of technological innovation. Scientific communities have a responsibility to consider how their work may be misused and to speak out against unethical applications. Historical examples show that when scientists collectively raise ethical concerns—such as opposition to weapons of mass destruction—they can influence global policies and public opinion. Respect for humanity must remain central to scientific progress. Dignity: Protecting Human Life and Values At its core, dignity means recognizing the inherent worth of every human being. Science should never undermine this principle. Technologies that cause indiscriminate harm, dehumanize individuals, or remove accountability in warfare threaten human dignity. Conversely, science can protect dignity by improving humanitarian aid, supporting post-conflict recovery, and helping societies heal. Innovations in prosthetics, mental health care, clean water, and infrastructure restore hope and stability to communities affected by war. The Role of Education and Awareness Educating future scientists, policymakers, and citizens about the ethical dimensions of science is essential. When students learn not only how science works but also how it impacts society, they are better prepared to use knowledge responsibly. Universities and research institutions play a key role in promoting peace by encouraging critical thinking, ethical reflection, and cross-cultural understanding. Science education should emphasize empathy alongside innovation. Conclusion The role of science in war and peace is ultimately a reflection of human choices. While science has the power to destroy, it also has an even greater power to heal, connect, and protect. By grounding scientific advancement in dialogue, respect, and dignity, humanity can ensure that knowledge serves peace rather than conflict