News

At the Ilanzer Sommer 2022 we will create space and time for encounters, debates and mutual motivation to work for peace on both a small and a large scale. Together with you, we want to give peace a voice in the midst of the calls for rearmament. Together with you we want to practise again and again to live this peace ourselves.

Program, tickets and more

Event series 'Mission - Colonialism Revisited' What role did Christian missionary societies play in the context of colonialism? In loose succession, Mission 21 brings the multi-layered history of mission and colonialism into focus in order to sharpen the focus for the current social debate on racism and discrimination.

Next event: "Mission: Religious Imperialism and/or Cultural Imperialism?"

19 May 2022, 6-7.30pm

more information // website

An inter-faith conversation with experts from the Islamic, Christian and Jewish religious communities on racism and anti-racism in religions. What does racism have to do with religion? And why are people discriminated against because of their religious affiliation? What elements within a religion can be a resource for mutual respect?

More information & registration

The dynamics of conflict and violence are changing in many places around the world. Figures show that the majority of violent deaths no longer occur in traditional war situations. There is a growing consensus that urban areas in non-war contexts are becoming the future flashpoints, with profound consequences for urban populations.

Against this background, KOFF organizes a Master Class, an exchange and learning format for KOFF members and further interested individuals and organizations.

Read the concept note

On the 30 of March, PWAG will launch the publication "From transition to transformation. Strengthening women's effective participation in peacebuilding and transitional justice processes". At the virtual event, the authors will present the most important findings from the publication.

30 March 2022, 2pm

More information & registration

Over the past years, KOFF members have experienced and examined what it means when the space for civil society shrinks. At the same time, many organizations and individuals around the world have adapted old and developed new strategies and approaches to continue their work for peace, against all odds. The upcoming roundtable will highlight the creative, persistent, and innovative ways in which civil society «makes space» for peacebuilding.

December 1, 9:30am

read the synthesis

For the first time, civil society is an implementing partner in Switzerland’s National Action Plan 1325. The past two years were dedicated to investigating how care relates to women’s participation and peacebuilding.

This virtual conference is the culmination of this project where key findings will be presented and discussed in a broader context with civil society actors and policymakers.

21 September 2021, 1.45pm-4.45pm

program & registration

What are the biggest hurdles we currently face regarding mis/disinformation? What impact can digital technologies make in promoting peacemaking and preventing conflict?

In the third KOFF roundtable of 2021, panelists from four areas of peacebuilding discussed the challenges of mis/disinformation and ways forward - the discussion is reflected and summarized in this synthesis.

read the synthesis

How does Switzerland advocate for peace? Who determines peace policy? What has changed in recent years? What priorities should Switzerland set in its future peace policy in the future? And how does the Swiss candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council play into this?

These and other questions came up at a KOFF Roundtable in May 2021 - the discussion is reflected and summarized in this synthesis.

read the synthesis

When addressing migration in peacebuilding, not only people on the move are relevant, but also people who are affected by some sort of negative migration outcome or involuntary immobility. There is great need for regular migration routes, for a broadened ability to migrate, and for a decriminalization of migration in general.

This was discussed in a KOFF Master Class back in February 2021. The conversations, insights, and concepts that were brought up during the Master Class, are critically reflected in this article.

Read the critical reflection