On 7–8 April 2025, Geneva Peace Week expanded its reach to Africa with its second GPW Meets edition in Addis Ababa, following the inaugural event in New York. The event brought together over 800 participants both in-person and online, engaging in dynamic conversations on some of the most pressing peace and security challenges of our time.

The Geneva Peace Week meets Addis Ababa report captures the key insights and recommendations emerging from this innovative two-day dialogue. Designed to foster collaboration between Geneva and Addis Ababa – two global hubs for peacebuilding and multilateral diplomacy – the event offered a platform for deepening mutual understanding, enhancing cooperation, and identifying synergies for collective peace efforts.

Structured around five key events, the report highlights critical discussions and actionable recommendations, including:

• High-Level Plenary: Geopolitical Challenges for Peace and Security in Africa, exploring shifting dynamics and Africa’s role in multilateral governance.
• Geneva-Addis Ababa Peace Dialogue: Climate, Peace & Security, focusing on the impact of climate change on peace and stability.
• Thematic Panel 1: Advancing Sustainable Peace through International Humanitarian Law (IHL), delving into ways to promote peace through legal frameworks.
• Thematic Panel 2: Opportunities & Challenges of New Technologies, Digitalization & AI for Youth Peacebuilders, examining the intersection of innovation and youth engagement in peacebuilding.
• Addis Ababa PeaceTalks, celebrating stories of resilience and courage from peacebuilders on the ground.

Geneva Peace Week Meets (GPW Meets) is an initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between peacebuilding communities in different global hubs. Addis Ababa, as the diplomatic capital of Africa and home to the African Union, offers a unique setting for engaging with continental and international peace efforts. By bridging Geneva’s expertise with Africa’s dynamic peace and security landscape, GPW Meets Addis Ababa creates space for inclusive dialogue and partnership-building.

Looking ahead, Geneva Peace Week will continue the conversation at its next edition in October 2025, building on the momentum from Addis Ababa and contributing to sustained global efforts for peace.

For more information, visit the Geneva Peace Week website and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming events.

This report was drafted by Dany Diogo, the Geneva Peace Week Lead.