Geneva Pax Catholica Forum: A Commitment to Peace and Disarmament

Date: October 25, 2024
Venue: Franciscan International Office, Geneva (Hybrid)
Hosted by IMCS Pax Romana, Pax Christi Movement, and Franciscan International in partnership with the International Peace Bureau (IPB) and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN),

On October 25, 2024, faith-based leaders, youth advocates, and peacebuilders from around the globe gathered for the Geneva Pax Catholica Forum, an event that reflected the urgency of creating a world free of nuclear weapons and violence. Held during UN Disarmament Week, the forum focused on the theme, “Challenges and Opportunities for Disarmament, Including Nuclear Disarmament, in 2025 and Beyond.”

This hybrid gathering was not just about ideas—it was about action. Together, participants reaffirmed their commitment to a world rooted in peace, justice, and sustainability, building on recent declarations such as the Nagasaki and Rome Appeals for Peace.

A Thoughtful Agenda for Peace

The forum featured a comprehensive agenda touching on some of the most pressing issues of our time:

1. UN Disarmament Week (Oct. 24-30): Recognizing the vital need to dismantle weapons of mass destruction for global security and peace.
2. UN Summit of the Future (SOTF) – Pact for the Future: Exploring new opportunities to advance global governance and disarmament goals, drawing lessons from the September 2024 summit in New York.
3. The Role of the TPNW and 2026 NPT Review: Highlighting the significance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and preparing for the upcoming Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review.
4. Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons: Revisiting the inspiring work of the Nagasaki initiative and its focus on creating a nuclear-free future.
5. Global Appeals for Peace: Building on the Nagasaki Appeal (August 2024) and the Rome Appeal (September 2024), the forum reinforced the importance of collaboration in advancing education, dialogue, and action for peace.
6. Youth Leadership in Peacebuilding: Discuss how faith-based youth movements, like IMCS Pax Romana, can lead efforts toward peace and disarmament, particularly through events such as World Youth Day 2025 in Rome and World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul.

Insights and Contributions

The forum featured powerful voices from faith communities and peace organizations:

• Moderator:
  Budi Tjahjono (Franciscan International-Geneva Office).
• Congratulatory Remarks:
  • Archbishop Peter Michiaki Nakamura (Nagasaki Diocese, Japan).
  • Sr. Wamuyu Wachira (Co-President, Pax Christi International, Kenya).
• Opening Remarks:
  Anselmo Lee (Co-President, Pax Christi Korea) called on participants to address disarmament with moral courage and practical solutions.
• Key Speakers:
  • Sean Corner: Spoke about the importance of collective action in promoting disarmament.
  • Susi Snyder (ICAN): Highlighted the role of grassroots advocacy and the urgency of implementing the TPNW.
  • Fasika Lachore Laba (IMCS Pax Romana): Stressed the role of Catholic youth in promoting peace, justice, and the care of creation.
  • Jonathan Frerichs (Pax Christi International): Focused on the importance of interfaith dialogue in advancing disarmament efforts.
  • Blair Matheson (Franciscan International): Connected the disarmament discussion with environmental sustainability and global justice.

The Geneva Appeal for Peace

The event culminated in the adoption of the Geneva Appeal for Peace, which called on participants and global leaders to prioritise disarmament and peacebuilding. Key commitments included:

1. Global Challenges:
   • Addressing conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, Myanmar, and Sudan.
   • Tackling the misuse of advanced military technologies, such as AI in warfare.
   • Recognising the link between climate change and global security risks.
2. Promoting Non-Violence:
   • Educating youth on peace, justice, and environmental stewardship.
   • Strengthening interfaith dialogue to bridge divides and promote reconciliation.
3. Advancing Disarmament:
   • Advocating for the full implementation of the TPNW.
   • Promoting nuclear-weapon-free zones, particularly in Northeast Asia.
   • Regulating the use of autonomous weapons in warfare.
4. Empowering Young Leaders:
   • Encouraging youth leadership in peacebuilding initiatives.
   • Organising global days of action to raise awareness of military spending.
   • Supporting intergenerational collaboration for justice and peace.

Looking Ahead

The forum ended on a hopeful and determined note, with participants committing to tangible next steps:

• Youth Leadership: IMCS Pax Romana reaffirmed its commitment to educating and empowering youth to lead global peace initiatives rooted in Catholic social teaching.
• Global Advocacy: Participants pledged to advance campaigns for nuclear disarmament and justice through interfaith collaboration and grassroots action.
• Future Milestones:
  • Observing the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2025 as days of reflection and action.
  • Preparing for faith-based engagement during Jubilee year 2025 (Rome) and World Youth Day 2027 (Seoul).

Conclusion

The Geneva Pax Catholica Forum was more than a discussion—it was a movement of hope and action. By bringing together faith communities, peace organisations, and youth leaders, the event demonstrated the power of collaboration in working toward a world free from violence and fear.

As IMCS Pax Romana, we remain inspired by the shared commitment to justice, peace, and the care of creation. Together, we continue to build a brighter, more compassionate future for all.