Peace Connect global gathering brings local peacebuilders to the forefront
- Editorial Team SDG16
- Oct 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 21
At a moment when conflicts continue to intensify, and peacebuilding resources remain under pressure, the Peace Connect global gathering, held from 13 to 17 October 2025 in Nairobi, became a defining milestone for the international peace community. Hosted by Peace Direct, the five-day event brought together over 650 peacebuilders and allies from 72 countries, centring the leadership of practitioners from the Global South and reaffirming the principle that sustainable peace must be locally led and globally supported.
A global meeting ground for change
Taking place against the backdrop of rising militarisation, with global military expenditure surpassing $2.4 trillion in 2024, Peace Connect offered a powerful counterpoint. Rather than a conventional conference, it evolved into a collective act of solidarity and resistance, reclaiming the peacebuilding narrative from hierarchical frameworks and returning it to communities most affected by conflict.
The gathering’s agenda, designed by an advisory group of local peacebuilders, unfolded through masterclasses, open-space sessions, and regional dialogues, creating a participatory environment that prioritised collaboration over protocol. Key themes included funding reform, decolonisation of aid, gender justice, youth leadership, and digital resilience in conflict zones.
Restoring the human dimension
A notable aspect of Peace Connect was its attention to the well-being of peacebuilders themselves. A dedicated rest day and sessions on mental health and resilience underscored the belief that sustainable peace begins with personal restoration. Participants reflected on the emotional toll of their work and shared community-based coping strategies.
Shifting the balance of power
In a field long criticised for imbalances between the Global North and South, Peace Connect marked a deliberate rebalancing. Around 80% of delegates came from conflict-affected regions, with Global North allies, donors, and policymakers comprising the rest. The structure reflected a growing movement to #ShiftThePower, aligning with networks such as UNOY, GPPAC, and the Local Peacebuilding Consortium.
Discussions led to several commitments, including a joint declaration on locally led peacebuilding, the establishment of a Global Fund for Community Peace Initiatives, and a peer-support network connecting practitioners from Afghanistan, Sudan, Colombia, and Ukraine.
Building momentum amid global strain
The event also addressed the tightening civic space facing peacebuilders worldwide. With many grassroots organisations encountering reduced donor flexibility and heightened security risks, participants used the platform to explore alternative financing, cross-regional solidarity, and community-based accountability.
These outcomes closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which advocates for peace, justice, and strong institutions. Peace Connect extended this vision, arguing that peace cannot be externally delivered but must emerge from relationships of trust within communities.
A lasting legacy
As the gathering concluded, delegates expressed a renewed sense of unity and purpose. The closing session highlighted that the legacy of Peace Connect 2025 will not be measured by its sessions or speeches, but by the connections forged across continents, between those who live amid conflict and those with the capacity to resource their work.
Peace Direct announced plans to publish a Peace Connect Report 2025 later this year, capturing the stories, strategies, and collaborative commitments that emerged in Nairobi.
For more information about Peace Connect and global grassroots peacebuilding initiatives, please visit the official website at www.peacedirect.org.