From Guernica to Sarajevo: A Call for Peace, Ending Wars, and Respecting International Law from October 16 to 18

(Patria) - The United Nations Alliance for Civilizations (UNAOC) and Religions for Peace (RfP), in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the City of Sarajevo, and the Interreligious Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are jointly organizing the second chapter of the global initiative “A Call for Peace, Ending Wars, and Respecting International Law,” from October 16 to 18, 2025, in Sarajevo.
 
Launched in April this year in Guernica, Spain, on the 88th anniversary of its bombing, this initiative seeks to transform remembrance into a driving force – spreading a global call to end wars and strengthen dialogue, peace, and respect for international law.
 
After Guernica, “A Call for Peace” continues in Sarajevo – a city that bears deep scars of war, but at the same time represents a strong symbol of resilience and a testament to the power of recovery, reconciliation, and renewal. Connecting Guernica and Sarajevo emphasizes a common message: remembering war tragedies can be a source of inspiration for dialogue, reconciliation, and building a more peaceful future.
 
Sarajevo: The Resilience of a City as a Call for Global Action
 
Marked by its role in the outbreak of World War I and the trauma of the 1990s siege – the longest in modern European history – Sarajevo embodies both the immense human cost of war and the enduring hope for peace. This year, as Bosnia and Herzegovina marks three decades of peace, Sarajevo stands as a living reminder of the importance and urgency of the initiative “A Call for Peace, Ending Wars, and Respecting International Law.“
 
At the crossroads of civilizations, Sarajevo has been home for centuries to Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, and Muslim communities living side by side. This multi-ethnic and interreligious character makes it a powerful place for promoting dialogue, inclusion, and respect for international law.
  
Three-Day High-Level Meeting
 
Over three days, Sarajevo’s “A Call for Peace” will bring together high-level officials, government representatives, religious leaders, civil society actors, the academic community, women, and youth with the aim of strengthening a shared vision of peace and mutual respect.

The program will include opening addresses by global leaders and local-level discussions. Thematic sessions include: “The Role of Faith: How Religious Leaders and Faith Community Representatives Can Rebuild Trust, Foster Reconciliation, and Counter Extremism”; “Peacemakers: The Role of Civil Society in Transforming Conflict-Affected Societies”; “Women Shaping Peace: Bridging the Leadership and Security Gap”; “Youth: From Words to Action: Empowering New Generations as Peacemakers.” This unique combination of global leadership and
local voices will provide a platform for sharing experiences, learning, and sending a strong message against war and violence – emphasizing the urgency of peace and the importance of respecting international law.
 
A Call to Action
 
The event is open to the public and encourages the participation of representatives from governments, religious communities, civil society, academia, youth, women's networks, media professionals, and the international community to share stories, ideas, and join the global call for lasting peace.
 
To register your attendance at the event, please visit: https://apply.unaoc.org/callforpeace-sarajevo/