Belgium: 200 cities and towns will raise the flag of peace during eight days

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An article from DH net (translated from French by the Google translator)

Nearly 200 Belgian cities and towns will raise the peace flag from September 21 to 28, the Belgian Coalition Against Nuclear Weapons announced Friday. Launched on the occasion of the UN International Day of Peace, this action aims to oppose the presence of nuclear weapons in Belgium, and in the world in general.


(Click on image to enlarge)

Nearly 200 Belgian cities and towns will raise the peace flag from September 21 to 28, the Belgian Coalition Against Nuclear Weapons announced Friday. Launched on the occasion of the UN International Day of Peace, this action aims to oppose the presence of nuclear weapons in Belgium, and in the world in general.

“Since 1963, Belgium has housed around twenty US nuclear bombs on its territory,” the coalition points out. “Moreover, the nuclear warheads at Kleine Brogel have recently been replaced by the new, more easily deployable B61-12 bombs.” According to the coalition, this makes Belgium a “prime potential target in the event of war.”

The organization also deplores the fact that Belgium has neither signed nor ratified the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which entered into force in 2021 and has been ratified by 73 countries. “By raising the flag of peace, cities and municipalities oppose the presence of American nuclear weapons on Belgian soil and call on the federal government to play an active role in international nuclear disarmament,” it states.

This year’s campaign takes on particular symbolism, as 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The coalition adds that nuclear disarmament is “more necessary than ever in the current context of increasing militarization and a considerable increase in military spending, both in Belgium and Europe, as well as in the rest of the world.”

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(Click here for the French original of this article.)

Question related to this article:

What is happening for the International Day of Peace?

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(Editor’s note: The following list of participating cities and municipalities comes from the website of Journée de la Paix

Alken – Alost – Amay – Andenne – Anhée – Antoing – Anzegem – Arlon – Asse – Assenede – Auderghem – Avelgem – Awans – Baelen – Bastogne – Beaumont – Beernem – Beersel – Belœil – Berlaar – Bertrix – Bierbeek – Boechout – Braine-l’Alleud – Bredene – Brugelette – Bruges – Brunehaut – Buggenhout – Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont – Châtelet – Chaumont-Gistoux – Coxyde – Comines-Warneton – Courtrai – Damme – Deinze – Dessel – Destelbergen – Diest – Diksmuide – Dinant – Donceel – Eeklo – Engis – Erezée – Erpe-Mere – Estaimpuis – Étalle – Eupen – Evere – Everghem – Faimes – Flobecq – Florenville – Forest – Fosses-la-Ville – Furnes – Gand – Gavre – Geetbets – Genappe – Genk – Gistel – Grobbendonk – Haacht – Haaltert – Habay – Hamme – Ham-sur-Heure-Nalinnes – Hastière – Havelange – Heist-op-den-Berg – Herent – Herenthout – Herselt – Herzele – Heusden-Zolder – Hoegaarden – Holsbeek – Hooglede – Horebeke – Hotton – Huldenberg – Huy – Ichtegem – Ieper – Ittre – Jemeppe-sur-Sambre – Jodoigne – Juprelle – Kapelle-op-den-Bos – Kaprijke – Koekelare – Kontich – Kortemark – Kruisem – La Bruyère – La Hulpe – La Panne – Lanaken – Léau – Leeuw-Saint-Pierre – Lede – Lennik – Libramont-Chevigny – Lichtervelde – Lierde – Lierre – Lille – Limbourg – Lint – Lokeren – Lummen – Maaseik – Maldegem – Malines – Manage – Marche-en-Famenne – Marchin – Meerhout – Meise – Merchtem – Merelbeke-Melle – Merksplas – Mettet – Molenbeek-Saint-Jean – Momignies – Mont-de-l’Enclus – Moorslede – Mouscron – Nazareth-La Pinte – Nieuport – Nivelles – Ohey – Oostende – Oosterzele – Oostkamp – Opwijk – Oudenburg – Oudsbergen – Ouffet – Peer – Pelt – Pepinster – Perwez – Pittem – Poperinge – Profondeville – Putte – Quaregnon – Ramillies – Ranst – Rendeux – Ronse –Roulers – Rouvroy – Rumes – Saint-Laurent – Saint-Léger – Saint-Nicolas – Saint-Trond – Sambreville – Schilde – Seraing – Sint-Gillis-Waas – Sint-Lievens-Houtem – Soignies – Soumagne – Spa – Stavelot – Stekene – Steenokkerzeel – Temse – Ternat – Thuin – Tielt – Tielt-Winge – Tinlot – Tintigny – Tubize – Turnhout – Verviers – Viroinval – Virton – Voeren – Vorselaar – Vosselaar – Waimes – Waregem – Wanze – Wasseiges – Wavre – Wellen – Wervik – Westerlo – Wetteren – Wielsbeke – Willebroek – Wingene – Wortegem-Petegem – Zandhoven – Zedelgem – Zele – Zelzate – Zemst – Zoersel – Zulte – Zutendaal

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Europe, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Baranvichi, Belarus: Peace Day: The first school is a territory of kindness and unity!

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An article from Nash Raj (translated from Russian by google translater)
(from Russian)

In anticipation of the International Day of Peace, a bright and important holiday for all of us, vibrant and memorable events took place at S.I. Gritsevets Secondary School No. 1 in Baranovichi. On September 1, 2023, our school was awarded the honorary status of “School of Peace,” and for us, International Day of Peace is an excellent opportunity to once again share the importance of maintaining peace on earth.

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The ceremonial assembly marked the beginning of this special day. Students gathered to honor the memory of the victims of military conflicts and wars and to reiterate the values of peaceful life. Students from 9th grade “A” organized and conducted creative workshops for younger students: together, the students created a white dove, a symbol of peace, and held a dance flash mob in the schoolyard.

The information campaign was especially important: our peacekeepers took to the streets of the Borovka neighborhood to remind residents of the significance of this day.

The events concluded with a touching finale, with paper doves being placed on the symbolic peace tree, thus turning it into a visual symbol of our hopes and aspirations.

Holding such events at our school is not just a tradition, but a crucial contribution to the future.  

Let’s work together to preserve peace, because it begins with each of us!
 
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Campaign Nonviolence Action Days Sept 21 – Oct 2, 2025

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A press release from Campaign Nonviolence published by Good News Planet

United States Nationwide – Between September 21 and October 2, 2025, tens of thousands of people will participate in over 5,300+ nonviolent actions to protest violence, war, poverty, racism and environmental destruction as part of the 12th annual Campaign Nonviolence Action Days.

Stretching between the International Day of Peace (Sept 21) to the International Day of Nonviolence (Oct 2), the annual effort rallies numerous national, international, and local groups to ‘build a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction’.

Amidst concerns about gun violence, mass shootings, political violence, climate crisis, rising authoritarianism, war and genocide, Campaign Nonviolence brings people together in solidarity to work for an end to violence in all its forms. Local groups work to dismantle direct, structural, and systemic forms of violence using the tools of active nonviolence. Each group takes action on a different aspect of the broad vision, addressing issues such as immigration, discrimination, environmental destruction, health, poverty and more.

Campaign Nonviolence organizers affirm and advance the many viable nonviolent alternatives that exist, such as community safety teams, conflict resolution skills, peacebuilding, demilitarization, racial justice, restorative practices, self care, sustainability, renewable energy, living wages, civil resistance, and much more.

For 2025, people are invited to join the theme of “practicing nonviolence toward self, others, world, and earth”. The campaign calls for a range of nonviolent actions, including self care and wellness (self), community safety teams and violence de-escalation trainings (others), protests and visibility actions (world), and divestment from fossil fuels and weapons (earth). Two additional calls invite people to bring anti-militarism and anti-war leaflets to International Day of Peace events and to hold nonviolence teach-ins on Oct 2, the International Day of Nonviolence.

Collaborating organizations include: Sandy Hook Promise, Nonviolent Peaceforce, 350.org USA/Make Billionaires Pay, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, SunDay, Cure Violence, World BEYOND War, International Cities of Peace, ICAN, DC Peace Team, Backbone Campaign, Global Silent Minute, World Cleanup Day, Unity Earth, Jared’s Heart of Success, Nonviolent Cities Project, Catholic Nonviolence Days of Action, We the World, L.O.V.E. Is the Answer, World Wellness Weekend, Pax Christi International, Pax Christi USA, Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, United Religions Initiative, United4Peace, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, Pause the World For Peace, Pathways to Peace, and local Peace Day efforts like Peace Day Philly, Peace Week Delaware, and Arkansas Peace Week; and many more.

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Question related to this article:

What is happening for the International Day of Peace?

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The annual action days highlight and uplift events such as:

– Move the Money Divestment Actions w/ 350.org’s Make Billionaires Pay & Draw the Line

– World Wellness Weekend’s thousands of self care and wellness events

– Cleanup actions in over 200 countries with World Cleanup Day

– Hundreds of schools breaking down social isolation and bullying with Start With Hello Week

– International actions to divest banks and governments from nuclear weapons with ICAN

– Dozens of global educational events to #CloseBases with World BEYOND War

– Creative teach-ins using Nonviolent History Coloring Pages in Princeton, NJ

– Pause the World For Peace’s Worldwide Silent Minute & Rally in Times Square, NYC

– A bold, imaginative community action festival called Resist-A-Palooza in Austin, TX

– A citywide pots-and-pans banging protest in Burlington, VT

– We Keep Us Safe – Fostering a Culture of Care gathering in Whatcom, WA

– Intergenerational peace walk in Milwaukee, MI

– A virtual summit and strategy plan for ending fossil fuel proliferation

– Silent vigil for ceasefire in New York City, NY

– Bystander intervention and Islamic Nonviolence training in Istanbul, Syria

– Community violence prevention teach-ins in Lilongwe, Malawi

– Over 100 peace education activities in Tamil Nadu, India

– 100-day mobilization for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

– Nonviolence and peacebuilding trainings for youth at schools in war zones in Cameroon

Through Campaign Nonviolence, historically separate movements are joining forces to tackle these many forms of violence and to build a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.
Those looking to participate can sign-up on their website here: https://paceebene.org/action-days
Campaign Nonviolence was launched September 2014 with 230 nonviolent actions in every state in the nation. In 2024, over 5000 actions took place across the United States and around the world. It is coordinated by Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service, a 36-year-old nonprofit that promotes nonviolence. More than 5,337 actions and events are planned for 2025 with more expected to be added in the lead-up to Sept 21.
FOR INFORMATION ON THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN, CONTACT RIVERA SUN AT rivera@paceebene.org WEBSITE: www.campaignnonviolence.org.

 
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FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global

‘No Trump! No Troops!’ Thousands March in Chicago as President Threatens ‘War’

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article by Jon Queally from Common Dreams

Many thousands marched in solidarity through downtown Chicago over the weekend of September 6 to denounce the growing threat of President Donald Trump’s authoritarianism, with the Midwest’s largest city his latest target.

(Editor’s note: In more recent news, Trump was forced to back down from his threat to invade Chicago in the face of the united opposition in Chicago, including opposition by the mayor and by the governor of the State of Illinois.

Organized by the Coalition Against the Trump Agenda and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, city residents demonstrated in droves on Saturday afternoon, walking down Michigan Avenue carrying signs that read: “National Guard Stay Out of Chicago!“; “ICE Out of Chicago!“; “No Trump! No Troops!“; “No Nazis – No Kings”; and “Rise Up! Fight Back!”

At a rally ahead of the march, Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain of Live Free Illinois, a member of the coalition behind the march, denounced Trump’s threat to send a large-scale deportation force and National Guard troops to the city as well as the president’s wider far-right agenda.

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The struggle for human rights, is it gathering force in the USA?

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“Trump has spent billions on federal guards and the militarization of our community, pouring money into weapons and intimidation instead of investing in schools, hospitals, jobs, and housing,” Bates-Chamberlain said, according to Chicago’s Channel 5 news. “He has stripped us of vital resources meant to help us live, only to use them to try to break our spirits.”

Trump on Saturday threatened to show the people of Chicago “why it’s called the Department of War,” a reference to the recent rebranding of the Department of Defense. The president shared a meme from the Vietnam War film “Apocalypse Now,” with himself superimposed on the war-hungry Lieutenant Colonel, and wrote: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning.”

Even for Trump, known for his repulsive comments and increasingly autocratic behavior, the open threat to make war on a US city—despite later efforts to walk it back or efforts to gaslight people into thinking it didn’t mean what it clearly meant—was seen as a chilling escalation in rhetoric and intent.

“The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city,” said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker in response to the post. “This is not a joke. This is not normal.”

On Sunday, Trump’s so-called Border Czar Tom Homan appeared on television and said, “You can expect action in most sanctuary cities across the country” in the week ahead, threatening immigrant communities with the likelihood of raids and saying National Guard troop deployments to back up those operations are “always on the table.”

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HUMAN RIGHTS, North America

Gaza’s Contribution to Civilization

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An article from blog of Mazin Qumsiyeh

The Gaza littoral – a narrow coastal corridor between Asqalan (Ashkelon) in the north and Rafah at the Egyptian border – occupies a strategic position on the coastal axis linking Africa and Western Asia (the Levant) and is often referred to historically as the Via Maris. Its geography made it a repeated meeting place for goods, peoples, and ideas and explains why archaeological and textual records show continuous human activity from the Chalcolithic/Early Bronze periods onward (de Miroschedji et al.; Tell es-Sakan excavations). This study synthesizes major published finds and contemporary reporting to outline Gaza’s long-term contributions to Mediterranean and Near Eastern civilization. In the 1947 UN Partition plan, the strip was much larger than it is now (and being demolished). Estimates of 200,000 to as many as half a million perished in the past two years of Israeli onslaught on that land (3/4 women and children, and most of the residents are refugees from the Nakba of 1948-1950).


A view of Tell es-Sakan

Recent archaeological work has shown that the Gaza littoral hosted urban settlements as early as 8,000 years ago. Excavations at Tell es-Sakan (discovered during construction work in 1998 and excavated by teams including de Miroschedji) reveal mud-brick urban deposits, storage contexts and evidence for a mixed agricultural-maritime economy during the Early Bronze Age. Such evidence indicates that Gaza’s coastal settlements were part of the emergent urban economies of southern Levant and were in contact with contemporaneous Egyptian administrative and economic activities. The Tell es-Sakan sequence places Gaza within the first waves of coastal urbanization in the eastern Mediterranean.

During the 2nd millennium BCE the Gaza littoral was integrated into the Canaanite network and repeatedly intersected with Egyptian imperial interests. Archaeological assemblages (imported pottery, architecture and small finds) and Egyptian texts show that southern Levantine coastal sites functioned as waystations and focal points for goods moving between the Nile, the Levantine interior and the Mediterranean. Excavation reports and regional syntheses emphasize Gaza’s position as part of coastal exchange networks during this period.

The Iron Age coastal transformation included the arrival (or intensification) of Aegean-influenced material culture in the southern Levant — the so-called Philistine phenomenon — of which Gaza was one of the principal polities in the Philistine pentapolis (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath). Philistine pottery styles, new craft traditions and evidence for specialized workshops and maritime activities attest to cultural fusion between local Canaanite traditions and incoming Aegean elements. Although modern development has limited large-scale excavation directly inside some parts of Gaza City, comparative work from neighboring coastal sites and site surveys indicates Gaza’s role within this dynamic maritime and craft network.

From the Persian through the Hellenistic and Roman periods Gaza sustained major port facilities and urban morphology demonstrating integration into Mediterranean trade networks. Archaeologists have identified the ancient port installations often called Anthedon (sometimes identified with the Balakhiyya/Blakhiya/ Tell Iblakhiyya area north of Gaza) and Maiuma (the port quarter associated with Gaza) among the principal maritime facilities. Excavations and rescue archaeology, including Franco-Palestinian missions at Anthedon, and the 2023 discovery of a substantial Roman-era cemetery (with lead sarcophagi) near Jabaliya, testify to a complex, economically engaged society with elite burial practices and broad Mediterranean connections.

Byzantine churches (recorded on medieval maps such as the Madaba mosaic) and early Islamic administrative records show continuity of urban life and the adaptation of port and land networks and continued fluporsihing economy as well as peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims from 6th to 20th century AD. During the Mamluk periods coastal fortifications and administrative structures continued to emphasize the strategic importance of Gaza. Under Ottoman administration and into modernity Gaza functioned as a regional market center and waypoint for caravan and coastal traffic; travelers’ accounts and administrative records document a long continuity of agricultural production, market exchange, and civic life. Throughout its history this heroic strip of territory defeated mighty armies and inspired legendary victories while continuing to prosper [that is until this recent genocide which is not only unprecedented in the region but globally).

Recent decades have seen important archaeological discoveries (e.g., Tell es-Sakan publications, Anthedon excavations, the Roman-era Jabaliya cemetery) alongside increasing concern about threats to sites. Scholarly analyses and investigative reports emphasize the twin pressures of conflict, urban development, coastal erosion and inadequate heritage management on Gaza’s archaeological record. International teams and local scholars have collaborated in rescue excavations, but wartime destruction and damage to heritage structures have been reported (notably during the conflicts of 2023–2024), raising urgent ethical questions about documentation, local stewardship, and international responsibility for preservation and reconstruction.

Our own environmental studies in the area some using detailed satellite images/remote sensing show 1) rich biodiversity, 2) decimation of the tree cover and habitats (see Yin et al. 2025). Thus, there is devastation for both natural and cultural heritage of this rich area.

Gaza also enriched is with thousands of scholars and contributors to human civilization. Here are just a random selection

Silvanus of Gaza (d. ~311 CE) – Early Christian bishop of Gaza who was martyred during the Diocletian persecution. He is remembered as one of the earliest Christian leaders in the region.

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Question related to this article:

Presenting the Palestinian side of the Middle East, Is it important for a culture of peace?

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Aeneas of Gaza (~5th century) – Neo‑Platonic philosopher and Christian convert, associated with the Rhetorical School of Gaza. He wrote philosophical works that merged classical philosophy with Christian thought.

Dorotheus of Gaza (~500–560/580) – Monk and ascetic teacher near Gaza, author of spiritual discourses that influenced early Christian monasticism and ethical thought.

Sulayman al-Ghazzi (c. 940–1027) – A Christian bishop and poet in Fatimid Palestine, Sulayman al-Ghazzi was the first known Arab Christian poet to write religious verse in Arabic. His diwan (poetic anthology) offers insights into Christian life during the era of caliph al-Hakim. 

Ibn Qudama (1147–1223) – A prominent Hanbali jurist and theologian, Ibn Qudama was born in Gaza and is renowned for his works on Islamic jurisprudence, including al-Mughni, a comprehensive legal encyclopedia. 

Abu Bakr al-Nabulsi – A 17th-century Islamic scholar from Gaza, al-Nabulsi was known for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and theology, particularly within the Shafi’i school of thought. 

Shady Alsuleiman – A contemporary Islamic scholar and imam, Alsuleiman is recognized for his work in Islamic education and community leadership, focusing on promoting understanding of Islamic teachings in modern contexts. 

Ayman Hassouna – A Palestinian archaeologist and university lecturer, Hassouna has worked extensively on excavations in Gaza, including the Byzantine Church of Jabalia, contributing significantly to the understanding of Gaza’s ancient history. 

Sufian Tayeh (1971–2023) – A physicist and educator, Tayeh served as the president of the Islamic University of Gaza. He was known for his work in physics and applied mathematics and was tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike in December 2023. 

Mohammad Assaf (b. 1992) – Singer from the Gaza Strip who gained fame by winning Arab Idol, becoming a symbol of hope and cultural pride for Palestinians.

Dr. Refaat Alareer (1979–2023) – A Renaissance scholar from Gaza, Alareer was a professor and writer who contributed to academic and cultural discourse. He was killed during the 2023 conflict, leaving a legacy of intellectual engagement.

Conclusion: Early urbanization and administrative activities in Gaza contributed to the regional network of production, storage, and exchange that underpinned complex societies in the Near East. Acting as a coastal conduit, Gaza facilitated the transmission of commodities and material culture between Egypt and the broader Levantine-Mediterranean economy. Port infrastructure, long-distance maritime commerce, specialized fisheries and the movement of Mediterranean goods and ideas through Gaza contributed directly to the economic vitality and cultural pluralism of the region. Technological and stylistic exchange (ceramics, metallurgy, textile production, and ship-related crafts) that flowed through the Gaza littoral influenced craft traditions across the southern Levant and beyond.The Gaza littoral’s long-term contributions to civilization are best understood as a combination of (1) geographical advantage (coastal route and hinterland productivity), (2) sustained maritime and land exchange networks that carried goods and ideas, (3) local craft and agricultural production that fed regional markets, and (4) repeated cultural contact zones that produced hybrid forms of material culture and religious life. Gaza’s sustained role as a market, agricultural supplier, and transport hub helped to link inland and coastal economies for centuries, transmitting crops, commodities and cultural practices. This was an essential contribution to circum-Mediterranean coastal communities and over 30 countries have direct connections to Gaza. Gaza’s archaeological record informs broader historical narratives of Mediterranean connectivity. Preserving that record is necessary for reconstructing local histories that feed into global understandings of ancient economies, religions, and technologies and is an essential component of knowledge to shape a peaceful future that is not repeatedly marred by genocides and holocausts (due to colonialism, imperialism).

References

Al-Houdalieh, S. H., et al. (2024). Heritage and Conflict in Gaza [report/PDF]. (ResearchGate summary).

Andreou, G. M. (2024). Establishing a baseline for the study of maritime cultural … International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (summary online).

Forensic Architecture. (2022). Living Archaeology in Gaza. Forensic Architecture. Retrieved from Forensic Architecture website. 

International news report: Associated Press. (2023, September 24). Archaeologists unearth the largest cemetery ever discovered in Gaza and find rare lead sarcophagi. AP News. 

The Guardian. (2025, March 17). Gaza’s heritage sites destroyed by war. The Guardian. (reporting on 2023–2024 damage and restoration efforts). 

UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Anthedon Harbour / Blakhiyya (tentative listing and site information). UNESCO Tentative Lists. 

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Tell es-Sakan; Anthedon; Maiuma. Wikipedia. (Used as quick references to excavation histories and site identifications — consult field reports and excavation monographs for primary data).

Yin, H., Eklund, L., Habash, D., Qumsiyeh, M. B., & Van Den Hoek, J. (2025). Evaluating war-induced damage to agricultural land in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 using PlanetScope and SkySat imagery. Science of Remote Sensing. Vol. 11: Article 100199
 
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FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, Mideast

‘We Are All DC’: Tens of Thousands March to White House

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article from Common Dreams

The heart of Washington, D.C., pulsed with defiance on Saturday (September 6) as tens of thousands of demonstrators surged down 16th Street toward the White House. It was the city’s first major organized protest since President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency and unleashed federal troops onto its streets.

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The struggle for human rights, is it gathering force in the USA?

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Banners waved and voices rose in unison at the “We Are All D.C.” march, a massive show of resistance led by a coalition that included Free DC, defenders of local self-rule, Democracy Forward, and the American Civil Liberties Union. Their message was clear: the federal occupation of the capital must end.

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HUMAN RIGHTS, North America

Bolivia: National Network for a Culture of Peace Meets in Sacaba

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article from Los Tiempos

Under the slogan “I choose to dialogue, I choose to listen,” more than 150 communicators and young people from 40 municipalities will meet this Saturday (3:30 p.m.) in the town of Sacaba. The goal is to strengthen their values, skills, and knowledge about the Culture of Peace and its connection to the exercise of human rights and development, aware that conflict fragments the cohesion of a society and impedes development.

In addition, they will make public their declaration for peace, recognizing their responsibility in conflict prevention and transformation through art and communication.

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(Click here for the original article in Spanish.)

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How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?

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Sacaba’s main square will be the stage for the cultural movement, supported by Solidar Suiza and the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) (Peacebuilding Fund).

On Saturday, participants will spread awareness-raising messages and reflect on the culture of peace through communication and art. During the public intervention, they will present plays, rap, performances, and a mural, concluding with their Declaration of Commitment to Peace.

The communicators and young members of the National Network for a Culture of Peace will use their knowledge of communication and art to continue contributing to the culture of peace. They will amplify and disseminate their messages and proposals, generate mobilization in their contexts, and also contribute to the fight against disinformation and hate speech.

This action is part of the Initiative to Consolidate a Culture of Peace in Bolivia, promoted by UNDP with financial support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and implemented by Solidar Suiza in partnership with LanzArte and RedCom.

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DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, Latin America

The Global Sumud Flotilla: Over 50 ships will set sail for Gaza

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from the Peoples Dispatch

In July 2025, a new international maritime initiative was launched: the Global Sumud Flotilla. It was formed by four major coalitions: the Global Campaign to Return to Palestine, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Maghreb Sumud Convoy, and the Southeast Asian Nusantara Sumud Initiative. The Global Sumud Flotilla is set to depart on August 31, 2025. Its goal is clear: to break Israel’s illegal blockade on Gaza, to deliver urgent humanitarian aid, and to expose the genocidal war waged on Palestinians. 


Photo from Al Jazeera

The flotilla is composed of dozens of small civilian vessels carrying activists, parliamentarians, doctors, and trade unionists, alongside humanitarian cargo. More than 39 national delegations have pledged participation, making this the largest people-led maritime effort in solidarity with Gaza since the 2010 “Mavi Marmara”.

Behind every flotilla passenger lies a story of conviction. Greek trade unionists brought banners pledging workers’ solidarity with Palestine. Doctors from Spain and Italy carried vital medicines banned from entering Gaza. Parliamentarians from South Africa and Norway insisted that breaking the siege is a moral and political duty.

This is not the first flotilla of its kind this year. The “Handala” and “Madleen”, two of the Freedom Flotilla’s flagship vessels, also set sail in an attempt to break the blockade of Gaza. However, they were attacked by drones and stormed by Israeli forces. Passengers were beaten, kidnapped, and deported. Phones were confiscated, activists were interrogated, and many went on hunger strike to protest their detention. The attack was not just on the Freedom Flotilla; it was an attack on the principle of global solidarity itself.

The Global Sumud Flotilla insists that its mission is entirely lawful under international maritime law. Civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid in international waters are protected under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Israel’s interception of the “Handala” and “Madleen” constitutes nothing less than piracy and a war crime.

The flotilla’s organizers remind the world that Israel has maintained a land, air, and sea blockade on Gaza since 2007. As they prepared for upcoming missions, flotilla spokespeople declared:

“Our boats carry more than aid. They carry a message: the siege must end. The greater danger lies not in confronting Israel at sea, but in allowing genocide to continue with impunity.”

Criminalizing solidarity, violating international law

In recent months, Israel has escalated its campaign to silence international solidarity with Palestine by targeting civilian flotillas attempting to break the Gaza blockade. These ships, carrying activists, aid, and a message of defiance against siege, have become symbols of global resistance. Instead of engaging through diplomacy or respecting humanitarian principles, Israel has resorted to force on the high seas, treating peaceful civilian missions as military threats.

The assaults on the “Handala” and “Madleen” are more than acts of piracy, they are grave breaches of international law. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) guarantees freedom of navigation in international waters. By seizing vessels outside its territorial jurisdiction, Israel has acted as a rogue state.

International legal experts have consistently affirmed that the blockade of Gaza since 2007 constitutes collective punishment, violating the Fourth Geneva Convention. The International Criminal Court has received multiple submissions documenting Israel’s starvation siege, now exacerbated by open genocide. Yet governments that loudly invoke “rules-based order” remain silent when Palestinians, and their supporters, are the victims.

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Question related to this article:
 
How can we best express solidarity with the people of Gaza?

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Instead of protecting citizens, western governments have facilitated Israel’s repression. Passengers aboard the flotillas were stripped of their phones, interrogated, and some were denied re-entry into the Schengen zone. Western states’ silence amounts to complicity.

Some detainees launched hunger strikes in Israeli prisons to protest their abduction. Others returned home to smear campaigns. Western right-wing media accused activists of “provocation” or of “endangering security”. Once-beloved Swedish activist Greta Thunberg who joined the “Madleen” flotilla, received attacks from mainstream media, on social media, and from influential political figures. Such tactics aim to delegitimize solidarity and sow fear among those who dare to act.

But these campaigns have failed to extinguish the moral clarity of the movement. From dockworkers in Barcelona refusing to load arms to Israel, to students occupying universities in the US and Britain, the flotilla has become a symbol: solidarity cannot be blockaded.

The human face of global resistance

The Global Sumud Flotilla represents a convergence of struggles across continents:

The Global Campaign to Return to Palestine mobilized thousands of activists worldwide.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, with roots going back to 2010, brings long experience of organizing maritime resistance. 

The Maghreb Sumud Convoy, launched in June 2025, gathered over 1,000 participants from across North Africa under the banner of “coordinated action for Palestine”.

The Nusantara Sumud Initiative, launched from Malaysia and eight other Southeast Asian countries, embodies South–South solidarity inspired by Palestinian steadfastness.

Together, these four networks transformed the flotilla from a handful of ships into a people-powered humanitarian corridor. The first official mission is scheduled for August 31, 2025, from Spain, followed by a second launch from Tunisia on September 4, with more than 50 ships expected to participate.

At a press conference in Tunis, organizers emphasized that the flotilla is not merely logistical, it is symbolic:

“This will not only be a fleet. It will be a reminder that the world is watching, that Gaza is not alone, and that peoples will not remain silent.”

The Freedom Flotilla is part of a long lineage of resistance at sea. The 2010 assault on the “Mavi Marmara”, in which Israeli forces killed ten activists, shocked the world. But instead of stopping solidarity, it multiplied it.

The Global Sumud Flotilla marks a new stage. By linking Mediterranean ports, North African caravans, and Southeast Asian convoys, it builds a transnational infrastructure of resistance. Its Arabic name Sumud, steadfastness, reflects both Palestinian resilience and the determination of people across the world to act where governments have failed.

Breaking the siege, building the future

The choice is now clear. Israel will continue to attack peaceful ships in international waters, abduct activists, and suppress humanitarian efforts, because the siege is a cornerstone of its genocidal project. Western governments will continue to look away.

But ordinary people, from Greek dockworkers refusing to load weapons for Israel, to Tunisian unions welcoming flotilla missions, to students and parliamentarians raising their voices, are building a counter-power.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is both a lifeline and a warning: Gaza will not be starved into silence, and solidarity will not be blockaded.

As the flotilla prepares to set sail with more than 50 ships, its message resounds across seas and continents: The siege must fall. Gaza must live. Palestine must be free.

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Mideast, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

The World Intellectual Wisdom Forum Meeting on 30 August

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

Excerpts from the meeting summary received from Thomas Daffern

The meeting served as an introduction and check-in for participants of the World Intellectual Wisdom Forum, co-hosted with International Peace Studies and Global Philosophy. Dr. Thomas Daffern welcomed attendees, including Susan Seats (California), Dr. Sean English (Ireland), Laura Brown (Peace Alliance, USA), and Christopher Platts (Brittany, France), and shared brief updates on his latest book, “On the Logic of Peace,” which he is currently proofreading. Sean provided insights into peace movements in Ireland and the European Union, particularly regarding legislation on goods produced in Israeli occupied territories, noting potential economic repercussions if the bill passes. The group discussed the importance of collaboration across different intellectual and religious perspectives to address global challenges, with Thomas expressing hope that such efforts can help avert crises.

Advocating for Global Peace Movement

The group discussed current political and social issues, including the rise of racism and fascism, and the need for a peace movement with intellectual depth. Laura Brown shared updates on her work with the Peace Alliance, advocating for a US Department of Peace Building, and mentioned a notable statement by Jeffrey Sachs calling for a new Political Peace Party. Susan Seats, a prominent peace activist in California, briefly shared her recent activities, including a speech on China and upcoming protests. She was joining us from Santa Cruz. The conversation ended with a recap of previous discussions, including the Kashmir conflict and the upcoming World Parliament Meeting in Pondicherry.

Global Conflicts and Leadership Concerns

The discussion focused on several international issues, including the impact of the new Pope and the situation in the Middle East. The speaker expressed concerns about Trump’s relationship with Putin and the chaos they seem to be causing, particularly in Ukraine. They also discussed the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting and the potential recognition of Palestine by various countries. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the speakers expressing support for a two-state solution and expressing concerns about extremist factions on both side who seem to want a “forever war” instead.

Question related to this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

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Right-Wing Ideologies and Leadership Crisis

The group discussed historical and contemporary political developments, focusing on the impact of right-wing ideologies and the lack of visionary leadership in both the United States and Europe. Sean highlighted the European Union’s relative moral and ethical bankruptcy regarding the Gaza genocide, while Dr. Daffern emphasized the need for a “Solomon Option” to promote peace in the Middle East, contrasting it with Israel’s “Samson Option.” See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdQ2e9lm-6c
Christopher and Laura raised concerns about the United Nations’ weakness and the need for a stronger opposition within Israel to address Netanyahu’s leadership.

The conversation also touched on the potential for foreign influence and blackmail in U.S. (and UK) politics, suggesting the need for a confidential mechanism for compromised leaders to seek help. . .

Logic of Peace: A Philosophical Exploration

Dr. Daffern discussed his new book, “The Logic of Peace,” (see www.lulu.com/spotlight/iipsgp) which explores how peace is a more logical choice than war, especially in the context of nuclear weapons. He examines various the logical aspect of philosophical and religious traditions, including Parmenides, Platonism, Aristotle, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, to argue that peace is in fact a rational and logical goal for humanity. Dr. Daffern expressed hope that the book would contribute to a rethinking of logic and promote peace. He mentioned that a second volume would focus on contemporary logic and issues like deterrence and genocide. . . .

The meeting also discussed Global Power Structures and Solutions, Ireland’s Neutrality and Peace Efforts, Climate Action and Peace Initiatives, and Peace Bill and Unity Consciousness.

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FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global

China announces plans for SCO Development Bank; says to launch process soon

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from Economic Times – India

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on Monday that member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have decided to establish a Development Bank aimed at strengthening regional economic cooperation, reported Reuters.

Speaking in Tianjin, where the SCO countries held the deleberations, the minister said the organisation will soon launch the process to create the financial institution, which is expected to play a crucial role in funding infrastructure and development projects across the bloc.


Leaders and officials, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, attend a photo ceremony at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China August 31, 2025.

“The SCO Development Bank will give a strong boost to infrastructure development and inject fresh momentum into the economies of member countries,” Yi noted as a part of the Tianjin Declaration.

The announcement came as Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his inaugural address to the 25th SCO Summit, urged member states to accelerate work on the bank, pointing to the growing appeal of the 10-nation grouping, according to a PTI report.
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Question for this article:

What is the contribution of BRICS to sustainable development?

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Xi noted that the SCO has evolved into the world’s largest regional organisation, encompassing 26 countries in various forms of partnership, cooperating in over 50 areas, and generating a combined economic output of nearly $30 trillion.

China has long championed the establishment of an SCO Development Bank, drawing parallels with other multilateral institutions such as the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Both headquartered in China, these banks were initially seen as rivals to the IMF, World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB), but they now actively collaborate with them through co-financing mechanisms.

What else was in the Tianjin Declaration?

Alongside the decision to launch the process for the SCO Development Bank, the Tianjin Declaration also unveiled several key developments aimed at deepening cooperation within the bloc.

Reuters reported that the SCO dialogue partners and observers have been merged into a new category of SCO partner countries, formally expanding the organisation’s “family” to 27 members. Chinese Foreing Minister Wang Yi also noted that Pakistan and Armenia have officially established diplomatic relations under the SCO framework.

The declaration further stressed the bloc’s collective stance on global governance, strongly opposing the militarisation of the information and communication technology sphere. According to the news agency, this year’s delcaration further committed member states to strengthen cooperation in drug control and to hold the upcoming SCO Plus Dialogue on security issues in Uzbekistan.

Additionally, the document stressed that expanding exchanges and cooperation with the United Nations and its specialised structures remains a priority in the organisation’s international relations.

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East Asia, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT