In 2022 the theme for RISING’s activities is Digital Peace. Both generally and in specific situations, we’ll be exploring how peace can be both built and destroyed through use of digital media. This focus will include the use of cyber technology in creating conflict and tensions and how digital media can be used at international, national, community and individual level both to undermine trust and security and to enhance cohesive communities.

The 2022 RISING Global Peace Forum will take place in Coventry from 9th - 11th November. Subject to any COVID restrictions, it will be a hybrid event with speakers gathering in Coventry to speak face-to-face with participants and the event will also be livestreamed online. It's free of charge, so no matter where you are in the world you will be able to take part!

The event includes an exhibition and auction on Wednesday 9th November of paintings created by Ukrainian artists at the scene of the war to help raise money for those affected by the conflict, and also the Lord Mayor's Peace Lecture on Thursday 10th November which starts at 7pm in Coventry Cathedral.

Details of speakers and the programme

Wednesday:

AM - Young People Rethinking Security and Peace conference, Speakers: Joanna Frew and Richard Dickson
AM - Developing a Human Security ManifestoP How can we be sure that those who learn about peace can apply their knowledge to the field? Speakers: Stéphane Voell, Lena Runge and David Curran
14:00 Lessons from Ukraine, Speaker: Volodymyr Groysman (v)
15:00 Roundtable on the ‘Anglophone Conflict’ in Cameroon: Assessing the Prospects for Peaceful Resolution, Speakers: Maurice Beseng, Roxana Willis (v), Manu Lekunze, Efi Tembon (v) and Gordon Crawford
16:15 How can we better listen to and act upon youth voices in seeking to bring about political change and positive peace? Speakers: Saddam Hussein Kiiza, Mohamed Mohamednoor, Charles Obanya, Louise Brown and Khaled Sayed
17:15 Finding peace as a hostage, Speaker: Richard Ratcliffe
19:00 Auction of Ukrainian Art for Humanitarian Projects in Ukraine, Auctioneer: Richard Baker-Howard, Speaker: Pavel Pimkin.

Thursday:

09:30 What’s the role of multi-lateral organisations? Speaker: Albufas Garayev
11:00 Cywar, Speaker: Kumar Ramakrishna (v)
11:45 (TBC)
12:30 Diplomacy and Education – a filmed interview with Tom Fletcher
14:00 How do we define ‘security’ in modern Britain? Introducing the Alternative Security Review, Speakers: Zsófia Hacsek, David Curran, Anna Gillions and Richard Reeve
15:00 Digital Peace in Poland, Speakers: Lucian Da Silva, Gabriele de Marco, Zofia Witowska and Michalina Krysciak
15:50 Solutions Not Sides, Speaker: Sharon Booth
16:40 Drive to School Film Winners & Losers, Speaker: Charlie Rumsby
17:30 Faith Covenant launch, Speakers: Cllr Abdul Salam Khan and Daniel Singleton
19:00 Lord Mayors’ Peace Lecture (doors open 18:00) Can technology curb climate change? Speaker: Roger Harrabin

Friday:

10:55 Pause for two minutes’ silence at 11:00am
11:05 Intractable Conflicts, the Legacy Bill and the Protocol, Speaker: Lord Peter Hain
12:30 Reflections on Peace, Speaker: David Porter
13:00 Closing remarks, Speaker: Mike Hardy