The inaugural global peace summit in Switzerland, opened by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swiss President Viola Amherd, gathered around 100 countries and organizations on June 15. The purpose of the summit was to discuss a possible path towards peace and address key concerns related to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Russia was not invited to attend the summit at this stage. Zelensky emphasized the importance of including nations from all continents and political poles in the peacemaking process, with the hope of formulating a new joint peace plan based on his 10-point formula.
The peace formula proposed by Zelensky includes Russia’s full withdrawal from Ukraine, prosecution of war crimes, and other necessary steps for peace. The plan aims to garner support from other countries and establish a basis for dialogue with Russia in a second summit. The summit also addresses issues such as nuclear safety, food security, and the release of prisoners of war and abducted civilians, including children. Over 19,500 children have been confirmed as abducted by Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the urgency of addressing these humanitarian concerns.
The summit aims to prepare the ground for direct talks between warring parties and explore ways to involve Russia in the future. Swiss President Amherd stressed the importance of including influential countries like India, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya in the discussions. Despite reports of Saudi Arabia planning to snub the summit due to Russia’s absence, the participants are dedicated to finding a way to include Moscow in the peace process. Amherd emphasized that if the goal is to inspire a process towards peace, Russia must be involved at some point.
Ukraine’s efforts to convene the summit come after months of preparation and collaboration with other nations in four preceding meetings held in different locations. Zelensky expressed gratitude towards the nations that supported Ukraine in organizing the summit, highlighting the collective effort to halt war and establish a just peace. The summit is crucial for addressing various issues ranging from energy security to the return of abducted children and global food security. By bringing together a diverse group of countries and organizations, the summit aims to lay the groundwork for meaningful dialogue and cooperative solutions towards peace.
The summit’s participants are committed to exploring avenues for peace and facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties. The event signifies a significant step towards engaging in constructive conversations that can lead to concrete actions for peace. The involvement of influential countries from around the world underscores the importance of global solidarity in addressing conflicts and finding sustainable solutions. As the summit progresses, the focus remains on fostering cooperation, promoting dialogue, and pursuing a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By working together and engaging in open discussions, the participants strive to create a conducive environment for peacebuilding and reconciliation.
