In 2023, a total of 216 violent political conflicts were fought worldwide, 21 of which were so large that they were even categorised as wars. The escalated situation in the Middle East and Ukraine in particular take centre stage in public attention. But there are also numerous violent conflicts in the world that are usually "forgotten" in our media. Wars and civil wars not only claim human lives through battles or bombings. They destroy roads, hospitals, schools and fields. People die because they can't get medicine or have surgery. They starve because the harvest fails and die of exhaustion. It takes decades to come to terms with experiences of violence, even after a war has ended. In these areas in particular, the likelihood of a recurrence is high.

Hunger is even deliberately used as a weapon in some conflicts, for example by denying humanitarian aid organisations access to entire regions. Conflicts are the main and preventable cause of global famine. More than half of the people living with hugner globally, amounting to 139.1 million in 2021, live in conflict countries.

When it comes to peacebuilding, the primary goal is to avoid violence. Conflicts are part of living together, and without conflicts there would be no change and development in a society. But the aim must be to resolve these conflicts without violence and in a manner that fairly balances the interests of all involved. Preventing violence is also necessary, as it generally requires far less effort than conflict resolution. Development cooperation and humanitarian aid projects contribute to this - because they are always implemented in a conflict-sensitive manner.

However, violence prevails wherever people are denied their human rights and a dignified life. This type of injustice can lead to open violent conflict if constructive conflict resolution mechanisms fail.

Sustainable peace therefore requires more than an end to violence. Equitable access to education, jobs, limited resources (such as land, water or natural resources) and political participation enables people to develop. This creates stable and peaceful societies. However, progress in these areas is jeopardised or reversed by violent conflicts.

In peacebuilding, it is important that all population groups and conflict parties are included and that all interests are taken into account. Because only an inclusive peace is sustainable.

The more the civil space in autocracies is shrinking, the more peace activists and peacebuilding initiatives are jeopardised. Unfortunately, women are far too rarely involved at the negotiating table - according to the United Nations, only 6% of mediators and signatories to peace agreements worldwide were women; both in 1992 and 2019. However, societies are demonstrably more resilient and peaceful when women and minorities are involved in conflict resolution.

People in Asia and Oceania, in Africa and the Middle East, in Latin America and the Caribbean are constantly campaigning against violence and in favour of peace. We support these people, even in places where the cameras of the international media are not watching. This continuous and trusting cooperation with our partner organisations is important because peace processes take time and patience. They are characterised by setbacks, disappointments and new beginnings.