On September 25, 2025, UPF Czech Republic hosted a conference entitled Sustainable Peace and Conflict Transformation in the premises of the Czech Union of Scientific and Technical Societies.
This event was to commemorate the International Day of Peace, established by the UN in 1981, and brought together experts from the fields of political science, religion, academia, and the media to reflect on how to achieve peace in this troubled world.
There were two panels. The first focused on the topic From Conflict Resolution to Conflict Transformation.
Dr. Roman Joch, political scientist, lecturer, and director of the Civic Institute, focused on the concept of peace in international relations and stated that from a psychological point of view, word peace means peace of mind. He said that Aristotle saw peace as being total satisfaction based on the practice of four virtues: moderation, courage (to suppress fear and do the right thing), prudence (not causing more harm than good), and most importantly, justice.
St Augustine defined peace as the tranquillity of order (tranquillitas ordinis). We need the tranquillity of a just order, not the peace of a graveyard. In conclusion, Joch also mentioned the concept of Responsibility to Protect (R2P).
Prof. Harald. Scheu, member of the Legislative Council of the Czech Republic and university professor, spoke about the situation of national minorities. Despite many declarations by the Council of Europe, widespread ethnic hatred persists. European and global institutions are trying to eliminate this hatred through international treaties, but compliance is often inconsistent. Even leading nations sometimes violate these treaties. Ethnic hatred fuels war propaganda and often the media is an instrument to spread and promote this hatred. We cannot expect the media or the academic community to bring about peace.
Dr. Juraj Lajda. publisher and president of UPF in the Czech Republic expressed that many are doubtful that peace studies have any meaning. After World War II, the world's attention focused on peacefully resolving potential conflicts between nations and was one of the main reasons for the establishment of the United Nations. Is there any hope for lasting peace or is it just an idealistic cry? If we are realists, what can we change? Is conflict natural? Nobody wants it.
Lajda described the Transcend Conflict method, developed by Johan Galtung. This method attempts to transform conflicts into peace and development and involves reconciling two hostile parties by removing the very root of the conflict. He went on to say that there are several levels in creating world peace. We talk about inner peace (peace begins within me), political peace (compliance with political agreements- Pax Romana, Pax Americana), religious peace (harmony and cooperation between religions), etc.
The second panel focused on the topic of the Ethics of peace, the role of diplomacy and the media, and prospects for the future.
Rev. Mikuláš Vymětal, evangelical pastor, spoke about the prevailing secularization in society whereby people belong to the state rather than first and foremost to God. The Bible records ongoing conflict in Israel; even the chosen people had to fight against their enemies. The desire for peace is a wish shared by people of all ages, regardless of religion, race, or nationality.
Dr. Martina. Heranová, political scientist and analyst from CEVRO University, gave a brief overview of the conflict in the Middle East, the longest onging conflict in history.
In the second century, the Romans called the territory of Judea Palestine. After WW I, the victorious powers divided the Ottoman Empire blocking any agreement between the Jews and Arabs. Then the League of Nations took over the mandate of the territory.
After WW II, in 1948, the State of Israel was established. From the very beginning there has been conflict and war between Israelis and Arabs or Palestinians. Peace activists sometimes do more harm than good with their selective initiatives which do not engage in other conflicts such as in Tibet or Ukraine. Currently, only the US, with the consent of Arab countries, can make any enforcements.
Alex Švamberk, journalist and commentator stated that in conflict situations, negotiations should continue until the very last moment, and war should only be the outcome if all else fails. The media, especially social networks, greatly influence people's thinking, but the opinions and facts propagated are not always correct. Private media are dependent on advertising and often act accordingly and governments have always used propaganda to uphold themselves and undermine the enemy. Today, it is difficult to find out where the truth lies, and people often succumb to well-crafted propaganda.
Critical thinking is very important as many are unfamiliar with post-factual information and fall for Russian ‘peace’ propaganda which targets base instincts. Švamberk concluded by stating that dictatorships have long-term thinking.
It became clear that creating peace is teamwork between people and nations and has many dimensions beyond that of politics. All initiatives are needed, whether from individuals, social organizations, religious communities, artists, and responsible and moral media.
The conference was well received and inspired a lively and constructive discussion.