2017 Stockholm Forum discusses how to sustain peace

The opening session of the Stockholm Forum 2017. [Photo: SIPRI]

Over 200 high-level experts and policy makers have come together at the request of the Swedish government in Stockholm to talk about ways to try to bring an end to conflicts in global hot-spots.

Margot Wallstrom, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, spoke at the opening of the forum.

"Sadly we meet at a time of great unrest. Ongoing development in Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, Afghanistan and elsewhere resulted larger humanitarian crisis in modern history and conflicts are not only increasing in numbers, but also more complex and more violent. "

But she said there were some good examples such as in Colombia, The Gambia and Liberia, too.

She stressed the need for practical action on peacebuilding saying that one should ask oneself what works so that all parties collectively redouble efforts to build inclusive societies, prevent violent conflict, and build a sustained peace.

Isabella Lovin, Minister for International Aid, pointed to inclusivity and long term perspective as examples of what works in successful peace building.

"A long term perspective must be put in place at the very beginning of intervention. We know if we work earlier on together, and use political, security and development efforts for a common goal, we have a greater chance. "

Lovin said fragile states themselves need to be involved in peace talks.

Sierra Leone is now in the process of building peace. Finance and Economic Development Minister Momodu Kargbo said it is very important to make a budget for every aspect of society with jobs as the first step.

"When you have a job that is the most important social program, that is the first stage. Particularly the issue of education and health, these are the fundamentals to the development of a society. "

Madiba Institute for Leadership in West Africa Founder Qury Traore said empowering women is very important because that is half of the population and it proves that whenever you involve all the people including women, then it works well. And this has been the Swedish foreign policy in giving international aid.

Ambassador Jan Eliasson challenged the politicians and media to reward prevention work.

"We need to politically reward preventive work. Journalists here I challenge you did you ever successfully get a headline in radio or television or newspaper saying that the disaster did not occur? "

Eliasson said sustaining peace needs generations to work. He also called on working with women and young people, and for the use modern technology.

This was the fourth Stockholm Forum held by SIPRI, a think-tank financed by the Swedish Parliament.