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03 April 2025, New York City — The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and Religions for Peace (RfP) are joining forces to launch “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law”, an initiative aiming to amplify a condemnation against war while fostering a message of peace and upholding respect for international law.
The initiative will be unveiled on 25–26 April 2025 in Gernika, Spain, a town that has become a universal symbol of the horrors of war and the enduring spirit of peace. Timed to coincide with the 88th anniversary of the town’s historic bombing, the launch event will serve as a solemn yet hopeful moment to reflect on the past while amplifying a renewed global appeal for peace.
The two-day event will kick off on 25 April with roundtable discussions at the Liceo Theatre, featuring religious leaders, faith-based actors, and civil society representatives, followed by a screening of “Why War”, a film by renowned filmmaker Amos Gitai.
On 26 April, the high-level opening ceremony and the official launch of the “Call for Peace” initiative will take place in Fronton Jai Alai, with distinguished speakers led by Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC, and Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary-General of RfP. The event will convene government officials, youth leaders, sports personalities, and representatives from the academia, civil society, and all sectors of society, and will culminate with a symbolic tribute to victims of the bombing and a floral offering at the Gernika Cemetery.
At the heart of the programme will be the unveiling of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law”, a series envisaged to take place in historically bombed cities around the world. It aims to foster a shared message grounded in the principles of mutual respect, shared humanity, and the peaceful resolution of conflict, reaffirming UNAOC’s core mission to advance dialogue across civilizations and promote inclusive societies.
“The enduring symbolism of Gernika, and its powerful message of peace and resilience, resonates more profoundly today than ever before,” emphasized Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC. “In a world increasingly fractured by violence and division, this initiative is a powerful reminder that peace is not merely an ideal; it is a shared imperative. As we gather in Gernika, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to reject war, uphold international law, and champion dialogue over discord. Let this be a global call to action toward a future rooted in dignity, justice, and our common humanity.”
“In a world where the echoes of past conflicts still resonate and new wars threaten to engulf us, Religions for Peace stands alongside the UNAOC in this urgent call for peace,” remarked Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace. “We recognize the profound spiritual and moral imperative to dismantle the structures of violence and build bridges of understanding. This initiative, launching from the historic town of Gernika, is not merely a call to end wars but a summons to cultivate a global culture of peace, rooted in respect for international law and the inherent dignity of every human being.”
The event is open to the public, and members of civil society, academia, and the international community are encouraged to attend and take part in this important initiative. By convening in Gernika, a city marked by tragedy but defined by its resilience, the message of peace will echo far beyond its borders.
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“The enduring symbolism of Gernika, and its powerful message of peace and resilience, resonates more profoundly today than ever before.In a world increasingly fractured by violence and division, this initiative is a powerful reminder that peace is not merely an ideal; it is a shared imperative. As we gather in Gernika, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to reject war, uphold international law, and champion dialogue over discord. Let this be a global call to action toward a future rooted in dignity, justice, and our common humanity.”
— Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC
Livestream:
The event will be broadcast live to a global audience. Follow the two-day launch event through the following link: https://www.unaoc.org/gernika/
Social Media Coverage:
The two-day gathering will be covered live on social media across all major platforms. Join the social media conversation with the hashtag #CallForPeaceGernika
Contact:
For media inquiries, contact:
UNAOC: Julie Ladanan, Public Information Officer: julie.ladanan@un.org
RfP: Maddie Maltese, Senior Media Specialist: press@rfp.org