The 2023 Forum

Seeking Common Ground in a World of Rivalry

For the sixth year in a row, the Paris Peace Forum brought together key players in global governance on November 10-11 at the Palais Brongniart. The aim of the 2023 Forum was to “Seek Common Ground in a World of Rivalry”, against a backdrop of global polarization (most notably between China and the United States) jeopardizing international cooperation on issues vital to humanity – all in an environment marked by the eruption of conflict in the Middle East.

Conclusions and main achievements

This year's theme

Seeking Common Ground in a World of Rivalry

In a world dominated by a rising US-China rivalry, it is as urgent as ever to find common ground on the governance of global commons and global public goods in domains like climate change, outer space or critical minerals. Facilitating dialogue, creating action-oriented coalitions and defining norms or pre-norms is our way to deliver efficient responses to the urgent challenges of our time.

2023 Priorities

Protecting the Planet and the People

Nature loss has far-reaching consequences. Damages of ecosystems exacerbate climate change, undermine food security and put people and communities at risk. We are using the equivalent of 1.7 Earths to maintain our current way of life (Global Footprint Network, 2022) and ecosystems cannot keep up with our demands. Ahead of the COP28, the Forum will bring forward solutions to steer global cooperation towards a greener and more sustainable path.

From the Earth poles to outer space, the Paris Peace Forum will bring forward solutions to make the global governance of new frontiers clean and sustainable.

The 2023 Forum will present the progress of its initiatives on space, critical minerals, and the environment, along with the findings of the “Climate Overshoot Commission” on climate risk. It will offer several high-level sessions, such as on the preparation for COP 28 and the implementation of commitments on biodiversity from COP 15. The One Planet-Polar Summit on poles and glaciers will also take place at the Natural History Museum within the context of the Forum.

Ensuring Trust and Safety in the Digital World

More than 5 billion people of the earth’s 8 billion use the Internet worldwide, or roughly 66% of the world’s population (ITU, 2022). However, with amazing opportunities brought by the digital world come serious risks and inequalities such as child sexual exploitation online or harmful content. The emerging AI technology could reshape the global economy and improve the health of millions of people but is also linked to major risks. Action is needed to tackle those safety challenges and to make the digital world a safe and secured space for all.

The 2023 Forum will bring together key players in generative AI to tackle the primary risks associated with this promising yet potentially challenging technology ; the digital ecosystem will also be rallying around cybersecurity with the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace and the Children online protection lab. The Forum will also host the 5th Summit of the Christchurch Call, aimed at improving technological measures and cooperation to combat online terrorist and extremist content.

Addressing Inequalities and Accelerating SDGs

2023 marks the mid-point in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals but just 12% of the SDG goal targets are on track, 50% are moderately or severely off track and 30% have either seen no movement or regressed below the 2015 baseline (SDG Progress Report, 2023). Faced with this situation, the Paris Peace Forum will boost development initiatives to build more equal and inclusive societies.

Five months after the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, the Forum will assess the next steps in the reform of development finance and the implementation of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet, which establishes four key principles for a more effective international solidarity policy. It will also showcase the progress of its work on food security, global health, and will continue to prioritize gender equality as a key focus of its programs.

Crafting Peace and Building a Safer World

The 2023 edition of the Global Peace Index released by The Institute for Economics and Peace has found that global peacefulness has declined for the 13th time in the last 15 years. As the world experiences a growing number of violent conflicts, the program will highlight peacebuilding efforts and support for fragile countries in a context of ‘multicrisis.’ It will also focus on the responsibility of major powers and emerging powers in peacebuilding. The Forum will host the International Partnership on Information and Democracy Summit and showcase initiatives taken to promote the integrity of information.

The speakers

A multi-actor event

The 2023 Paris Peace Forum will convene representatives from states, international organizations, businesses, development banks to foundations and NGOs and more from around the world.

Discover all speakers

with the participation of:

Jacinda Ardern

Dame

Former Prime Minister of New Zealand

Emmanuel Macron

President of the French Republic

Dr. Jane Goodall

Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

Comfort Ero

President & CEO of the International Crisis Group

Nana Akufo-Addo

President of the Republic of Ghana

Charles Michel

President of the European Council

Louise Mushikiwabo

Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie

Shunichi Miyanaga

Chairman of the Board of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Brad Smith

Vice-Chair and President of Microsoft

Mia Mottley

Prime Minister, Barbados

Chen Qiufan

Science fiction writer, columnist, and scriptwriter

Maria Ressa

CEO, Rappler; 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate

Henry Wang

Founder and President of the Center for China and Globalization

Sarah Wayne Callies

Actress and Ambassador, International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Razan Al Mubarak

President, International Union for Conservation of Nature; UN Climate Change High-Level Champion

The projects

Projects showcased at the Forum's 6th edition

This year, the Space for Solutions will showcase 60 projects and initiatives tackling the issues at the heart of the sixth edition. All of them will enjoy a dedicated space within the event venue, and a chance to take the floor to speak about their work and/or share their views on the issue in global governance that they are addressing.

Discover all 2023 projects

Useful information

The 6th edition will once again be held at the Palais Brongniart, an emblematic and prestigious place in the heart of Paris.

Palais Brongniart
16 Pl. de la Bourse
75002 Paris
France

View in Google Maps Visit the website Download site map

What is the annual Paris Peace Forum?

An international coordination Forum

The Forum places international coordination at the top of the worldwide agenda. In a world dominated by a rising US-China rivalry, the Forum’s 6th edition (10-11 November 2023) will focus on seeking common ground on the governance of global commons and global public goods in domains like climate change, outer space or critical minerals.

A multi-stakeholder Forum

The annual Forum gathers stakeholders across all sectors to facilitate the creation of hybrid coalitions by bringing together old and new actors of global governance. These include states and multilateral organizations, but also NGOs, companies, development agencies, foundations, philanthropies, religious groups, associations, think tanks, universities, and civil society at large.

A project-oriented Forum

62 innovative solutions to current governance issues, led by organizations from all over the world and selected within the framework of a Call for Solutions, are at the heart of the Forum.

An international policy Forum

States, international and regional organizations are crucial to the solutions the Forum aims to promote. Not only is their participation necessary, but it is also a testament to the Forum’s role as in complementing existing initiatives and actors.

A universal Forum

The Forum is free and open to all stakeholders involved in tackling key current challenges.

When and where will the next annual Forum take place?

The 6th edition will take place from 10 to 11 November 2023 at the Palais Brongniart, in the heart of Paris.

What are the themes and priorities of the 2023 Forum?

In 2023, special emphasis will be placed on the following four themes:

Protecting the planet and the people
Ensuring trust and safety in the digital world
Addressing inequalities and accelerating SDGs
Crafting peace and building a safer world

How can I participate in the annual Forum?

General public: In 2023, participation in our annual event is by invitation only.

Project leader: You need to submit your project as part of our annual Call for Solutions. Our call for solutions for the 2023 edition of the Forum is currently closed, but we invite you to apply for our next call for projects in spring 2024.

Journalist: We invite you to submit your accreditation request on the dedicated press platform before October 27.

Request your accreditation

Please note that due to capacity and security reasons, attendance at the Paris Peace Forum 2023 cannot be guaranteed to all applicants.

What can I do at the annual Forum?

Join a unique Forum that puts international coordination and collective intelligence on the international agenda, gathering both heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, as well as actors of civil society with the shared interest and goal of solving current challenges.

Actively contribute to reveal, understand, and foster the solutions to challenges that know no borders.

Discover 60 innovative projects led by organizations from around the world, as well as flagship initiatives by coalitions of hybrid actors.

Attend numerous debates that focus on bringing solutions rather than discussing problems, with high level speakers such as international leaders, representatives of multilateral agencies, experts, and committed stakeholders.

Meet the key actors of global governance and interact with leaders of international companies and foundations.

Who can take part in the annual Forum as a participant?

All global coordination actors whose interest and action address a contemporary transnational challenge are invited to participate in the annual Forum:

States
International organizations
NGOS
Companies
Foundations
Philanthropic organizations
Development agencies
Religious groups
Non-profit organizations
Universities
Civil society as a whole

What does it mean to take part in the annual Forum as a participant?

Taking part in the Forum as a participant gives you the opportunity to discover innovative solutions that tackle global challenges, meet project leaders from all over the world, interact in debates, and exchange with thousands of participants.

Where can I find the 2023 Forum's program of debates?

The annual Forum’s program offers consists of numerous multi-stakeholder sessions on key topics.

In addition to the classic debate sessions, the 6th edition will offer alternative interactive formats, such as round tables, workshops, breakout sessions and a crisis simulation exercise.

The debate formats are designed to bring participants together and foster direct interaction between political actors, citizens, and all stakeholders involved in finding and implementing solutions to these global challenges.

Stay tuned! The program of the 2023 edition will be announced very soon.

Where can I find the 2023 Forum's list of speakers?

The annual Forum brings together several hundred renowned speakers and moderators from all over the world: Heads of state and government, leaders of international and regional organizations, philanthropists, representatives of NGOs, CEOs, personalities and experts, as well as actors of civil society.

You can already discover some of our headliners for the 2023 edition.

Stay tuned! The complete list of speakers for the 2023 edition will be announced very soon.

What is the address of the 2023 Forum?

The address of this year’s annual Forum is:

Palais Brongniart
16 Pl. de la Bourse
75002 Paris
France

>> Check the Palais Brongniart’s website to see a map of the venue and access information.

Do I have to pay to attend the Paris Peace Forum?

No, participation in the annual Forum is free.

Traveling and lodging costs will remain at your expense.

Can I give my invitation to someone else?

No. Your invitation is strictly personal and nontransferable. Please note, for those participating in Paris that you will be asked for identification upon arrival and that ID checks may take place at any time during the event.

I will not be able to come to Paris in November. Can I still attend the Paris Peace Forum remotely?

If you can’t join us in Paris on 10 and 11 November, you can follow the sessions of the 2023 Paris Peace Forum live from our Youtube channel.

The 2023 event

The 2023 Forum

Seeking Common Ground in a World of Rivalry

The speakers

with the participation of:

The projects

Useful information