The international post-war order faces mounting challenges as a growing number of states pursue narrow national interests at the expense of shared agreements and multilateral frameworks. Simultaneously, the institutions mandated to safeguard international peace and security are struggling to adequately represent the growing diversity of voices within the international community. These pressures are compounded by the climate crisis, global pollution and the loss of biodiversity, which deepen the vulnerabilities of political communities worldwide. Against this backdrop, the conference examines whether and how international peace strategies can be adapted to meet the demands of a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
Programme
16 November 2026
17:30 – 18:00
Reception, registration & welcome
18:00 – 18:10
Official opening: Welcome address by the Rector Peter Riedler of the University of Graz
18:10 – 18:30
Welcome addresses: Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner and Mayor of the City of Graz Elke Kahr
18:30 – 18:40
Welcome address by the Dean Gabriele Schmölzer
18:40 – 18:55
Presentation of the vision of the Graz Peace Dialogues: Maximilian Lakitsch and Jürgen Pirker
18:55 – 20:00
Keynote Speech by Milja Kurki (Aberystwyth University)
20:00 – 22:00
Reception hosted by the City of Graz
17 November 2026
08:45-09:00
Arrival
09:00-11:00
Panel 1: Pursuing Peace in times of multipolar power politics
Panelists
Cedric de Coning (Norwegian Institute of International Affairs)
Mateja Peter (University of St. Andrews)
Sandra Pogodda (University of Manchester)
Moderation: Bendedikt Harzl (University of Graz)
11:00-11:15
Introduction Peace of Art
11:15-12:30
Coffee Break, Art of Peace, and Networking Space “Peace Agora”
12:30-13:30: Lunch Break
13:30-15:30
Panel 2: Reconsidering UN Peace Operations
Panelists
Marsha Henry (Queen’s University Belfast)
Judith Vorrath (German Institute for International and Security Affairs, SWP)
Anna Jarstad (University of Uppsala)
Moderation: Lisa Heschl (University of Graz)
15:30-16:00
Recap by Erika de Wet (University of Graz)
16:00-16:15
Closing remarks from the Organisation Team
Experts and Speakers
Cedric de Coning
(Norwegian Institute of International Affairs)
Benedikt Harzl
(University of Graz)
Marsha Henry
(London School of Economics and Political Science)
Lisa Heschl
(University of Graz)
Eva-Maria Holzleitner
(Federal Minister)
Anna Jarstad
(University of Uppsala)
Elke Kahr
(Mayor of Graz)
Milja Kurki
(Aberystwyth University)
Maximilian Lakitsch
(University of Graz)
Mateja Peter
(University of St. Andrews)
Jürgen Pirker
(University of Graz)
Sandra Pogodda
(University of Manchester)
Nicole Pruckermayr
(Artist)
Peter Riedler
(Rector University of Graz)
Gabriele Schmölzer
(University of Graz)
Bella Volen
(Artist)
Judith Vorrath
(Deutsches Institut für Internationale Politik und Sicherheit)
Erika De Wet
(University of Graz)
What it is about…
These developments have fundamental implications for international peace. Armed conflicts are being drawn into the dynamics of an emerging multipolar order. Against this backdrop, international initiatives aimed at resolving armed conflicts are focusing increasingly on risk management rather than on addressing underlying causes. Tellingly, the number of armed conflicts has reached a new record high in each of the past three years.
Sustaining Peace in a Changing International Environment
International Conference
16-17 November 2026, University of Graz
The international order that emerged in the aftermath of the Second World War is currently experiencing significant challenges. A number of powerful states are increasingly pursuing their objectives through military means and diplomatic or economic coercion, rather than through long-term multilateral cooperation. At the same time, institutions mandated to safeguard international peace and security are struggling to adequately represent the growing diversity of voices within the international community.
The spirit of international cooperation that characterized the post-Cold War era has given way to open competition for regional and global influence. The UN Security Council frequently appears paralyzed, with vetoes and geopolitical rivalries obstructing critical decisions. Meanwhile, human-induced environmental processes are intensifying the dynamics of armed conflict. Climate change, global environmental degradation, and the decline of biodiversity are increasing the vulnerability of political communities worldwide.
The symposium seeks to discuss whether and how the international post-war order can accommodate the current changing environment.
Registration
Registration Deadline: 16 October 2026
Please note that photos and videos will be taken during this event. These may be used for promotional purposes (e.g., on websites, on social media, in press releases). By attending, you consent to being photographed and recorded. If you do not wish to appear in such materials, please inform the event organizer.
Organising Team
Maximilian Lakitsch
Kathrin Maderbacher
Josef Mühlbauer
Ksenia Radchenkova
Graz Peace Dialogues 