Conference sessions now online

We are thankful for all those who joined us for what was a series of dynamic conversations relating to the current Architecture for Peace and what we envision a new/evolved Architecture for Peace could be. We appreciate all of the dialog that took place last weekend and that is continuing to ripple outward in our peace-centred communities.  We… Continue Reading Conference sessions now online

Maude Stephany

November 3, 2026: Bob Rae on What Direction for Canada after Davos?

On the evening of November 3, 2026, the Honourable Bob Rae will give the Edith Holtom Peace Lecture at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. His topic will be: What Direction for Canada after Davos?  Until recently Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae is the former Interim Leader of the federal Liberal Party and previously served… Continue Reading November 3, 2026: Bob Rae on What Direction for Canada after Davos?

Maude Stephany

Richard Sandbrook on Nonviolent Civil Defence: G78 Webinar on November 10, 2026

On November 10, 2026 at 1 pm Eastern, the Group of 78 will interview Richard Sandbrook about his new book entitled “The Citizens’ Guide to Nonviolent Defence: How Canadians Can Deter Invasion, Defeat Tyranny and Build Democracy.” Richard Sandbrook is an Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto and Vice-President of Science for Peace. “The… Continue Reading Richard Sandbrook on Nonviolent Civil Defence: G78 Webinar on November 10, 2026

Maude Stephany

The Peace Train is Coming to Ottawa on October 29-31!

Peace Train Canada is a civil society organization working “to inspire our country to recommit to the ways of diplomacy and non-violent conflict resolution for enduring security and well-being at home and abroad.” The organization is urging the Government of Canada “to establish and fund a Centre of Excellence for Peace and Justice focused on research, education, and… Continue Reading The Peace Train is Coming to Ottawa on October 29-31!

Maude Stephany

Robin Collins: How Optimists Triumph and Change Happens

On October 1, 2026, Canadian Leadership for Nuclear Disarmament presented longtime disarmament activist Robin Collins with the 2026 CLND Annual Achievement Award. As part of this event, Robin gave the keynote lecture entitled How Optimists Triumph and Change Happens. The lecture examined three global threats—nuclear war, the Covid pandemic and the climate crisis—and “why commitment to our common… Continue Reading Robin Collins: How Optimists Triumph and Change Happens

Maude Stephany

Canadian Pugwash: Canada Should Expand, Not Retreat from, UN Peacekeeping

On October 11, 2026, the Canadian Pugwash Group published a public statement calling “on the Government of Canada to reconsider the planned drawdown and develop a renewed Canadian peacekeeping strategy backed by meaningful expansion of personnel, resources and diplomatic leadership. This is a moment,” the group wrote, “for Canada to recommit to multilateral peace and security—not retreat from… Continue Reading Canadian Pugwash: Canada Should Expand, Not Retreat from, UN Peacekeeping

Maude Stephany

Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

On October 9, 2026, the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo announced the winner of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize: South African-born jurist and former UN human rights chief Navanethem (Navi) Pillay “for her efforts to promote peace and international law.” Ms. Pillay, now 85, and who defended an imprisoned Nelson Mandela and recently led international commissions on Israel’s… Continue Reading Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

Maude Stephany

Reinventing the Architecture for Peace: 100+ G78 Conference Participants Recommit to Opposing Rampant Militarization, Strengthening the Rule of Law and International Institutions, and Rebuilding Peace from the Ground Up

Convening on the heels of the announcement that South African jurist Navi Pillay had won the Nobel Peace Prize, and energized by a rich lineup of superb keynote speakers and panelists, more than 100 participants in the room and online at the 2026 G78 policy conference at the University of Ottawa came together to share perspectives and plan… Continue Reading Reinventing the Architecture for Peace: 100+ G78 Conference Participants Recommit to Opposing Rampant Militarization, Strengthening the Rule of Law and International Institutions, and Rebuilding Peace from the Ground Up

Maude Stephany

Policy Professionals, Civil Society, & Youth

One of the things that makes our Annual Policy Conference so wonderful is the way in which we are able to bring together seasoned policy professionals, civil society, and engaged youth. We do this through our Student Rapporteur program, which selects some of the area’s best who are studying International Relations at Carleton University and the University of… Continue Reading Policy Professionals, Civil Society, & Youth

Maude Stephany

Women’s Peacebuilding Strategies Panel Discussion at Conference

In addition to our three keynote speakers (Peggy Mason, Dan Smith, and Lloyd Axworthy), there will be two panel discussions during the Reinventing the Architecture for Peace Conference. The Women’s Peacebuilding Strategies: Experiences on the Ground, Lessons for Policy panel will take place the morning of Saturday October 10. The conversation will be hosted and moderated by G78… Continue Reading Women’s Peacebuilding Strategies Panel Discussion at Conference

Maude Stephany