rd
THE ESSENTIALS
1 AND 2 OCTOBER 2020
PREVENTING WAR: RESPONDING TO NEW THREATS Publisher: Normandy Region
Copywriting, design, editorial and layout conception: JMLC (Jean-Michel Le Calvez and Thierry Piers)
Photography: Eric Biernacki (Normandy Region), Dominique Hureaux (Maison de la Recherche en Sciences Humaines), Solveig de La Hougue, Mattias Edwall
Printer: La Petite Presse
Print run: 125 copies
Date of publication: December 2020 A note to readers This document is a compilation of summaries of the speeches given at the third edition of the Normandy World Peace Forum. The remarks made during this event do not represent the Normandy Region and do not reflect its position in any way. The summaries are not scientific articles. They include different points of view and key information from each event.
The Normandy World Peace Forum was held in Abbaye aux Dames on 1 and 2 October 2020 on the theme of “Preventing war: responding to new threats”. Encouraging reflection and discussions, this annual event focuses on the future by providing geopolitical experts and representatives of governments, the academic world and civil society with an opportunity to debate. Because of the pandemic, the Forum was held in unprecedented circumstances and many people could not attend. This year, more than any other, we wanted to provide you with a publication which would allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this third edition. Summaries of the conferences, the debates, the interviews and the key events at the Forum have been compiled to help you to feel as if you attended this event, organised by the Normandy Region.
The Normandy World Peace Forum in a few figures: 6,000 visitors and audience members, including 3,400 young people, who enjoyed conferences and debates, exhibitions, workshops and the other key events of this edition 122 panellists from 34 countries attended in person or via video, 30 partners contributed to debates or were present in the Village for Peace, sharing a single objective: raising awareness about how to prevent conflict and build peace 85,000 views of the videos broadcast live on the Normandy for Peace and Normandy Region Facebook pages
We hope you enjoy reading this document and look forward to seeing you next year! The Normandy Region
Watch the recordings of the Forum’s plenary conferences and find out the latest news from Normandy for Peace throughout the year on normandiepourlapaix.fr/en
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 3 CONTENTS
BARBARA HENDRICKS PAYS TRIBUTE TO MEDICAL STAFF...... 6
OPENING SPEECH OF HERVÉ MORIN, PRESIDENT OF THE NORMANDY REGION, FORMER FRENCH MINISTER OF DEFENCE...... 7 - 11
P.12 THE PLENARY CONFERENCES
1. REASONS FOR ANGER: THE SOCIAL, DEMOCRATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FACING PEACE...... 14 - 21 ON THE SPOT...... 22
2. WOMEN AND PEACE-BUILDING: ELLE AT THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM ...... 23 - 28 ON THE SPOT...... 29
3. TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTIONS: FOR BETTER OR FOR WAR?...... 32 - 36 ON THE SPOT...... 37
P.38 THE DEBATES
IMAGINING TOMORROW’S WORLD
AFTER THE PANDEMIC: THE POST COVID-19 WORLD?...... 40 - 42
AMAZONIA: A GLOBAL ISSUE...... 43 - 45
FREEDOM IN A TIME OF CRISIS ...... 46 - 48 GLOBAL CHALLENGES, LOCAL RESPONSES: WHAT SOLUTIONS FOR THE CLIMATE?...... 49 - 51
WATER DIPLOMACY: SHARING BLUE GOLD...... 52 - 54
4 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS CONTENTS
RECONSIDERING THOSE WHO WORK FOR PEACE THE EU ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE: WHAT RESULTS?...... 55 - 57
CHILDHOOD IN CONFLICT...... 58 - 60
WHICH FUTURE FOR MULTILATERALISM AND THE UN?...... 61 - 63 THE SAHEL: REGIONAL INITIATIVES FOR PEACE AND SECURITY?...... 64 - 66
WHAT IS AN ALLIANCE WORTH TODAY?...... 67 - 69
EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL DIVISIONS
ETHIOPIA, A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR AFRICA?...... 70 - 72
(IM)BALANCED GLOBAL ECONOMIES...... 73 - 75
THE MIDDLE EAST: REBUILDING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES...... 76 - 78
RESTORING TRUST?...... 79 - 81
ASIAN DYNAMICS IN A TIME OF CRISIS ...... 82 - 84
THE EVENING EVENTS
SCREENING OF THE DOCUMENTARY ‘‘THE CAVE’’ Revealing a subterranean story...... 85 - 87
LITERARY EVENING | WRITERS AND PEACE Writing for peace...... 88 - 89
ACHIEVEMENTS
Parliamentarians for Peace ...... 90
THE NORMANDY INDEX to assess the threats to peace and democracy around the world...... 91
FREEDOM PRIZE on behalf of Loujain Al-Hathloul and all her sisters...... 92 - 93
In a nutshell...... 94 Acknowledgements...... 95
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 5 © Mattias Edwall © Mattias
CONCERT
The third edition of the Normandy World Peace AN Forum was an emotional one. There was real emotion at being able to meet up (while ensuring compliance EMOTIONAL with strict health and safety requirements) after OPENING months of lockdown. There was real emotion at being able to discuss peace and the current state EVENT of the world, just a few days after fighting began in Nagorno-Karabakh. And there was real emotion at being able to welcome even more young people than in previous editions while encouraging them to take action and to get involved.
Barbara Hendricks pays tribute to medical staff The 2020 Normandy World Peace Forum opened on 30 September with an emotionally charged concert. After the concert began with the opening act Strange O’Clock, a local group from Coutances, Barbara Hendricks and her Blues Band put on a thrilling show in Abbaye aux Dames for medical staff from Normandy. This concert was organised for medical staff involved in the fight against Covid-19 and was an opportunity to pay tribute to their brave service throughout this pandemic. In their honour, the world-famous singer sang “The Road to Freedom”. The brilliance of Barbara Hendricks and her musicians transported the concert-goers to the United States of the 1950s and 60s, to the heart of the struggle for civil rights. Among the blues songs which were performed and the excerpts from speeches by activists which were quoted by the artist, the lyrics of one song were particularly striking: “keep your eyes on the prize, hold on”. A powerful message for all medical staff.
6 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS OPENING SPEECH
HERVÉ MORIN, PRESIDENT OF THE NORMANDY REGION, FORMER FRENCH MINISTER OF DEFENCE
Ladies and gentlemen, ministers, ambassadors and presidents, thank you all for being here, despite the current circumstances in which we find ourselves. Normandy for Peace was created four years ago and I must say that opening this event always evokes real emotion. An emotionally charged Forum There is the emotion of knowing that here today. Thank you to the teams of we will address some of the most teachers and head teachers for their serious issues facing mankind during commitment throughout the year to this two-day event: life, death, self- developing educational programmes sacrifice, the disruption of the natural inspired by this Normandy World order of things, displaced populations, Peace Forum. Normandy for Peace is violations of human and women’s an event which is particularly focused rights, threats to democracy. on the younger generations. You are I am moved to see so many young its custodians. faces here in this room. Normally, we welcome veterans who spend time ‘‘You are the successors to our with students from our region, but the veterans, those young men who remaining eyewitnesses of the events were not much older than you of 6 June cannot be with us today because of the risk to their health. when they came to our beaches I am sure that they were willing to on a June morning in 1944 to brave the danger of the virus: after liberate our country and to landing on Omaha and Utah in a hail restore European democracy.’’ of machine-gun fire and surviving, this virus must seem an unlikely threat. In Although thousands died, many any case, we are thinking of them and were lucky enough to survive, to their families. recount their comrades’ extraordinary But many young people have come bravery and to share a message
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 7 both of freedom and, perhaps even more global, with more guests, more more importantly, a message of workshops and more debates. I would responsibility. Just like the flame of also like to thank all of our media resistance, you must ensure that the partners who have been closely flame of the heroes of 1944 is never involved in this two-day programme. extinguished. We wanted to make progress towards Collaboration at the heart peace, following in the footsteps of great Normans who were driven by of Normandy for Peace questions of democracy and freedom, I am moved and proud to be able including Tocqueville, whose words to speak on this occasion. I was are still so modern today, Bernardin elected as President of the reunified de Saint-Pierre and his treaty of Normandy Region just over five perpetual peace, Aristide Briand, the years ago; my colleague and friend pilgrim of peace, and Pierre Mendès- François-Xavier Priollaud and I had the France, who rejected colonialism. We, crazy idea of creating a world forum in turn, have paved the way so that which would be a key event, focusing future generations will be able to on security, stability and sustainable continue on the same path. development. I would really like to thank him in front of you all. We have ‘‘Ladies and gentlemen, there is succeeded thanks to his energy and no time to waste when it comes his intelligence; François-Xavier, thank to building peace.’’ you so much for everything you have done. Even this year, despite the pandemic, I wanted Normandy for Peace to Normandy for Peace is still here. We contribute to this fight and it certainly have adapted to the rules currently has; we can be proud of that fact. in force and as François-Xavier Every year, our Forum becomes Priollaud and Frédérique Bedos have bigger, stronger, more intense and said, nothing would have caused us to cancel this event. I would therefore like to thank the organisers. Thank you to all of the people who have made this programme possible; in particular, I would like to thank two great academics, Nicole Gnesotto and Bertrand Badie, who have shared their learned thoughts with us as we developed this project. Thank you for your work, despite these very unusual circumstances. Lastly, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank the Forum’s hundred officials, many of whom are volunteers and who contribute to the success of this event. In particular, I would like to
8 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS issue and a cause which is particularly close to Nicolas Hulot’s heart. It has become a truism. Donald Trump is probably the only global leader who does not acknowledge it; it is almost as if the visor of his cap prevents him from seeing what the future holds. I would like to let my dear friends Nicolas Hulot and Yann Arthus- Bertrand know that the Normandy Region is fully committed to this issue and has created a regional Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This regional initiative thank the Europe and International includes the finest researchers and Department, led by Julie Miclot. academics in our region; they will When I left the Normandy Region’s deliver their conclusions and findings headquarters yesterday at 11.30pm, I in December and we will then develop could see that their offices were lit up policies which are tailored to our and that they were still in the process region. of organising this event, so I must Violent climatic phenomena, thank the Region’s teams and all of diminishing water resources, the departments which have provided desertification and climate support. Really, thank you. catastrophes all result in human tragedies. Ladies and gentlemen, Ladies and gentlemen, you will have since 2008, it is estimated that an noticed that this year’s theme focuses average of 25 million people have on new threats, including climatic, been displaced every year as a result social and technological threats; these of climatic events; this is two to negative external factors contribute three times the number of displaced to growth which often disregards both persons caused by armed conflicts mankind and the environment. and violence. Displacement linked to global warming is three times more ‘‘This focus on threats reflects common than displacement caused our initial and unchanging by wars and crises. This is equivalent, objective: to understand war to ladies and gentlemen, to a third of better build peace.’’ France’s population having to leave their homes every year. I would like to add that the people who The far-reaching suffer because of climate change are consequences of climate the least responsible for it because they are often also the poorest. change Half of the population living in what A few words, if I may, on one of the are described as low-lying coastal subjects on which we are going to areas, those at risk of being flooded focus: environmental threats. As we in the short term, live in the poorest know, the climate threat is a crucial countries in the world.
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 9 ‘‘Women, children and obligation to preserve and to protect multilateralism. There is indigenous groups are forced also a particular issue which must to leave their homes, the places be resolved quickly: ensuring that in which they live: this is the the status of climate refugees is human cost and the profound recognised around the world and injustice of climate change.’’ by the United Nations, since it is inevitable that there will be several hundred million of them by 2050. These climate-displaced persons The Geneva Convention does not are experiencing and will continue consider environmentally displaced to experience a new hell on earth. persons, if I may use that expression, Of course, they lose their security to be asylum seekers because nobody but they are also cut off from their is persecuting them but we must culture, their land and sometimes their quickly respond to this legal void civilisation. which prevents these newly displaced Forced to flee by the planet’s persons from being welcomed with changing climate, these marginalised dignity and within a legal framework. populations must find a new place in which to live while facing overwhelmingly hostile reactions from ‘‘Efforts to protect the their new neighbours. This can lead to environment are also efforts to internal and civil conflict, if it occurs ensure peace.’’ within a single country, or international conflict, if climate refugees have had Social balance, a breeding to cross borders. Although these may initially begin as civil wars, they draw ground for peace in both neighbouring states and major The example of environmental threats powers. We very quickly move from shows that security in the traditional local to regional and from regional to sense is not enough to guarantee international, from displacement for peace. I am convinced, and let me climate reasons to military conflicts remind you that I am talking to you as and even ethnic persecution. This is what the future of our planet currently holds. Although there are many reasons for its current situation, Darfur is a good example: grazing land is becoming desert, wells are drying up, and pastoralist societies are forced to move and to complete with other farming communities for access to and control of the remaining grazing land and water points. Ladies and gentlemen, in addition to the fight against global warming and compliance with the Paris agreements, there is a pressing
10 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS the former French Minister of Defence, Women: victims of war, that military spending, which is increasing significantly, is not the best builders of peace way forward, with nations spending I would just like to conclude by so much on weapons in an attempt to speaking about women’s lives, a ensure their tranquillity and security. subject which will be one of the highlights of our debates. Given the ‘‘Security must be interlinked rise of internal and civil conflicts, tens with sustainable development, and probably hundreds of thousands health and respect for age-old of women are victims of these wars, social structures, all of which although sometimes invisible and often silent. It was important for us contribute to stability.’’ to shine a spotlight on women’s lives and I am thrilled that the winner of the We must encourage countries to Freedom Prize is, once again, a woman invest in knowledge, to lead the who campaigns for human rights. fight against ignorance rather than focusing on nuclear weapons and to fight for schools and universities ‘‘Women are victims but they rather than military camps. also help to change laws and We must remember this number: 1% constitutions.’’ of global military spending is spent on It is widely acknowledged that Tunisia’s development, a mere 20 billion dollars survival is linked to the central role or so. 20 billion dollars, I saw this played by women in Tunisian society. morning, is double Niger’s GDP and it is equivalent to Mali’s GDP. As such, I would like to conclude by addressing a short message of When discussing stability and security friendship and fraternity to a man in the Sahel, it is easy to see that who attended this two-day event of although France’s military presence debates and discussions last year: was vital to avert a tragedy in 2013, Denis Mukwege, the winner of the the same presence prevents the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 and a development of a model which would staunch defender of women’s rights. ensure that inhabitants have access Because he has raised awareness to education, healthcare and security, of the threats to women in the requiring minimum protection. This Democratic Republic of Congo, his life would be the best choice and the best is now at risk as well. Denis, we support way to ensure the balance of these you and your fight. nations and their ability to embark upon development and prosperity. This And with these words, ladies and should therefore be a central issue, gentlemen, I will now leave you to addressed by the United Nations: enjoy the debates and the discussions countries could reduce military of this event. Long live Normandy, of spending by a small amount to invest course, long live France, long live peace it in development and the entire world and security and long live democracy would be much better off. This, ladies which is so severely threatened today. and gentlemen, is the message I Thank you. wanted to share with you this morning.
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 11 12 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS THE PLENARY CONFERENCES
1. REASONS FOR ANGER: THE SOCIAL, DEMOCRATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FACING PEACE 14 - 21 2. WOMEN AND PEACE-BUILDING, ELLE AT THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM 23 - 28 3. TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTIONS: FOR BETTER OR FOR WAR? 32 - 38
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 13 PLENARY CONFERENCE at Sciences Po suggested amore responsibility.” The professor emeritus the case. Today, itismankind’s of governments. This isno longer Peace used to be the responsibility back, everything must be changed! create tomorrow’s world: donot hold to address the students who will his speech. “Inparticular, Iwould like set the tone for the morning during United Nations (UN),Bertrand Badie FACING PEACE FACING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES CHALLENGES ENVIRONMENTAL 1 14 | 14 1 Guterres After avideo message from António society. if not instigated by governments, mustbebrought about by civil a central idea: the idea of the need for profound change which, featuring various speakers and round tables, focused on The first conference atthe Normandy World Peace Forum, change! Citizens want AND DEMOCRATIC SOCIAL, THE REASONS FOR ANGER: Watch the video on normandiepourlapaix.fr/en st conference | Thursday, October 1|9.30am •12.45pm |Salle plénière THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS 1 , Secretary-General of the insecurity inthe face of oppression of which lead to poverty or individual insecurity and economic insecurity, all food insecurity, environmental world’s agenda. This suffering includes international relations and drives the in the suffering which dictates our peace no longer lies instrategy but essence of the dialectic of war and ordering humanity.” Inhis view, the two wars: “a social order or away of between period to the be considered current definition of peace, once Denis Cheissoux and Pascal Perrineau PLENARY CONFERENCES 1. REASONS FOR ANGER: THE SOCIAL, DEMOCRATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FACING
CONFERENCE OPENING : • Hervé Morin, President of Normandy Region, former Defence Minister, France OPENING (VIDEO) : • António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations MODERATORS : • Denis Cheissoux, Journalist, France Inter • Frédérique Bedos, Producer, Director, Founder of the Humble Heroes Project NGO • François-Xavier Priollaud, Vice-President of Normandy Region SPEAKERS : • Antonio Oposa Jr, Leader of the Normandy Chair for Peace, lawyer for environmental rights • Bertrand Badie, University Professor, Sciences Po Bertrand Badie • Enrico Letta, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po Paris ; Former Prime Minister of Italy (2013-2014) ; President of Jacques Delors Institute “The world is no longer dictated • Pascal Perrineau, Politist and professor by politics but by social issues. (Sciences Po), former CEO of the CEVIPOF • Niagalé Bagayoko, President - African Cannons cannot do anything Security Sector Network to failing societies. A policy of • Arnaud Fontanet, Professor - Institut Pasteur / Cnam peace can only be built on the • Jane Goodall, Dame of the British Empire restoration of social justice and (DBE), Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace through a new international humanism.” video in the presence of Galitt Kenan, Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Bertrand Badie France • Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Photographer, and dictatorship. In fact, peace Director and President of the GoodPlanet Foundation presupposes human solidarity, which • Nicolas Hulot, Honorary President, Nicolas must be set against the challenges Hulot Foundation posed by social suffering, which • Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary general of creates fear. La Francophonie • David Boyd, United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and the The causes of disorder environment Picking up on the subject of human suffering, Niagalé Bagayoko post-colonial governance, which is discussed the situation in Africa, seen as lacking when it comes to which is affected by more than just education, development, urbanisation jihadism. She detailed self-defence and more. She also mentioned local movements, community-based systems which are totally outside the militias and popular uprisings. In her control of governments in the region. view, this multidimensional violence Together with the pressure on natural should lead to a reassessment of resources, these tensions generate
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 15 PLENARY CONFERENCES 1. REASONS FOR ANGER: THE SOCIAL, DEMOCRATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FACING large-scale migratory phenomena: there are one million people displaced in Burkina Faso alone. The president of the African Security Sector Network said that she feels that “the priority in Africa is to import security.” Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of La Francophonie, spoke of turbulence around the world. This organisation counts fifty-four governments and nations as full members and thirty- four governments and nations as observers (including some in Africa) Frédérique Bedos and François-Xavier Priollaud which all share the French language. She said that citizens no longer feel Arnaud Fontanet replied that that they are being listened to and Covid-19 has “simultaneously shown know how to make clever use of digital the worst and the best of human technology to express their discontent: beings.” The worst has been seen “in the most remote corners of the with national selfishness regarding Francophone world, people know masks and testing and the best has how to communicate this anger. We been demonstrated by incredibly need to sit down and listen to these committed medical staff and citizens and explain how to engage in remarkable individual solidarity. The a dialogue with them.” professor at the Pasteur Institute recommended a preventative approach with better coordination across Europe, particularly when it comes to testing. He also emphasised the need to oblige countries to declare health crises as soon as they break out, as has been the case since SARS 2, given that time is key when it comes to limiting a virus’ spread. Galitt Kenan said that the destruction
Louise Mushikiwabo
The pandemic: a catalyst When asked what the pandemic Galitt Kenan has revealed about our behaviour,
2 Infectious lung disease which first appeared in China in November 2002
16 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS PLENARY CONFERENCES 1. REASONS FOR ANGER: THE SOCIAL, DEMOCRATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FACING of forests and natural areas at a welcomed by the audience with long frightening rate creates the perfect applause. Cleverly combining passion conditions for zoonoses to develop. and reasoning, Nicolas Hulot analysed Scientists estimate that 60 to 70% the reasons behind international of the viruses which affect humans anger. “The situation has changed: are linked to wildlife. Dr Jane Goodall globalisation has connected the world agreed with this in a video message. but has not created any real bonds. The audience was impressed by this Technology has helped everyone anthropologist, renowned for her to learn about inequalities and to wisdom and her tenacious approach realise that their opportunities and to defending animals. their quality of life largely depend on where they are born and the family in Defenders of the earth which they grow up. In addition to the who “take action” suffering which has been previously The contributions of Nicolas Hulot mentioned, I will cite another issue: and Yann Arthus-Bertrand were humiliation.”
Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Nicolas Hulot Messages to the younger generations
Both Yann Arthus-Bertrand and is the rule we set for ourselves. “Our Nicolas Hulot urged the young people society conditions us to be tempted in attendance not to resign themselves, by a certain number of rather futile despite the scope of the challenges which desires which make us disregard the face them. The two men encouraged beauty and the essentials of our lives. young people to “take action” and “to I have children who are your age and, commit” to making the world a better while I understand your generation’s place and, in a way, to make up for the attachment to screens, I encourage “excesses” of previous generations, for you not to spend most of your time which they admit responsibility. Nicolas in front of them. Understand how to Hulot humbly advised them to consider resist this society of consumerism and the word “freedom”; its meaning is often addiction, take control and do not let distorted as “an absence of rules and others manipulate you into compulsive limits”. Yet, etymologically, freedom consumer spending.”
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 17 PLENARY CONFERENCES 1. REASONS FOR ANGER: THE SOCIAL, DEMOCRATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FACING
“It is unacceptable to learn that a bottle of Coca-Cola can be delivered to a remote village but not malaria treatment. Choosing cooperation rather than predation is no longer an option in a world in which inequalities are visible and growing. No one can hope to live in peace as long as these inequalities persist.” Nicolas Hulot
the activist photographer advocated a focus on the striatum, a part of the brain which pushes us to “always want Nicolas Hulot more”. He encouraged everyone to take action, because “action makes Nicolas Hulot said that he believes you happy”. Citizen activism can that the climate crisis is an injustice reduce the causes of climate change and a humiliation too many for tens by up to 30%. Although this is a of millions of people every year. They significant statistic, Yann Arthus- are suffering the consequences of Bertrand asked Nicolas Hulot why it is a phenomenon which they have not so difficult for politicians to transform caused, in a world in which 1% of the “words into action”. The former French richest people have double the wealth Minister for the Ecological Transition of 92% of the global population. and Solidarity mentioned the “The time has come to accept contradictory pressures under which our responsibilities.” Yann Arthus- Bertrand responded by highlighting society’s growing concern about the climate “which will never go back to how it was before”, according to scientists. This situation worries people of all ages who are searching for direction. Despite this situation,
“I am one of those who has lived through the tyranny of growth and who made the world what it has become. I would like to apologise to younger generations for this.”
Yann Arthus-Bertrand Yann Arthus-Bertrand
18 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS PLENARY CONFERENCES 1. REASONS FOR ANGER: THE SOCIAL, DEMOCRATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FACING decision-makers find themselves. “It less regulated and more explosive is very difficult to focus on two things than in the past. Agreeing with at once: recognising the urgency of Antonio Gramsci’s definition that “a the moment and anticipating issues crisis occurs when the old world dies in some ten or twenty years’ time. and the new world hesitates to be When you try to concentrate on both, born”, he described the emergence of you end up confused.” Today, the “monsters” between these two stages, difficulty of the democratic exercise monsters which attack democratic lies in putting decisions into practice. rule and the rule of law, even in Europe. “We know what to do, but we do not The Sciences Po professor referred to know how to do it, we do not have a tag by the Gilet Jaune movement a method.” He recommended the in France: “we do not want to talk any principle of “irreversibility” to avoid more”. But how can we envisage a backtracking and the principle of new peaceful world without talking? “progressiveness” to organise this This reinforces the old idea that change and to ensure that no one is democracy is incompatible with any left behind. “When I was a minister, form of representation by politicians. we banned the use of neonicotinoids, pesticides which kill bees. It is one “The suffering mentioned this thing to ban a product, it is another to morning can bring about both worry about the social consequences good and bad things.” of this ban on certain agricultural Pascal Perrineau sectors. However, since nothing has been done to find alternatives, we are at an impasse three years later, particularly when it comes to the beetroot industry.’’ Nicolas Hulot finished by lamenting the fact that lobbies and financial and economic bodies are decimating the power conferred on the political sphere by democratic principles. Analysis of social anger Pascal Perrineau made a rather worrying observation: democracy seems to reaching the end of the Pascal Perrineau road, as demonstrated by the record abstention rates observed at each election. “The opponents who continue In Pascal Perrineau’s view, the workers to invest in political parties are no and employees who were involved longer there to govern but rather to in the industrial era (which is in the say no to the system as it is today. process of disappearing) have the This global phenomenon is fuelling feeling of being left behind today. This waves of populism.” This change also leads to political dissent. The political affects social movements which are scientist predicted three scenarios
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 19 PLENARY CONFERENCES 1. REASONS FOR ANGER: THE SOCIAL, DEMOCRATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES FACING to “put an end to the crisis”. The first which he strongly supports, would would be a return to authoritarian involve “democratising democracy” regimes. In France, one person in or, in other words, coming up with a three approves of the idea of a strong new and more “participatory” kind of and fortuitous man who comes to governance which goes beyond mere power without any elections or the “consultative” democracy. support of the French parliament, an outcome which is particularly An Erasmus scheme for popular among young people. The young people second would be a technocratic society, able to run a country in place Enrico Letta mentioned the intolerable of governments which have proved gulf between “our institutions 1.0 and themselves incapable of managing our personal and professional lives the world’s complexity. The third, 5.0”. He said that although he believes
Advocating for a climate of change
Antonio Oposa, holder of the Normandy Chair for Peace, is a pioneering activist barrister who works in Asia and specialises in environmental rights. Originally from the Philippines, he became a world-renowned figure after winning the first case against his government on behalf of future generations.
“We will have peace on Earth when we because of their scarcity: the water and have peace with the Earth. The things electricity we waste, the materials we which make our lives comfortable consume to excess, the unnecessary today will make us unhappy tomorrow journeys we make. What we are seeing now is climate change. But what we need is a climate of change. Firstly, let us act locally. Let us create food gardens which will meet our food needs and absorb CO2. This will connect us to other humans, nature and ourselves. Then let us share our roads to help people to travel, reducing the role of cars. Let us create pools to collect water too. The environment is everyone’s responsibility. There can be no conflict between nature and business, because the nature of business must be the business of nature.”
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that our lives are better today than they were yesterday, protest is the result of the anguish of uncertainty and change and the inability of leaders to decide on a clear course of action in this globalised world. The former Italian Prime Minister reminded the audience that the European Union has survived 2020 and its health crisis thanks to its recovery plan, which must be an opportunity to come up with new paradigms. He also announced the forthcoming launch of the world’s largest exercise in participatory democracy with a Europe-wide citizens’ consultation on EU governance. The president of the Institut Jacques Delors also mentioned his work to create an Erasmus scheme for all young people, which was met with applause. WALK THE GLOBAL WALK: “Today, only students from the most privileged families have young people joining the opportunity to go abroad. forces to tackle We know that this provides a very useful experience for their climate change CVs and their understanding of The 2019-2020 edition of Walk The Global the world. We are campaigning Walk officially came to an end on Thursday to create a compulsory 1 October during the Normandy World Peace Erasmus scheme lasting a Forum. After a year learning about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in few months and for all young class, 341 secondary school students from people aged 15, 16 and 17, Normandy met up in Caen to demonstrate funded by the European Union. their involvement by taking part in this walk This would also be a great step which departed from the Forum. Since 2017, Walk The Global Walk has forward from a democratic encouraged young people from Europe to point of view.” take an active role in developing a culture Enrico Letta of peace and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly with regard to climate change. In Normandy, this initiative which encourages the involvement of local young people is supported by the regional council and is overseen by the international Institute for Human Rights and peace.
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ON THE SPOT “We have plenty to say” Bastien Cohin, 20 years old, is a 4th year medical student at the University of Caen. He shared his impressions of the plenary conference which opened the Normandy World Peace Forum and which emphasised the role of young people.
Why did you come to the Forum and to this conference in particular? “I came to the Forum with a group of friends who are also studying medicine because the theme of the conference is relevant to our studies. There is an obvious link between health and peace. We are also part of a student organisation, ANEMF1, which focuses on social issues, global health and solidarity. Lastly, we are from Normandy so it seemed sensible to come to a local event with an international scope.” Whose speech most impressed you this morning? “Rather than any one speech in particular, I liked the general tone of the conference with regard to young people: “you are the leaders of tomorrow and however complex the geopolitical, environmental and climate challenges may be, you have plenty to say and you must not be afraid to speak out.” Medical student Bastien Cohin was interviewed as he left the plenary conference on “the social, In practice, what can we do? I liked the democratic and environmental challenges idea of “continuous democracy” for facing peace” which he attended. bringing about change.” In the future, you are probably going inequalities when it comes to access to to become a doctor. How do you hope healthcare, for example, which must be to be able to change things from a tackled. Although I do not have enough professional viewpoint? knowledge or experience to discuss “It is difficult to imagine but I would like Covid-19 from an epidemiological my professional behaviour to reflect point of view, I can see that this global my values and the changing world. pandemic will be a catalyst for profound I am aware of the socio-economic change for our world.”
22 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS PLENARY CONFERENCE PEACE FORUM revolution who were wounded during the Syrian as amedical student with people an “activist for peace” after working woman explained how she became Sharief. From Syria, the young first round table, inspired by Hajer was the subject of the conference’s key processes. peace players in This as victims of war, women are also Although they are always portrayed poignant and striking personal accounts. agreement withone another and thisconference featured powerful, and thought-provoking perspectives. Allof the speakers were in peace. The discussions provided original angles, offering new organised anextended session focusing entirely on women and of women’s role inconflicts, this was the first time that the Forum Although Normandy for Peace has addressed the multiple facets peacemakers Women as 2 ELLE AND PEACE-BUILDING WOMEN nd Laurence Fischer (from behind), Ghada Hatem-Gantzer, Caroline Six and Céline Bardet conference | Thursday, October 1|2.00pm •5.00pm |Salle plénière 1 AT THENORMANDY WORLD . Having founded her THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS international protests. fore itwas suppressed by Bashar al-Assad’s regime, despite initially apeaceful movement, inspired by the Arab Spring, be- 1 suggest that war, peace and power fight against the stereotypes which has been dominated by men. “We decision-making, anarea which women to take anactive role in thirty cities inLibya to encourage provides training courses inabout own NGO Together We Build It,she Beginning in 2011, the ongoing armed conflict in Syria was | 23 | PLENARY CONFERENCES 2. WOMEN AND PEACE-BUILDING are subjects for men.” Hajer Sharief said that she believes that women should be more involved in high-level talks and encourages citizens to move from the role of “kind” observer to that of an active participant in the development of peace. “It is no longer acceptable to keep out of things and to stay quiet. When it comes to our planet and the challenges it face, Hajer Sharief everyone’s voice must be heard. We are all responsible.” Betty Bigombe of war”, stressing that peace must be confirmed this point of view as she built by women, because they have shared her experience of the peace a particular view on the subject and process in South Sudan. However, she because they play a positive role in emphasised that “peace is not the end society. She also mentioned Rwanda as an example, “which experienced a total rebirth after the genocide” OPENING KEYNOTE SPEECH: because of women. Critical of UN 2 • Hervé Morin, President of the Normandy Resolution 1325 (laudable in theory Region but insufficient in practice), Betty • Yann Arthus-Bertrand, photographer, film-maker, president of the GoodPlanet Oyella Bigombe attacked the lack Foundation. Director of the film Woman of resources for women who work for MODERATORS: peace. • Florence Besson, editor-in-chief for diversification at ELLE magazine Rape as a weapon • Aude Le Gentil, journalist at ELLE magazine of war • Caroline Six, journalist at ELLE magazine An excerpt of the film Woman by SPEAKERS: • Fanny Benedetti, executive director of UN Anastasia Mikova and Yann Arthus- Women France Bertrand was shown ahead of the • Hajer Sharief, co-founder of Together We next round table discussion. The Build It audience watched and listened to • Céline Bardet, lawyer and international criminal investigator, specialising in justice the personal accounts of abused and security and raped women who have lived • Laurence Fischer, French ambassador for through wars and conflicts around the sport • Ghada Hatem-Gantzer, president of La world. Caroline Six emphasises the Maison des Femmes de Saint-Denis bravery of these victims who dare to • Marie Leroy, climate expert at CARE speak out at the risk of suffering “a France second punishment”. In addition to the • Delphine O, ambassador, Secretary- General of the Generation Equality Forum barbaric nature of the physical acts • Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, president of the to which they are subjected, they are Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT) often forced to live with the shame • Barbara Hendricks, Lifetime Goodwill of being rejected by their family or Ambassador of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 2 Resolution 1325 calls upon member states to take special • Betty Oyella Bigombe, Special Envoy to the measures to protect women and girls from violence in armed conflicts and to support their participation in peace Uganda Government on the South Sudan negotiations in order to find long-term solutions. Peace Process
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community. How can we break this this does not occur, women are often vicious circle when we know that impregnated by their abusers and are silence ensures that these terrible left to deal with the consequences. acts continue? The Elle journalist took this opportunity to contradict the idea Recovery and resilience that rape has always been a tool with Three women from different which to create collateral damage in backgrounds, all of whom help women war. who have been raped, were given the opportunity to speak. Ghada “In reality, it was at the end of Hatem-Gantzer, a gynaecologist who the 1990s that people began specialises in reconstructive surgery talking about rape as a weapon and female genital mutilation, founded of war. Why? Because this La Maison des Femmes de Seine- abuse, committed in Bosnia Saint-Denis, a model when it comes and in the Democratic Republic to providing care for victims of sexual violence. “Rape is a weapon which is of Congo, became widespread, used to destroy intimacy, whether it was perpetrated with extreme happens during a war or in our homes. violence and was planned by It destroys self-esteem and makes military leaders as part of a individuals feel as if they are empty, political strategy.” dirty, humiliated and condemned Caroline Six to silence. We must work at an international level, as our organisation In Bosnia, what can only be described does; indeed, we welcome migrants as “rape camps” were set up. More who have experienced this terrible recently, ISIS has used manuals to abuse. But we must not forget about enslave Yazidi women. In Burma, rape national efforts,” Ghada Hatem- has been used as a weapon of ethnic Gantzer noted, explaining the complex cleansing against more than 50,000 nature of victim support. “At La Maison women. In Rwanda, ten times as many des Femmes, we take care of women’s women were affected. And there is bodies but we also take care of their no end in sight. Sexual slavery is an minds: psychologists and psychiatrists extremely effective tactic with which help them to deal with trauma, to decimate a society and the UN particularly dissociation. We also offer identified 19 situations of concern in art therapy activities including dance 2018. The purpose of these rapes is and drama to encourage women to destroy women’s genitalia; when to express themselves verbally and
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with their bodies.” Laurence Fisher, a former karate champion and a French ambassador for sport, has become closely involved with this cause. She said that she believes that “since the body is a vehicle for the trauma, the body can also be a vehicle for reconstruction through sport.” She emphasised her support for La Maison des Femmes and confirmed the positive impact of the implemented Delphine O initiatives “which are part of a holistic and multi-disciplinary (see opposite), the subject was environment”. Céline Bardet gave her discussed by Delphine O who was view as a barrister. She founded the thrilled that the little-known subject NGO We are not Weapons of War of “gender and climate” was the focus to raise awareness of the issue of here. Although women are the first rape as a weapon of war, to provide to be affected by food insecurity, legal expertise with which to tackle they are also collateral victims of impunity and to support victims. She it. After a catastrophe caused by stressed the difficulty of providing climate change, the number of forced “proof”, emphasising that this is often marriages increases considerably the victim’s “word”; internationally, because impoverished families need the number of complainants who new income. Today, in developing reach the end of the legal process countries, 60 to 80% of agricultural is infinitesimal. All three women production is carried out by women, agreed to join together to raise public but they receive only 10% of awareness of the issue of recovery and agricultural income. their commitment to fight against this Marie Leroy, climate expert for CARE scourge, which must no longer be an France said that women are better inevitability. placed to find solutions because they are eye witnesses to the damage When women become being done to the natural world. leaders But they are hampered by a lack of This conference also provided an financial resources and training and opportunity to discuss how females their absence from decision-making can lead efforts to build peace processes, both at international and by focusing on the issue of global local levels. warming, the impact of which particularly affects women. In addition Barbara Hendricks’ to Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim’s speech commitment Barbara Hendricks, a world-renowned “Countries in the south are singer and staunch defender of hard hit by the impact of refugees, concluded the conference climate change when they are with a message of hope. As a Lifetime least responsible for it.” Goodwill Ambassador of the United Marie Leroy
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Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, she has lost close friends who have died while defending human rights. For 35 years, she has fought for them and the refugees she has met; these people prevent her from giving up. 80% of refugees are women and children. One woman in particular changed her forever. Barbara Hendricks was in Tanzania after the Rwandan genocide, visiting a centre for malnourished children. There was a mother sitting on the floor, breastfeeding her baby while her other young child was dying by Barbara Hendricks her side. “This mother knew that one of her children was going to die as she continued to feed the other child CONTEXT to save him. Just like her, despite the horror of the situation, we do not have the right to lose hope.” When asked about the impact of Covid-19 on 500,000 women humanitarian aid, Barbara Hendricks were raped in Rwanda during explained that the pandemic has the genocide in 1994 exacerbated the situation for refugees, particularly young girls who are the victims of discrimination and 70 % of non-combatant cannot access education. When asked victims in recent conflicts to address the younger members of have been women and the audience, her tone was particularly children motivational. “You must act so that you are not dependent on others, you have the power and the courage to do so. I am counting on you to rectify Just 5 % of peace process the mistakes of my generation and signatories in the last thirty the generations before us. Our society years were women needs you, as women. Be strong and fight to make it happen.” 35 %. This is the success rate of a peace “As a citizen, I am an agent negotiation led or supported of my own freedom. I want to by women, according to one tell all the young women who study by the International Peace Institute over 20 years are listening to me today that freedom is won by each and every generation.” Barbara Hendricks
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HINDOU OUMAROU IBRAHIM PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND PEOPLES OF CHAD (AFPAT) And the audience rose for a standing ovation! She stepped onto the stage in her shimmering dress, a proud representative of her culture and her country. From her very first words, the audience realised the magnitude of what was happening. Her scathing yet undeniable speech hit home.
“Climate change affects my people’s in forests, the savannah and on small everyday lives. In just a few weeks, islands. Living in harmony with nature temperatures of 50°C lead to for thousands of years has helped us torrential rain which floods our towns to develop age-old knowledge and and villages so that we have to travel skills. We do not have smartphones from one house to another in canoes! to find out what the weather will be But the hardest part comes afterwards like. But my grandmother can always when we suffer from food insecurity. correctly predict the weather by Where I live, there is no electricity, observing the movements of birds, the there are no shops, no pharmacies. behaviour of oxen or the position of The bush is our supermarket! We live the stars. We may not have doctorates but we are experts when it comes to this earth. And this knowledge is very valuable for humanity’s survival! The women in my community are heroines because they manage to find food and drink, despite it all. To help them, we need empathy, we need people to understand what we are going through, to put themselves in our shoes and to take action to make renewable energy accessible. Pity will not solve the problem; instead, you must take action by working with communities like mine who have the knowledge to put an end to this crisis. Indigenous peoples’ knowledge protects more than 80% of the world’s biodiversity! Do not forget that the food at the supermarket comes from the earth which gives us everything. The earth is respected by my people and must be respected by all peoples around the world if we are to put an end to global warming.”
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ON THE SPOT “An inspiring conference” Carine Gendron, 35 years old, is a receptionist at the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum. She recounted the plenary conference on women and peace-building, reminding us how emotionally and intellectually stimulating this type of event can be.
What encouraged you to attend the Forum today and to choose this conference on “Women and peace- building”? “I am originally from Quebec and I was a cultural facilitator in a former life, working with secondary school students to raise awareness of depression. I am particularly interested in everything personal and this element was omnipresent during this conference. My work also taught me about the history of the Second World War. Today, this subject is at the heart of what I do. This Forum was therefore an educational opportunity for me, both personally and professionally. I have learned lots of things. I feel like Carine Gendron, a receptionist, answered the time I spent here was like a day of our questions after attending the plenary continuous professional development! ” conference on “Women and Peace”. Whose speech most impressed you this morning? incredibly impressed by the work of La Maison des Femmes. In short, it was an “Paradoxically, I was most moved excellent conference...” by a man. It was when Yann Arthus- Bertrand was talking about his mother Fundamentally, what will you take and how important she has been to away from this conference? him throughout his life. It was such “I was moved throughout the an enthusiastic and genuine tribute conference. There were many poignant to the role of women. I was also very and enlightening personal accounts, moved by Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim particularly those from victims of war and her speech, which I really liked. She rape. Nevertheless, I was most struck reminded us that as Westerners, we by the positivity of the messages must stop trying to impose our way of shared during this conference. I am not doing things on other people, including an activist or a feminist but it was a when it comes to international aid. pleasure to witness the incredible work We would do better to listen to the of these women who encouraged us people involved so that we can provide to get involved. I was inspired by how them with what they need. I was also motivated the speakers were.”
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 29 PLENARY CONFERENCE 3 OR FOR WAR? FOR BETTER 30 | 30 the use we make of them and that value of technologies depends on intelligence, can we still say that the with the emergence of artificial demonstrated its ambivalence. But dawn of time, every technology has be used to wage war.” Since the and the ways inwhich they can scientific and technological progress focusing on the hopes raised by we are going to take astep back, and environmental suffering. Today, we have focused on social, health conference. explain the fundamentals of this third Nicole Gnesotto perspective. this multi-faceted issue from ageopolitical, ethical and judicial their use for peaceful or military purposes. The speakers analysed technologies widen the field of possibilities, which leads to question Big data, artificial intelligence, facial recognition, cyberspace… A marriageof convenience TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTIONS: rd Dominique Nora, Frédérick Bordry. and Gabriela Ilian Ramos Patino conference |Friday, October 2|9.30am •12.45pm |Salle plénière THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS “In previous conferences was invited to the information technology revolution prevent war. Digital technology and as “excellent” weapons because they they provide. These people see them some people praise the deterrence can destroy humanity inits entirety, potentially monstrous, since they there is agreement that they are are also the subject of debate. While penicillin and GPS. Nuclear weapons and positive innovations, including been the drivers behind extraordinary for use inwar have paradoxically developed the idea that technologies innovation?professorCNAM The humans still control technological PLENARY CONFERENCES 3. TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTIONS: FOR BETTER OR FOR WAR?
are creating a new and fifth theatre of war: “cyberspace”. The difficulty CONFERENCE OPENING: • Hervé Morin, President of Normandy Region, in the future is not so much about former Defence Minister, France the ethical control of technologies, • Gérard Araud, Columnist - Le Point and but the control of the ways in which France Inter they interconnect. This highlights two MODERATORS: underlying issues: their governance • Dominique Nora, Managing Editor - L’Obs and their impact on democracy. • Frédérique Bedos, Producer, Director, Founder of the Humble Heroes Project NGO “Technologies are neutral. • François-Xavier Priollaud, Vice-President of The difference lies in the use Normandy Region SPEAKERS: that humans make of them.” • Nicole Gnesotto, Professor - CNAM, leader of the Chaire Europe, Vice President of Jacques Nicole Gnesotto Delors Institute • Christiane Feral-Schuhl, President of the national Council of Bar organizations • Jean-Marc Vigilant, Director of the War School • Jean-Louis Gergorin, Professor at Political Sciences, Former Vice-President of EADS, former Head of the Center of analysis and prevision of Quai d’Orsay • Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Secretary General of the Council of Europe • Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under- Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs • Frédérick Bordry, CERN - Director of Accelerators and Technology • Gabriela Ilian Ramos Patino, Assistant- Director General for Social and Human Sciences - UNESCO • Salman Shaikh, Founder & CEO - The Shaikh Nicole Gnesotto Group • Catherine Morin-Dessailly, President of the Senate Culture, Education and The digital world and Communications Committee • Thomas Friang, CEO of the Institute Open justice Diplomacy Dominique Nora, the moderator, asked • Véronique Roger-Lacan, French Ambassador Christiane Feral-Schuhl about the – UNESCO • Frédéric de Saint-Sernin, Deputy General new relationship between technology manager, ACTED and former French secretary and human rights from a legal of state for regional development point of view. The President of the • Anilore Banon, Sculptor specialized in monumental works national Council of Bar organizations • Youssef Mejri, Tunisian witness, was a child responded by mentioning the during the revolution widespread adoption of video hearings, an appealing technological development which she nevertheless human element of access to judges. warned against: “Digital technologies The digitisation of a process affects can obviously perform a number of the search for truth because the administrative tasks. On the other human dimension, which is perceptible hand, it is important to maintain the during face-to-face encounters, is
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 31 PLENARY CONFERENCES 3. TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTIONS: FOR BETTER OR FOR WAR? lost in remote situations.” When it comes to open data, she said that although the possibility of accessing all judicial decisions is interesting, she continues to have some reservations, both regarding algorithms and “robot judges” 1. This raises the question of digital sovereignty within a society where, in Christiane Feral-Schuhl’s view, “security and freedom are too Jean-Louis Gergorin often set against one another.” the balance of power in two ways. Defence 3.0 Firstly, by computer intrusion which General Jean-Marc Vigilant shared his can be used to intimidate or to personal experience of the military use neutralise facilities. Western countries of new technologies: “In addition to are increasingly falling victim to hybrid security challenges, which blur these time bombs. A country can the line between war and peace, there also threaten another nation by is also the question of the balance announcing that it is able to cut off its of power.” He also explained that the electricity supply, as was seen during military space is no longer limited the war in Ukraine in 2015 and 2016. to sea, land and air: it also involves Secondly, by strategies of influence by exo-atmospheric space, cyberspace means of the manipulation of digital and the world of information. “These information, as practised by some intangible areas involve risks but authoritarian countries. simultaneously offer opportunities. The escalation observed in these “A country which is grey areas could easily lead to high- dissatisfied with the attitude intensity conflict. We must prepare of another country no longer for it.” Jean-Louis Gergorin explained that digital technologies can change sends a diplomatic message: it organises a cyberattack!”
Jean-Louis Gergorin Fiction serving as inspiration for reality The author of the book Cyber : la guerre permanente (Cyber: the permanent war) explained that “in this uncertain world, the only certainty is that we will be surprised. To prepare for this, we must rely on innovation.” Jean-Marc Vigilant The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has therefore set up an agency 1 In Estonia, an algorithm can issue a judgment for damages for defence innovation. It aims to up to €7,000. This is currently impossible in France because it has been enshrined in the French Justice Reform Act that a attract start-ups and encourage them decision cannot be based 100% on an algorithm. to take an interest in this field. The
32 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS PLENARY CONFERENCES 3. TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTIONS: FOR BETTER OR FOR WAR? question is so important that since “I encourage all young people September 2020, the French Air Force to focus on technology and has been renamed the Air and Space Force. This same agency is inspired by science because there is a science fiction authors: many years real need.” ago, some of them imagined events Frédérick Bordry which are now occurring in today’s cyberspace. Jean-Louis Gergorin explained to an amazed audience that malicious acts involving “ransomware” have increased eightfold over the last three years. Cybercriminal mafia groups have been identified in eastern countries but are “protected” by “a major authoritarian country which can control them”. The speaker concluded: “the matter is therefore geopolitical because the Internet is the only global infrastructure which has no Frédérick Bordry organisation to regulate its security”. Gabriela Ilian Ramos Patino shared Science and ethics Frédérick Bordry’s optimism. She After the video messages from emphasised her belief in the potential Marija Pejcinovic Buric and Izumi of artificial intelligence (AI), as long Nakamitsu 2, Frédérick Bordry as rules surrounding ethics and addressed the relationship between transparency are developed to ensure science and ethics. At the beginning that AI is compatible with human of his speech, he noted that the rights and human dignity. However, European Centre for Nuclear Research when these new technologies are (CERN) was founded after the in the hands of only a few powerful Second World War as a Europe-wide people, where is the cultural diversity organisation which was designed and variety? Yet regulation always to share fundamental research on lags behind innovation. Unfortunately, physics and high energy. He pointed it is rather frowned upon because it out that the Internet was invented is considered to be coercive, like the at CERN, proof that science is General Data Protection Regulation developing innovative technologies (GDPR) 3 adopted by the European which are changing the world. He Union. went on to explain that large-scale scientific projects are capable of Projects at the service of bringing every country together peace because science is a universal language. And, as the audience The conference was also an applauded, he encouraged the opportunity to highlight men and students who were present to get women who work for peace. By involved in these various areas. 3 The General Data Protection Regulation was created to ensure that organisations which process the personal 2 Can be found on the website normandiepourlapaix.fr/en information of individual citizens are held accountable.
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 33 PLENARY CONFERENCES 3. TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTIONS: FOR BETTER OR FOR WAR? founding The Shaikh Group, Salman Shaikh has been able to carry out important mediation work between representatives of different communities in war zones (Syria, Iraq). Catherine Morin-Dessailly and Thomas Friang presented the results of the Parliamentarians for Peace programme (see inset). Véronique Roger-Lacan clarified UNESCO’s democratic ideal, announcing plans to create a forum for education, culture and science; this was met with a round of applause. Lastly, the Véronique Roger-Lacan Normandy World Peace Forum paid tribute to the seven Acted workers who were assassinated in Niger in August 2020. Frédéric de Saint-Sernin, CONTEXT the NGO’s deputy managing director, recounted this appalling event. Hervé Morin, who sat on stage alongside him, 200 companies around paid tribute to “the young men and the world produce 67% of women who, driven by generosity and all technology and 80% empathy, chose to work to help others of artificial intelligence in parts of the world where they were technology is owned by a often the last ones to reach out to single company. people.” People who wanted to do the best and died for it. 5 200 billion. According to the UN, this is how much organised cybercrime will be worth between 2020 and 2025.
+6,6% China’s military budget – the 2nd biggest in the world – continues to increase in 2020, with a significant proportion focused on the development of artificial intelligence, further nuclear capacity and even a space station. Frédéric de Saint-Sernin
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AMERICAN ELECTION And the winner is…
As a prelude to this conference, Gérard Araud analysed the American election, due to be held on 3 November 2020. Enlightening.
By the time you read this, you will know who the new President of the United States is. Gérard Araud’s speech, one month before Election Day, was therefore particularly interesting. The former French ambassador to the United States began by explaining that this is the most important election since Franklin Roosevelt’s election in 1932. “Never in an American election have we seen two candidates who represent two such antagonistic points of view. The America which triumphs will inevitably influence the security of our country and our daily lives.” He then analysed the two Gérard Araud assured the audience possible scenarios. that this would result in a more SCENARIO 1: civilised discourse, marked by “an four more years for Donald Trump outpouring of sentimental platitudes” “If Donald Trump wins, this will reinforce and by a president who “will heal his sense of omnipotence. He is a pre- wounded egos and embrace everyone” sident who is indifferent to alliances to celebrate the return of the America and values, who only understands do- we love. “Despite this, America will minant relations and establishes them no longer do the globe’s dirty work in the most brutal way. If he is re-elec- because it no longer wants to be the ted, he will start a trade war. There is no world’s policeman: the public does not question of him working with the Euro- support costly military interventions pean Union, which is worse than China in Iraq and Afghanistan any more”, he in his view.” What will Europeans do in warned. If our old continent goes up response to this situation? “As a diplo- in flames, it will be up to Europeans to mat and a Frenchman, this possibility deal with the situation, with the risk does not fill me with optimism. If Trump of not realising that we are entering a is elected, the situation will be extre- world in which strength is everything. mely chaotic and even totally unpredic- “Joe Biden’s victory would clearly be in table, given the man he is and the world the interest both of France and the rest in which we live.” of the world”, concluded the former ambassador, who believes that France SCENARIO 2: and its citizens will have their say and the alternative choice their role to play for the future of the Second possibility: Joe Biden’s victory. world.
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Draw me freedom!
The Forum highlighted the international programme Child Rights in Action, active in sixty countries around the world. The programme encourages children who have experienced war and conflict to speak out about their experiences and to become peace activists. One of these children, 15-year-old Youssef Mejri, was invited to the Normandy World Peace Forum. He recounted his experience in his own words in front of audience members who were particularly impressed by the teenager’s maturity. “I was six when the Tunisian revolution began. I remember that schools were closed. Sometimes I heard gunshots. There was a curfew. We were scared to go out. It was my birthday on 10 January 2011. I was expecting a party, but we didn’t have one. I was sad because I did not understand why. Twice, I came close to suicide bomber attacks. in Action workshop, I drew a picture There is a sense of anxiety, but it of the situation in my country. It does not last because life goes on. shows the outline of Tunisia, which Since the revolution, I have seen an wants to move towards the sun and increasing number of Islamists who towards freedom but is held back by have a very radical view of Islam handcuffs and increasing poverty. which I do not share and which Despite these problems, we have seems dangerous to me. Tunisia is a established a democratic system. moderate Muslim country and should Despite everything, our country is not change. As part of a Child Rights doing the best since the Arab Spring.”
Shoot for the stars! Normandy for Peace highlighted the VITAE project, organised by Anilore Banon. Highly symbolic and particularly original, it plans to send a sculpture to the moon, featuring a million handprints.
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ON THE SPOT
“It gave me a feeling of hope”
Marie-Madeleine Hiram, 69 years old, is now retired, having previously worked as a teacher. She sees the Forum as a way to better understand how our societies are changing and also as a way to show her commitment to a better world.
What encouraged you to attend the Forum? “I attended the Forum last year and I am very pleased to be back again this year. Yesterday, because there were no more places left, I followed the event on Facebook. Today, I was able to attend the third and final conference. I really enjoy listening to intelligent people who help me to understand the ins and outs of the world we live in and who help us to consider how we function globally. It gave me a feeling of hope because I feel that things are being done.” Whose speech most impressed you during the conferences you attended? “I was moved by the words of 15-year- old Youssef Mejri, who lived through the Tunisian revolution in 2011 and who explained what it was like at the time as a child. I was impressed by his strength, his clear thinking and his enthusiasm. I was also very interested in the discussion between Jean-Marc Vigilant and Jean-Louis Gergorin Marie-Madeleine Hiram, who is retired, shared which was particularly relevant to the her thoughts about the Forum after attending subject of the conference.” the conference on “Technological revolutions: for better or for war?” It is clear that you personally feel very strongly about this Forum. Why? who try to ensure that their values and “I could not have agreed more when their work are aligned. From a personal Yann Arthus-Bertrand apologised to viewpoint, I take an active role, I give young people for leaving the planet money to charities and I try not to be in such a state! Although he has been selfish. It is my duty as a responsible criticised a lot, I also admire Nicolas adult to encourage humanity, respect Hulot’s work and, more broadly, people for others and for the environment.’’
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 37 THE DEBATES
IMAGINING TOMORROW’S WORLD
AFTER THE PANDEMIC: THE POST COVID-19 WORLD? 40 - 42
AMAZONIA: A GLOBAL ISSUE 43 - 45
FREEDOM IN A TIME OF CRISIS 46 - 48
GLOBAL CHALLENGES, LOCAL RESPONSES: WHAT SOLUTIONS FOR THE CLIMATE? 49 - 51
WATER DIPLOMACY: SHARING BLUE GOLD 52 - 54
38 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS RECONSIDERING EXPLORING THOSE WHO WORK INTERNATIONAL FOR PEACE DIVISIONS
THE EU ON THE ETHIOPIA, INTERNATIONAL SCENE: A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR WHAT RESULTS? AFRICA? 55 - 57 70 - 72
CHILDHOOD (IM)BALANCED IN CONFLICT GLOBAL ECONOMIES 58 - 60 73 - 75
WHICH FUTURE THE MIDDLE EAST: FOR MULTILATERALISM AND REBUILDING IN UNCERTAIN THE UN? TIMES 61 - 63 76 - 78
THE SAHEL: RESTORING REGIONAL INITIATIVES FOR TRUST? PEACE AND SECURITY 79 - 81 64 - 66 ASIAN DYNAMICS WHAT IS AN ALLIANCE IN A TIME OF CRISIS WORTH TODAY? 82 - 84 67 - 69
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 39 AFTER THE PANDEMIC:
DEBATE THE POST COVID-19 WORLD
Imagining tomorrow’s world | Thursday, October 1 | 5.30pm • 7.00pm | Salle Or
Rémy Ourdan, Nicole Gnesotto, Marc Sémo and Bruno Tertrais A rather sombre overview
From a geopolitical viewpoint, no- the USA, is responsible for more than one or nearly no-one will benefit from 60% of the world’s military spending. coronavirus: all of the speakers at Finally, global public development aid this debate agreed on this. Nicole amounts to 100 billion a year, while Gnesotto said that she sees Covid-19 1,200 billion is spent on weapons. The as the catalyst for unbearable situation is totally topsy-turvy! ” she imbalances. This observation is exclaimed, in front of speakers and supported by statistics. “1% of the an audience who were in agreement world’s population owns as much as with her. The CNAM professor said the remaining 99%. A single country, that she hoped that the pandemic brings about profound change to MODERATOR: avoid the risk of a future catastrophe, Marc Sémo, journalist, Le Monde which, she stressed out, could be SPEAKERS: caused by more than just the climate, Nicole Gnesotto, professor at CNAM, holder mentioning the possibility of an of the European Chair, vice president of the Institut Jacques Delors incident affecting the Internet around George Gray Molina, Head of Strategy the world. Lastly, mentioning the 95% and Chief Economist, United Nations drop in demand for international Development Programme (UNDP) Bureau for Policy and Programme Support trade during lockdown, she called for Robert Malley, president of the International an extensive reform of globalisation. Crisis Group Adopting an assertive tone, the vice Rémy Ourdan, journalist, Le Monde Bruno Tertrais, deputy director of the president of the Institut Jacques Foundation for Strategic Research, senior Delors 1 concluded by outlining two fellow at the Institut Montaigne
1 A European think tank founded by Jacques Delors in 1996 at the end of his presidency of the European Commission; its analysis and proposals are intended for European decision-makers and citizens.
40 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS AFTER THE PANDEMIC: THE POST COVID-19 WORLD?
“Today, globalisation However, this is hampered by an economic recession with developing has just one objective: countries facing crippling debts and the consumer. But the public’s ever-increasing mistrust consumers are fed up with of governments. This international phenomenon has been exacerbated consumption and want to be by a lockdown affecting four billion seen as citizens.” citizens. Picking up on comments Nicole Gnesotto about international withdrawal and the rise of nationalism, he pointed strategies, either “to restore the world out that the Great Depression of the as it was before, which will inexorably 1930s eventually led to the Second lead to social cataclysm” or “to reform World War. However, efforts are our societies by giving citizens the being made by the United Nations to opportunity to reconsider and to improve education and to encourage influence the issues.” the ecological transition around the world, which led to him saying Live from the UN that there are two UNs. There is the George Gray Molina drew on his political institution of the United experience at the UN to discuss the Nations and the Security Council and impact of Covid-19 on world poverty. there is a more operational institution He estimated that 400 million people which works on the ground, taking will lose their jobs because of the virus action to improve solidarity, health and that malnutrition will continue and human rights. “Progress is never to increase. In his view, given that linear and happens during crises” he this is neither the first nor the last concluded. global pandemic, the resultant crisis is a reminder of the urgent need for From words to action more structured and well-developed As a journalist specialising in this medical services, better social security subject, Rémy Ourdan provided an and an international minimum wage. overview of the impact of Covid-19
Did you say “anthropological change”?
Unlike the great epidemics of the pandemic now seems intolerable; past which public opinion accepted this bodes well for a long-lasting as inevitable, the debate highlighted and international awareness of the a possible “anthropological change” importance of human life. We will in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. find out whether our societies are While everyone has forgotten anthropologically prepared for this the Hong Kong flu of 1969, which change. caused as many deaths in France as coronavirus, the idea of a deadly
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 41 AFTER THE PANDEMIC: THE POST COVID-19 WORLD?
on armed conflicts and human from populism in Europe to President rights. He pointed out that the call Trump’s attitude in the United States for an international ceasefire at the and Brexit, we are witnessing the beginning of lockdown by António contrary.” After a question from the Guterres, the Secretary-General of audience, the speakers concluded the United Nations, was approved by the debate by commenting on the 70 countries. However, none of the multiple impacts of Covid-19 on main countries concerned (all of which France and Europe with regard to have an active military presence) air traffic, changes in professional agreed to this ceasefire, including practices and interpersonal relations. the United States, Russia and Syria. This overview of the situation had a The UN leader acknowledged “a gulf rather sombre tone. between words and actions”. Rémy Ourdan concluded that “epidemics do not stop wars but they allow CONTEXT countries, especially autocratic ones, to try to ratchet up political and even military tensions.” With million cases of regard to human rights, his analysis 36.2 was sadly comparable, leading Covid-19 (as of October him to fear that “the post-Covid 2020) world will be the same as the one before and perhaps even slightly 1.05 million people worse.” Robert Malley echoed this have died as a result of the sentiment, saying that the political pandemic (as of October response has fallen short in view of the scale of the societal challenges 2020) we face. “This virus, by definition, transcends borders and thus requires 5.2%, the drop in GDP international cooperation. However, in 2020 according to the World Bank, amounting to the “The list of countries deepest recession since the whose authoritarian and Second World War dictatorial regimes have used border closures and 68% of people in France the pandemic to increase say that they are “worried” about Covid-19’s effects on pressure on their opponents themselves or their relatives, and independent media is six months after the start of staggering.” lockdown Rémy Ourdan
42 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS AMAZONIA:
DEBATE A GLOBAL ISSUE
Imagining tomorrow’s world | Thursday, October 1 | 5.30pm • 7.00pm | Salle Nacre
Gert-Peter Bruch, Céline Cousteau and Emilie Gaillard You need to breathe!
A worthy successor to her Ninawa in the Brazilian Amazon, grandfather, the explorer Jacques- where he lives with his Huni Kui Yves Cousteau, Céline Cousteau people. “It is sometimes said that my has made a name for herself as a films give a voice to the voiceless. I politically engaged documentary do not agree. These men and women maker. Images were at the centre have a loud voice which we do not of this debate with the projection listen to or hear because they are far of slides and commentary from the away and because they do not have director of the film Tribes on the the same platforms as us.” Céline Edge. Later, there was a showing Cousteau explained the reasons of the trailer for the film Terra Libre for her involvement and the reality by Gert-Peter Bruch which tells the of indigenous peoples’ lives. “They story of thirty years of resistance by are not there in the forest wearing the world’s indigenous peoples, along feathers to look pretty. They are with a video link-up with Cacique people who exist in the political sphere and who have an understanding of the MODERATOR: issues we face.” Gert-Peter Bruch, President of the NGO ‘‘Planète Amazone’’ “The Amazon gives us SPEAKERS: Cacique Ninawa, Huni Kui people roughly 20% of the oxygen Emilie Gaillard, Member of Normandy Chair we breathe. Where there are for Peace, Professor in environmental law and Human Rights indigenous peoples, there François-Michel Le Tourneau, Geographer, director of research at the CNRS (CNRS/ is no deforestation. They University of Arizona iGLOBES Joint International Research Uni are the guardians of an Céline Cousteau, Environmental activist and ecosystem which allows us documentarian to breathe.” Céline Cousteau
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 43 AMAZONIA: A GLOBAL ISSUE
The director recounted her meeting from different communities was with Beto Marubo, who decided to organised. This group has produced a leave his village in the Amazon at the statement which goes beyond mere age of 17 in an attempt to understand intentions and contains tangible the Western world and to defend his and realistic proposals, including the brothers and sisters. She explained project to ensure the recognition that she invited him to her home in of forests as sanctuaries, which is New York and that they went to the soon to be launched worldwide. This United Nations headquarters so that indigenous vision of environmental he could speak out to defend his protection also aims to protect people. Céline Cousteau lamented vulnerable populations from ethnocide the fact that the UN gave him just by acknowledging the Amazon three short minutes to defend a rainforest’s “sacred character”. cause which concerns every single one of us. She also mentioned that Legal protection of the she launched an impact campaign with young people from Beto’s village; natural world together, in two years, they managed Antonio Oposa was the first holder to communicate with more than 7,000 of the Normandy Chair for Peace, students from forty different countries created in 2019 1. After ten years via Skype. “We have seen that it is of legal battles, this Filipino lawyer possible to raise public awareness embarked on the first court case “on without necessarily having to travel.” behalf of future generations” in 1993. Emilie Gaillard referred to his fight The importance of to explain the legal options available to protect the environment and to relaying information ensure sustainable development. Echoing Céline Cousteau’s message, Legal processes can be launched at a Gert-Peter Bruch mentioned what regional, national or international level, he sees as the vital importance of as has happened in Colombia, where relaying information. He believes that 80% of the Amazon is now classified the public is now ready to listen to as an “indigenous reserve” or a this. When Raoni Metuktire asked “natural park”. New types of protection him to act as his spokesperson in are emerging, combining protection Europe, Gert-Peter Bruch noticed for indigenous peoples and protection that some media focused solely on a for the natural world. Legal protection folkloric image of Cacique Raoni as in the Amazon and elsewhere also an “indigenous chief”. Real change involves analysing the international occurred on the day when the conventions which have been ratified ambassador of the preservation of the by various countries. For example, forest appeared on French TV channel a convention on biological diversity TF1’s evening news and was given ten has just been signed in Minamata, minutes’ air time to share his message. His aim was to bring together all 1 Created in 2019 by the Normandy Region, the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the University the indigenous peoples around the of Caen Normandy, this chair focuses on climate justice and world. After various difficulties, a the rights of future generations, the protection of indigenous peoples, education, the environment and sustainable meeting with sixty or so leaders development.
44 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS AMAZONIA: A GLOBAL ISSUE
Japan, which was subjected to serious surrounding waters which are not mercury pollution after the Second polluted.” UNESCO is developing the World War. “In Johannesburg, I saw Man and the Biosphere programme, a with my own eyes a gold mine which programme with which the Normandy generates an astronomical amount of Chair for Peace has links. Cacique pollution and kills the environment,” Ninawa was the final person to speak; Emilie Gaillard recounted. he answered a question from the audience on the need to take action “Just as crimes against regarding the Congo Basin as well. “In humanity are acknowledged, my tribe, our elders teach us that the crimes against the forest is one and the same. It has a single spirit, it has a single objective. environment should be We cannot look at the forests as acknowledged on behalf of separate elements. I am therefore future generations. The terms worried for the Amazon forest, but also for the forests in the Congo, “ecocrime” and “ecocide” are Europe and North America. We are all increasingly common.” linked to all of these forests.” Emilie Gaillard
She went on to say that, ultimately, this is a fight to “have the right to be born in a forest which is not permanently damaged, with
Cacique Ninawa’s heartfelt appeal
“The Amazon is crying out for help. Scientists say that forest fires are the result of environmental impacts, but I am talking about crimes against the Amazon, particularly in the Pantanal region where animals are being burned alive. We do not know what can be done to contain this situation. There have been lots of studies, but nothing is changing. which still exists, for example. We are trying to prevent the During international forums, we talk destruction of the forests as much about trade, international trade, as we can so that we can protect money. But there is no mention the sovereignty of indigenous of an international bill to defend peoples and preserve our knowledge. human lives in the forest and the I am thinking of local medicine natural world.”
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 45 FREEDOM
DEBATE IN A TIME OF CRISIS
Imagining tomorrow’s world | Friday, October 2 | 2.30pm • 4.00pm | Salle Or
Pauline Adès-Mevel Lucas Menget Valerie Hopkins Exploiting the pandemic
As the speakers discussed the effect access information and ideas. Its of lockdown on individual freedoms on objective was to count the number of 2 October 2020, they were unaware abuses against journalists and press that a new lockdown would soon freedom during the pandemic. The be imposed in France and across results were enlightening: almost half Europe. Proof, if it were needed, of the countries in the UN have put of the importance of this debate pressure on journalists. Verbal attacks, which began with a contribution arbitrary detentions, withdrawal of from Pauline Adès-Mével. She accreditation: on every continent, explained that Reporters Without authoritarian regimes have tried to Borders created Tracker 19, inspired exploit the pandemic to the detriment by coronavirus and by Article 19 of of press freedom. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which stipulates the right to Freedom of the press: a collateral victim Dunja Mijatovic said that the MODERATOR: pandemic is a threat both to people’s Lucas Menget, Deputy Editor - France Info health and to people’s civil liberties. SPEAKERS: Before the virus emerged, democracy Dunja Mijatovic (video), Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights was in decline all over the world, Pauline Adès-Mevel, Editor-in-chief of particularly with regard to freedom Reporters Without Borders of assembly. While she said that she Megha Rajagopalan (London), International understood the shock caused by the correspondent, BuzzFeed News death of more than 100,000 European Valerie Hopkins (Budapest), Financial Times’ South-East Europe correspondent citizens and the unprecedented nature
46 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS FREEDOM IN A TIME OF CRISIS
“Governments have coercive measures: putting an end to transgender people’s right to change justified their attitude by their names, destroying documents emphasising the need to which have been classified as defence avoid panic. Journalists secrets (and which are particularly have been “encouraged” compromising for the government in power), putting pressure on journalists not to provide too much and more. The government’s strategy information about the is “to spread fear and doubt among virus when it displeased the country’s citizens and to use the those in power and not to health system for political purposes.” incite citizens to disobey Digital distortion governmental directives. Megha Rajagopalan discussed the Dissenting voices have been coordinated sharing of “fake news” on vaccines, treatments, social prevented from speaking distancing, the use of masks and out, particularly journalists, other events in the public sphere. and the media has come This global phenomenon distorts the under significant pressure.” search for truth, creates confusion and harms the credibility of those who Pauline Adès-Mével want to provide genuine information. Authoritarian regimes are taking advantage of this, including China, of the situation, she advocated “a where whistle-blower doctors in better balance between the public Wuhan were arrested at the very interest and respect for individuals’ beginning of the pandemic. rights.” The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe also “Human rights violations of acknowledged that she has had individuals’ privacy in the the opportunity to tackle freedom- destroying legislation, decrees and name of “national security” decisions which have restricted the are systematic in some work of journalists, human rights countries as soon as there is defenders and politicians. “Access to information is, in a way, a collateral a crisis.” victim of the actions of some Megha Rajagopalan governments in response to the pandemic.” Valerie Hopkins recounted BuzzFeed News’ international her experience as correspondent for correspondent shared her worries the Financial Times for South-East about biometric surveillance for Europe, confirming a democratic reasons of public health. In her decline in Hungary. She explained view, various tools, including facial that Hungary’s parliament has recognition and contact tracing, would “taken advantage” of the state of have been seen “as a violation of emergency and the Prime Minister’s privacy before coronavirus, whereas extensive powers to introduce they are now perceived as being
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 47 FREEDOM IN A TIME OF CRISIS justified because of the pandemic.” parliamentarians and for them to Without necessarily questioning be more proactive about this issue, their legitimacy, in view of the in the same way as international current pandemic, she discussed organisations. She concluded by their possible use after this crisis in paying tribute to the journalists who another context. Pauline Adès-Mével inform us about the threats we face remarked that “this pandemic has led and who continue to do their jobs to other crises and has given some despite the difficulties, including the states the opportunity to engage in closure of international borders during practices which previously have not the first lockdown. been allowed. Surveillance, tracing and arbitrary arrests have become more common in the wake of Covid-19”. She noted that Europe, home to CONTEXT the second major outbreak of the pandemic, has also witnessed this phenomenon. In addition to Hungary, of 193 UN member there have been arrests in Serbia 90 countries violated the right and Kosovo. “The EU has also been a to information during the first hotbed of pressure for journalists and although there are worse examples, wave of the virus, according journalists have been prevented from to Reporters Without Borders’ working, physically at times.” Tracker 19 The vulnerability of the weakest 2 million messages posted The moderator Lucas Menget asked on Twitter between 20 whether, in addition to press freedom, January and 10 February the pandemic has had an impact on 2020 (7% of the total number other individual freedoms, particularly over this period) spread with regard to the most vulnerable conspiracy theories about populations. Dunja Mijatovic explained coronavirus that the Council of Europe understood the risks of lockdown for people whose rights were already at risk before 5 press freedom “predators” the pandemic: minorities, the elderly, are listed on the Reporters vulnerable communities and so on. Without Borders website. “We have asked governments to be They are the leaders of Egypt particularly vigilant when it comes (Abdel Fattah Al-Sissià), to these people.” She also mentioned China (Xi Jinping), Turkey the fear which undermines the (Recep Tayyip Erdogan), protection of human rights in Europe and exacerbates the weaknesses of Thailand (Prayut Chan-o- our systems. Indeed, she lamented cha) and Venezuela (Nicolas “a lack of bravery and drive among Maduro) politicians to protect them”. She would like citizens to contact their
48 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS GLOBAL CHALLENGES, LOCAL
DEBATE RESPONSES: WHAT SOLUTIONS FOR THE CLIMATE?
Imagining tomorrow’s world | Friday, October 2 | 2.30pm • 4.00pm | Salle Nacre
Xavier Cadoret, Rémi Barroux, Benoit Laignel and Linda Duffy (via videoconference)
Thinking global, acting local
Gunn Marit Helgesen explained in regional authorities have a role to play the introduction to this debate that in the management of these crises in view of the climate emergency, because their elected representatives the Sustainable Development Goals have a closer relationship with citizens (SDGs) are becoming more of a focus and can set an example to raise public at a local level than at a global level. awareness. Much progress has been According to UN estimates, half of the made over the last five years. The targets can be achieved. Local and president of the Chamber of Regions of the Council of Europe referred to the work of this institution, which MODERATOR: recommends imposing environmental Rémi Barroux, Le Monde journalist specialising in world news restrictions on public procedures, SPEAKERS: taking action to reduce greenhouse Benoit Laignel, professor, Co-President of the gas emissions and raising awareness Norman Intergovernmental Panel on Climate among the younger generations. Change “Over the last few years, we have seen Xavier Cadoret, president of the Chamber of Local Authorities of the Council of Europe that young people can be passionate Gunn Marit Helgesen (Norway), president about this issue and that they are of the Chamber of Regions of the Council of Europe willing to get involved. We hope that Linda Duffy (Norway), head of section we can really give our young people for societal development and transverse the tools they need to contribute coordination at the Viken regional mayors’ office to sustainable development.”
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 49 GLOBAL CHALLENGES, LOCAL RESPONSES: WHAT SOLUTIONS FOR THE CLIMATE?
The decentralisation of skills and of concrete. The third option would resources is also a prerequisite if be to accept the flooding of some national and global changes are to parts of the region while protecting occur at a local level. others, something the Netherlands is currently doing. “Why is mitigation Mitigation and adaptation important? Mitigation makes Benoît Laignel mentioned the only adaptation easier,” he explained. Sustainable Development Goal which directly concerns “climate change” A local voice but specified that it has very strong links with the other SDGs. To this Xavier Cadoret, who has been the end, he differentiated between mayor of Saint-Gérand-le-Puy “mitigation” and “adaptation”. The (Allier, France) since 1991, responded former is implemented at all levels, to Rémi Barroux, the moderator, from an individual level to a national who wondered whether elected level, involving cities and regions. representatives find it difficult Adaptation must be implemented in to take necessary but unpopular response to a region’s specificities. climate measures, given the urgency The professor at the University of of their mandate. “I do not think so. Rouen Normandy said that he believes I joined the Council of Europe and I that there is a need to prioritise. represent 150,000 European local and With regard to the rising waters regional communities in 47 countries. in Normandy, for example, coastal Having talked with national elected erosion will be exacerbated by rising representatives, parliamentarians, sea levels. The worst solution would be local elected representatives and the to leave things as they are: disasters opposition, we have a very practical will occur and they will become idea of the work which needs to be increasingly intense and frequent. undertaken. The first thing we have Another possibility would be to create learned is that for a measure to be dykes everywhere, something that accepted, people must be involved would be difficult to implement and at a local level. However, as soon as which would lead to the coastline there is a crisis, there is a strong being blighted by huge amounts trend towards recentralisation.” To this end, he has witnessed “a disparity between national activity and local “In response to the inaction understanding of the issues.” He of some countries following also acknowledged that local and COP 21, which had been regional elected representatives enthusiastically welcomed must be imaginative and must not always wait for national, European in 2015, I quote Laurent or global approval to experiment Fabius who spoke of people with new ideas. The elected “waiting and seeing” and representative raised the question of skills, which are fundamental for even “sleepwalking” with optimal implementation, especially regard to climate change.” for elected representatives from rural areas. “If there is a dilution of Benoît Laignel skills in every community, it will be
50 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS GLOBAL CHALLENGES, LOCAL RESPONSES: WHAT SOLUTIONS FOR THE CLIMATE? much more difficult to question CONTEXT existing situations and to launch new initiatives.” The Norwegian example 17. The number of Linda Duffy recounted her experience Sustainable Development of working for the mayors’ office in Goals that the 193 member the Viken region in south-eastern states of the UN have set Norway. This entity was created in themselves for sustainable 2020, after the country’s territorial development by 2030, known reform. It now brings together 51 as Agenda 2030. The 13th local councils, representing 23.4% SDG aims to “take urgent of the Norwegian population. The action to combat climate objective was to address development change and its impacts”. issues in terms of the SDGs. “As a first step, we brought together the knowledge and tools with which +0.79°C. The increase to build an organisation which in the global average air and encourages joint learning,” explained water temperature for the Linda Duffy, who is responsible for coordinating and implementing decade from 2001 to 2010, sustainable development in the compared to the period from region. Elected representatives, 1850 to 1900. It should be organisations, companies, young noted that 2014 to 2018 people, representatives of national were the hottest years ever and regional authorities and an recorded... assembly of local councils worked together on the project. A local and regional planning strategy (which 3.7 mm/year. This is the is compulsory for all regions and satellite-observed average most local councils in Norway) has increase in sea level from been established, identifying priority 1993 to 2018, primarily caused projects and the means with which by ice melting. they can be achieved. The differences between local authorities were analysed as were the challenges faced by each city. As important as it is, economic development must now take climate change into account and climate change must be the ultimate priority for all projects. “We will not be able to avoid conflicts but we cannot allow official decisions to be at odds with the sustainable development strategies we have established,” Linda Duffy concluded, confirming the idea that we should “think global, act local”.
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 51 DEBATE WATER DIPLOMACY: SHARING BLUE GOLD
Imagining tomorrow’s world | Thursday, October 1 | 5.30pm • 7pm | Salle Guillaume
Mirna Jammal and Franck Galland
An issue of power and political will
Efforts to ensure international people, both in terms of sustainable water security, the role of diplomacy development and individual equality. in avoiding conflict and tensions But unfortunately, reality is different: surrounding this crucial resource were “The situation is very alarming in the key issues during this debate. Via a Middle East, Africa and South Asia, video link from Rome, Gilbert Fossoun particularly in China.” The president Houngbo emphasised his sincere of IFAD also pointed out that water desire for there to be equitable access scarcity affects women and girls to quality water for everyone, ensuring more than men and exacerbates the security and well-being of all gender inequalities with implications for health, education and poverty. He also emphasised the inextricable link OPENING KEYNOTE SPEECH: between water, global warming and Gilbert F. Houngbo, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development food insecurity, given that 70% of (IFAD) and chair of UN-Water freshwater is used for agriculture and MODERATOR: more than 60% of the food consumed Mirna Jammal, journalist, France 24 in the world today is produced using SPEAKERS: rainwater. Consequently, when drought Franck Galland, associate researcher at the becomes more common, it endangers Foundation for Strategic Research, the world’s poorest people, 80% of Nicolas Imbert, executive director of Green Cross France and Territoires whom live in rural areas where the Guillaume Merere, project manager within the issue of access to drinking water Water and Sanitation division at the AFD Éric Tardieu, Secretary-General of the is particularly acute. The future is International Network of Basin Organisations increasingly worrying as the demand
52 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS WATER DIPLOMACY: SHARING BLUE GOLD
for water is expected to increase with ISIS, which systematically took significantly due to population growth, the Baath and Tabqa dams on the consumption patterns and climate Euphrates as hostages, and with change. “We need to ensure resilient Saddam Hussein, who did the same management of water resources, with the dams on the Tigris. Electrical combined with the promotion of soil infrastructure has been deliberately and water conservation and the use destroyed because neither water nor of drought-resistant varieties,” Gilbert sanitation can be managed without Fossoun Houngbo said. Referring to electricity. In addition to political the current situation, he reminded instability, the population is growing the audience that every country exponentially, as can be seen in has encouraged hand-washing as Egypt, where there will be 20 million a precaution against Covid-19, as additional inhabitants within 10 years if access to soap and water were in a country where 98% of the food automatic. Yet more than 2 billion supply depends on the Nile. “The water people do not have access to clean deficit in Iran, which was already 100 running water. This statistic shows million m3 per year in 1979, is 90 times why water can be a source of conflict higher today. Just 35% of arable between countries. land is cultivated because of a lack of water,” he continued, mentioning “If nothing is done between India, Pakistan and China as well. This harsh observation was chilling. now and 2025, just over 8 “As you can see, this thirst line is billion people will eventually incredibly worrying. We can see why experience an absolute water in 2016, for the first time, the United shortage. Two thirds of the Nations Security Council took up world’s population will live in the issue with 69 heads of state and water-stressed conditions.” government, meeting to address the subject of “water, peace and security”. Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo A resource The geopolitics to be shared of water Picking up on the title of the debate, In response to the issue of cross- Eric Tardieu criticised the expression border water mentioned by other “blue gold”; in his view, it no longer speakers, Franck Galland discussed works in the current situation because the various regions around the world water is not a mineral resource which where a shortage of water is most can be stockpiled indefinitely like acute. “Unfortunately, these areas oil. Indeed, water is very expensive are hard hit by very intense civil wars to transport. He encouraged the and conflicts.” He mentioned “the sharing of this resource, since 40% thirst line” 1 and its litany of armed of the world’s population lives in an conflicts and clashes. He explained area where a watershed is shared that, essentially, anyone who has by at least two countries. Utopia, water holds power, as has been seen you say? The Secretary-General of
1 It stretches from the Strait of Gibraltar to north-east China and the Russian Far East, through North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Central Asia.
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 53 WATER DIPLOMACY: SHARING BLUE GOLD
the International Network of Basin temporary solutions were the subject Organisations mentioned the Aral of audience questions, with some Sea 2 as an example, given that it was solutions proving to be counter- managed by political consensus. productive in the long term. For example, the desalination of sea water “International law can creates brine, a substance which encourage parties to commit is difficult to treat in ecosystems. This was a further illustration of the to methods, cooperation and complexity of this essential issue dialogue and to move towards which will have to be resolved “at all a “hydro-diplomacy” which costs”. works when proactive policy is implemented.” Eric Tardieu CONTEXT
Nicolas Imbert expressed reservations about this proposed expression More than 2 billion because it seems to provide support people do not have access to for the idea that this issue only clean running water in their concerns states. Yet it actually relates homes to conflicts about water within countries themselves or between companies and governments. As 2.6 million people die such, he advocated a paradigm shift every year from diseases with a new system which expressly caused by unclean water involves multiple stakeholders. He recommended inviting companies, regions, civil society organisations, 7 wars have been directly government representatives and linked to water since 1945, in international bodies to the table, addition to myriad conflicts as was the case during the water- focused event in Madrid organised 3,600 international, by Green Cross France & Territoires 3. bi-national and multilateral Guillaume Merere detailed the work of treaties related to water the French Development Agency and issues are in force and 300 of the need to prioritise a conventional them address the quantities and sustainable system of water of shared resources distribution rather than an emergency system: not only would this be a long-term solution, it would also be more cost-effective. Alternative and
2 A saltwater lake in Central Asia between Kazakhstan in the north and Uzbekistan in the south. Fed by two main tributaries, its watershed is shared by 6 countries. It has more than 17,000 glaciers which cover an area of approximately 1,549,000 square kilometres. 3 Organised in honour of COP 25 in Madrid on the theme “Resilience and the scarcity of natural resources – focus on water-related topics”. 8 specific proposals for political decision-makers were submitted to UN organisations.
54 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS THE EU ON THE
DEBATE INTERNATIONAL SCENE: WHAT RESULTS?
Reconsidering those who work for peace | Thursday, October 1 | 5.30pm • 7.00pm | Auditorium
Serge Stroobants (via videoconference), Alain Le Roy , Xavier Chemisseur and Jean-Christophe Bas
European multilateralism in a bipolar world
The European Union’s place on the created for economic cooperation, international scene in terms of its thereby putting criticism in this area work to develop peace is a relatively into context. Nevertheless, he pointed recent question, in Alain Le Roy’s out that in terms of humanitarian aid, view. The former Under-Secretary- the European Union and its member General of the United Nations (UN) states are by far the world’s largest emphasised that the EU was first donor. “When it comes to helping MODERATOR: Syrian refugees, for Xavier Chemisseur, Editor-in-Chief FRANCE 24 example, Europe has spent SPEAKERS: more than €10 billion. It Elena Lazarou, Policy Analyst, European Parliamentary Research Service is also the world’s leading Serge Stroobants, Director Europe and MENA Region - Institute for Economics and humanitarian player in Peace terms of development aid, Monika Nogaj, Unit Head, external policy, European Parliamentary Research Service providing nearly 70% of the Alain Le Roy, French Ambassador, former assistant Secretary General at the United international budget.” Nations Alain Le Roy Jean-Christophe Bas, CEO of the Dialogue of Civilizations Institute
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 55 THE EU ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE: WHAT RESULTS?
He acknowledged that the Old an acceleration of phenomena which Continent, the world’s second largest affect inequality and poverty, leaving economy, must weigh in to prevent the Europe to respond to immeasurable world being ruled by the United States challenges. However, she stressed that and China. This raises the question with the European initiative to fund of multilateralism which Alain Le Roy research for a vaccine and its work defined as: “organising international to provide humanitarian assistance relations to counteract the idea that to Venezuela, in coordination with might is right.” However, this dynamic a number of other organisations, is hampered by intergovernmental Europe is participating in international policy which is decided in Brussels by cooperation. “The European Union is a a unanimous vote of member states, multilateral organisation. It knows what something which sometimes leads multilateralism is and it recognises to situations of stalemate. Monika the need for consensus.” This point of Nogaj continued on the subject, view was shared by Alain Le Roy: “the stating that the European Union does European Union works in a perfectly not limit its international work to multilateral way. It is the quintessence peacekeeping missions and human of multilateralism.” He expanded on rights and acts in a much broader way. his remarks by pointing out that the Elena Lazarou discussed the risk of European Union is now taking a much a bipolar world requiring a different kind of multilateralism. Moreover, she stronger and more united stance said that she believes that the world’s towards China, with a mantra which is current bipolarity is not so different repeated by all Europeans: “China is a from the situation during the Cold War. very important partner when it comes This was a matter of debate. For Jean- to major global issues, but it is also an Christophe Bas, the European Union economic competitor and a systemic is at a turning point in its history since rival.” Lastly, he pointed out that Europe it was not originally intended to play had been united since 1999, by means a role as a world power, while Serge of the Treaty of Amsterdam, and that it Stroobants wondered if the evolution of had exerted its influence to encourage multilateralism represents a challenge or stability in the Balkans. Europe wants to a utopia. cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, encouraging other countries The impact of Covid-19 to do the same, and is a leader on many on Europe and the world strategic issues, such as cyberattacks. In her role as a political analyst for the On this subject, Serge Stroobants European Parliament Research Service, emphasised that it is necessary to Elena Lazarou recounted a study on differentiate between the threat the impact of coronavirus. It emerged posed and the proposed response. that the pandemic, just like climate “The problem of cyberattacks is a change, is a source of mistrust and that global problem which requires a global conflicts are becoming significantly response, as cyberspace transcends more widespread today than in the borders and states’ abilities to deal with 2010s. In addition, she has observed this scourge.”
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Is Europe still desirable? Jean-Christophe Bas said that the European continent today represents a tiny part of the world’s population. It is contracting, getting older and becoming less economically powerful.
“On the international scene, we are not in a very good position. We must therefore be able to govern by virtue, with competition which helps to stimulate, cooperation which helps to strengthen Jean-Christophe Bas and solidarity which helps to unite.” CONTEXT Jean-Christophe Bas
The European He also stressed that Europe is the 22%. most peaceful region in the world and Union’s share of the world’s that it inspires countries which are not gross domestic product yet part of the European Union. These (GDP) countries want to become members to improve their level of socio-economic €29,000. The gross development. Alain Le Roy responded domestic product (GDP) per with a focus on the economic aspect, capita in the European Union, reminding the audience of the value of the European currency in central far behind the United States banks’ reserves and specifying that (€53,000) but well ahead of the African Union’s structure is based China (€9,500) on the European model. Elena Lazarou shared Latin America’s view of the European Union: it sees European 94%. The percentage trade as a desirable way of working of Europeans who say that with neighbours for greater prosperity, the environment is important which is known as “soft power”, a new to them, according to the and more peaceful type of power. Eurobarometer survey in December 2019
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 57 CHILDHOOD
DEBATE IN CONFLICT
Reconsidering those who work for peace | Friday, October 2 | 4.30pm • 6.00pm | Salle Nacre
Christel Rocheteau, Paolo Artini, Valériane Gauthier, Yara Baker and Jonathan Levy
Children speak the truth
Killed, injured, abducted, raped, abuses in the areas of the world in exploited: millions of children today which these charities work. Jonathan are affected by the wars and conflicts Levy develops and leads training which rage around the world. Christel schemes in the educational and Rocheteau, managing director of La social work sectors and for inter- Voix de l’Enfant and chief executive governmental organisations and of SOS Enfants, confirmed these NGOs. He explained the traumas suffered by these children and the intense efforts which are required to MODERATOR: help them to rebuild. According to Valériane Gauthier, Journalist-Presenter data from the NGO Save the Children, France 24 more than 415 million children live in SPEAKERS: a conflict zone, a figure which has Jonathan Levy, Psychopedagogue. Initiatives & Change - pedagogical manager doubled since 1995. Behind these and scientific & program director at CRIA statistics are the faces and words (Child Rights in Action) Jasminko Halilovic (Sarajevo), Founder of of young boys and girls such as Yara the War Childhood Museum Baker, a Kurdish Syrian who is now Christel Rocheteau, Chief executive of SOS 14 years old and was 5 when war Enfants and managing director of La Voix de l’Enfant broke out in her country. She told Paolo Artini, Representative for France and her story: “It happened suddenly. I Monaco, United Nations High Commissioner did not understand at all, I did not for Refugees know what was happening, I was very Yara Baker, Kurdish witness from Syria who lived as a refugee in Turkey and Afghanistan scared. Together with my parents,
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my brother and my sister, we fled to The work of Turkey, taking a very dangerous route. We stayed there for two years. We the United Nations experienced racism and harassment. The United Nations identifies six Our neighbours made fun of us. We categories of crimes against children never went out because it was too in armed conflict: the recruitment dangerous. My sister and I were not or use of child soldiers, their allowed to go to school because we killing or maiming, rape and other did not have passports or money. We sexual violence against children, stayed at home all the time and were abduction, attacks on schools and bored.” After refusing to talk about hospitals and denial of humanitarian the discrimination to which she and access to children. Paolo Artini, her family were subjected “because it representative of the United Nations is still too difficult to talk about”, she High Commissioner for Refugees, agreed to carry on with her account said that there are 80 million forcibly of her family’s exodus. “We went back displaced persons around the to Syria for six months but the war world, more than 50% of whom are continued and we had to go back to children. He pointed out that there Turkey again, to Istanbul. We were are generations of refugees growing allowed to go to school, but it was up in camps or in cities far from very violent: we were hit, we were their homes because these crises shouted at all the time, we went home last for years. He also confirmed crying...” that persecution affects the most vulnerable people, particularly “France welcomed us in children. In addition to the difficulty of finding a safe place to live, child 2016 but we thought we refugees can find that access to would still be mistreated education is disrupted or made there. But once we arrived impossible and may also be unable to access healthcare. Paolo Artini here and saw with our own said that, in general, it is even more eyes how things were, we difficult for girls for reasons which are felt reassured.” often cultural, particularly in terms of Yara Baker access to education, and that the UN is working to improve this. An original initiative, combining remembrance and resilience Jasminko Halilovic is the founder and director of the War Childhood Museum, the only museum in the world exclusively dedicated to presenting the experiences of children who have lived through wars. It received the Council of Yara Baker Europe Museum Prize in 2018. After
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 59 CHILDHOOD IN CONFLICT
explaining the idea behind the CONTEXT project, which has involved collecting nearly a thousand accounts, he said that “the experience of a war- affected childhood is very complex 170,000 serious and varies from one victim to violations committed against another, even among siblings living children in conflict have been under the same roof.” The museum documented by the UN since has a long-term focus: it aims to 2010 explain historical facts with videos of the victims and with items which demonstrate individual and collective 1 in 5 children lived in a histories. “After the opening of the conflict zone in 2019, the museum in 2018, we started an highest figure in 20 years international programme with Libyan refugee children in Lebanon. We also opened our first international office to document the trauma and 2 million children cannot go the resilience of children who have to school in Yemen alone and been victims of war.” Since then, the 500,000 have dropped out museum has grown. It has become of school since the conflict an international institution which intensified in March 2015 documents and shares experiences and has transformed into a resource centre.
“With the War Childhood Museum, we wanted to change the way we look at children: no longer seeing them just as victims and showing their resilience and creativity instead.” Jasminko Halilovic
60 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS WHICH FUTURE
DEBATE FOR MULTILATERALISM AND THE UN?
Reconsidering those who work for peace | Friday, October 2 | 2.30pm • 4.00pm | Salle Guillaume
Bertrand Badie Rahma Sophia Rachdi Youssef Mahmoud
An unwritten script
The United Nations Secretary- global health emergency is essential General’s Envoy on Youth, Jayathma to respond to new chal-lenges and Wickramanayake, encourages to rebuild our communities after the young people in Sri Lanka to become pandemic. She related the results of more involved in politics. In a video the UN’s online consultation: 87% of message, she said that the United participants believe that international Nations is celebrating its seventy- cooperation is essential to over-come fifth anni-versary in a year of current challenges and 74% consider unprecedented global crisis. She that the United Nations plays a added that the pandemic highlights major role in addressing these global the im-portance of multilateralism challenges. As part of her role, she and the need to enhance cooperation campaigns for “greater participation across borders and generations. In among young people and women in her view, a joint response to this processes which give them a voice so as to evolve from multilateral-ism MODERATOR: to a multi-stakeholder approach and Rahma Sophia Rachdi, Journalist, United to make the United Nations more States Press Agency innovative, inclusive and inspiring.” In SPEAKERS: his speech, Bertrand Badie highlighted Pierre Haski, Editor - Column a contradiction: the world has never «Géopolitique», France Inter Bertrand Badie, University Professor, been more in need of multilateralism Sciences Po but has never been more paralysed. Jayathma Wickramanayake, United He explained that “invisible Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth multilateralism” is much more Youssef Mahmoud, Senior Adviser - International Peace Institute effective and efficient than “visible
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 61 WHICH FUTURE FOR MULTILATERALISM AND THE UN? “The Sino-American rivalry multilateralism”. Like the French not only paralyses the sociologist Emile Durkheim, to whom he referred, he believes that there Security Council, it also can be no “viable society without paralyses international social ties and without the daily cooperation to an increasing development of a sense of solidarity.” The profes-sor at Sciences Po also extent, forcing each country distinguished between “French- to choose a side, as in the style multilateralism”, which is part Cold War.” of global solidarity, and “American- Pierre Haski style multilateralism”, which involves The journalist for France Inter said creating institutional links between that China has decided to “play the different states, believing that the UN card” in a significant way because, latter has prevailed over the former. as a nation, it is both the largest Denouncing Chinese contributor to the UN peacekeeping forces and now leads the largest pressure number of its organisations. In his Pierre Haski recounted a scene which view, this strategy of influence was attests to “an upside-down world” at seen during the emergence of the the World Economic Forum in 2017. coronavirus. This resulted in the During his inauguration, Donald Trump neutralisation of the World Health raised his fist and was threatening at Organisation (WHO) whilst China the exact same time that Xi Jinping hesitated. The journalist explained reassured thousands of participants that, unlike during the SARS crisis at the Davos forum of China’s in 2003, the WHO did not have willingness to maintain free trade the ability to confront China in and multilateralism. In his view, this January 2020 and to force it, as unbelievable situation demonstrated it did seventeen years earlier, to just how much the long-standing acknowledge the existence of human international order since 1945 has transmission of the virus as early been turned on its head. as December 2019, as the country’s whistle-blowing doctors had done. He stated that the WHO is being overshadowed by the influence of a powerful country through its political intermediaries and the disengagement of the American government. He criticised the UN Security Council for failing to take the necessary steps on this occasion, despite taking a strong stance during the Ebola pandemic in the name of international cooperation. Three scenarios for the UN Youssef Mahmoud suggested three Pierre Haski different scenarios with regard to the
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United Nations’ future in the medium he asked who would have a strategic and long term. The first scenario, interest in reforming the UN system. which, in his view, promises a better Pierre Haski said that he sees major future, involves reformed states which cities as having the ability to influence are open to multilateralism and which certain international agendas, such as help the UN to evolve, ensuring the the Paris climate agreement, which is institution’s position at the heart of likely to have an international impact. global governance, which would bring This idea could be explored to get about a rapprochement with the around stalemate situations, including United States. The second scenario the right to veto of the UN Security would be a continued status quo, with Council’s members, which is used the United Nations caught between more systematically by some than two major powers and with its others. recommendations being questioned or ignored with impunity. The third scenario, which would be the worst CONTEXT of all in the opinion of this senior advisor at the International Peace Institute, would see America incapable countries signed of reforming itself with an à la carte 50 a charter on 26 June 1945 approach to multilateralism which would reign supreme and which would which gave rise to the United lead to the United Nations being Nations to “guarantee lasting unable to prevent conflicts between peace around the world”. The states and being unable to manage United Nations is celebrating wars. its 75th birthday in 2020 and now has 193 member states. “Although I don’t want to rule out any option, my 120,000 UN inveterate optimism leads peacekeepers are involved in me to believe that the UN, peacekeeping operations in despite its flaws and its war zones around the world. shortcomings, can overcome the current crisis.” 3 billion dollars: the UN’s Youssef Mahmoud total budget in 2020 which is funded by its members, He believes that there is the possibility of finding other solutions based on assessments of and maintaining a dialogue regarding each country’s ability to pay, global governance. Bertrand Badie gross national income and reacted by saying that although he population size. hopes positive outcome, he sees two obstacles. Firstly, he is convinced that no international institution can genuinely be reformed today because of legal issues. Most importantly of all,
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 63 THE SAHEL:
DEBATE REGIONAL INITIATIVES FOR PEACE AND SECURITY
Reconsidering those who work for peace | Friday, October 2 | 4.30pm • 6.00pm | Auditorium
Isabelle Ioannides (via videoconference), Alain Le Roy, Niagalé Bagayoko, Moussa Mara and Emmanuel Dupuy
Searching for solutions
When discussing the Sahel in terms been killed since 2012 in the Sahel- of the “G5 1” (namely Mauritania, Saharan region, in addition to 3,000 Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad), Malian soldiers, 160 United Nations it should be noted that this area peacekeepers and 45 French soldiers. is home to about 30% of Africa’s Furthermore, population displacement population and covers more than 5 in the region affects more than 1 million square kilometres. Terrorism million people and 4 to 5 million people is not the only reason for the do not have enough food to eat: these international community’s involvement statistics make it easier to understand in this region, where war has inflicted the importance of the debate. Why real suffering: 13,000 civilians have have organisations been unable to anticipate or respond to this threat?
MODERATOR: Niagalé Bagayoko answered by saying Emmanuel Dupuy, President, Institut that there has been a collective prospective et sécurité en Europe failure. SPEAKERS: Niagalé Bagayoko, President - African “The multidimensional Security Sector Network Moussa Mara, Mali’s former Prime Minister, crisis we face in the Sahel Member of Parliament is a challenge to existing Alain Le Roy, French Ambassador, former assistant Secretary General at the United international conflict Nations Annadif Khadir Mahamat Saleh, Special management frameworks.” Representative and chief of the Minusma Niagalé Bagayoko Isabelle Ioannides, Policy Analyst, European Parliamentary Research Service 1 The G5 Sahel is an institutional framework for the co- ordination of regional co-operation in development policies and security matters in West Africa
64 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS THE SAHEL: REGIONAL INITIATIVES FOR PEACE AND SECURITY
After an explanation of how the G5 for the Economic Community of West was created, the president of the African States (ECOWAS) 2 because African Security Sector Network “it understands the challenges facing expressed support for the idea that the Sahel and is developing a strategy there must be a reappraisal of existing to improve security.” He advocated organisations. These organisations, a rationalisation of organisations. “If which have focused on the military our heads of state attended all the aspect, no longer help to respond to summits of all these organisations, insecurity, in her view. In addition to they would not have time to govern jihadists, the region is plagued with our countries!” he joked. Lastly, the self-defence structures, community- former Prime Minister of Mali pointed based militias, criminal groups and out that terrorists in the Sahel are rebel units, while Mali is struggling driven primarily by financial issues. with an uprising. “A survey of prisoners showed that 40% of them joined a terrorist group to receive a salary and less than 10% do so because of ideology or religious fanaticism.” Isabelle Ioannides said that she thinks that efforts should focus on more than just security in the Sahel, including development and governance, and emphasised the connections between these three areas. The public policy analyst for the European Parliament Research Service explained the European Union’s position on this issue. Firstly, she reminded the audience that Europe and its member states have Niagalé Bagayoko allocated €8 billion over the last six years to this region. She went on to say that governance efforts must be Fewer organisations, strengthened and more must be done more proposals to encourage justice and dialogue, highlighting the absence of relations Annadif Khadir Mahamat Saleh between governments and civil believes that, before talking about societies. Alain Le Roy acknowledged the symptoms, we must analyse the that despite everything that has causes of this imbalanced war, which been done, the situation remains very has its roots in the absence or the difficult, particularly from a military weakness of governments across stance. In his view, it is not the issue of the Sahel-Saharan region. Although hybrid forces 3 which is vital but rather he agreed that the presence of the the issues of funding and training international community is important, he said that regional initiatives were 2 ECOWAS is an intergovernmental organisation which brings vital to defeat terrorism. Moussa Mara together 15 West African states with the aim of promoting economic and political co-operation. questioned the effectiveness of the 3 With two chains of command, one from the African Union G5 Sahel and declared a preference and the other from the United Nations
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 65 THE SAHEL: REGIONAL INITIATIVES FOR PEACE AND SECURITY
African armies. Although Covid-19 has give them carte blanche but we are “been relatively kind” to this region, going to support them and make sure its economic impact is significant: that this transition paves the way for lockdowns, a drop in the price of oil, real change.” a fall in exports, a paralysed tourism sector, etc. The ambassador and former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN declared that this issue will be on the agenda at a summit scheduled for May 2021 with all African, European and international partners. More justice and virtuous policies Niagalé Bagayoko said that she was disturbed by the behaviour of defence forces, which has caused mistrust among ordinary people. She mentioned accusations concerning certain units, documented both by Moussa Mara the United Nations and by human rights organisations. She called for “We are witnessing a breach the chains of command to be able to determine responsibility and for of trust between the people justice to be done. “The ability of and the elite in Mali, but defence and security forces to respect this is the case almost human rights is just as important as their ability to fight.” Annadif Khadir everywhere. Corruption Mahamat Saleh agreed with this: leads to inefficiency, “our defence and security tools need beginning with the security to be reformed, but they cannot be sector. The solution lies reformed without political will. Our armies must be educated to be a in exemplary behaviour, means of protection rather than a honesty and the virtuous tool of persecution.” Moussa Mara management of public picked up on this question of political funds.” will and said that he hopes that the Moussa Mara Malian transition will pave the way for a break with previous practices “which have created a real gulf between the people and political leaders.” His concluding message was unequivocal: “until this gulf is reduced, nothing will be possible in education, health or defence and security. We assume that those in power want to get things back on track. We are not going to
66 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS WHAT IS AN ALLIANCE
DEBATE WORTH TODAY?
Reconsidering those who work for peace | Friday, October 2 | 4.30pm • 6.00pm | Salle Guillaume
Jean-Pierre Guéno Nicole Gnesotto
Stéfanie von Hlatky Pierre Vimont
From the beginning of NATO to today’s alliance...
Nicole Gnesotto introduced this a potential threat, embodied by the debate by focusing on the North Soviet Union at the time. NATO’s next Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) mission was to ensure the United relations with Europe. She explained States’ political control of Germany. that when it was created in 1949 at Gradually, this second mission was the end of the Second World War, the extended to the whole of Europe. North Atlantic Alliance was a military This strategy was reflected on the alliance of countries which were ground by the presence of combined willing to defend themselves against divisions of German, American, Italian and French soldiers. This American presence sent a strong message to MODERATOR: Moscow, since an attack on Europe Jean-Pierre Guéno, writer and historian would have been seen as an offensive SPEAKERS: against the United States. This Nicole Gnesotto, professor at CNAM, holder of the European Chair, vice-president of the system disappeared in 1990 when Institut Jacques Delors the Soviet Union collapsed. The North Stéfanie von Hlatky, professor, director of the Centre for International and Defence Policy, Atlantic Alliance, which had lost the Queen’s University military focus behind its creation, Camille Grand, Assistant Secretary-General for retained its political dimension until Defence Investment for NATO 2010, in Nicole Gnesotto’s view. Pierre Vimont, senior fellow at Carnegie Europe
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 67 WHAT IS AN ALLIANCE WORTH TODAY?
“The Americans were obsessed way of protecting soldiers, “focusing with preventing Europeans from more on health risks rather than establishing an autonomous European on improvised explosive devices in defence and, to that end, keeping Afghanistan.” In her view, this new them within NATO. This strategy was approach is consistent with the left in tatters when Donald Trump outlook of the North Atlantic Alliance, was elected: he does not care about which has stated that it wants to play Europe’s political evolution and its more of a role in improving human security.” security. She criticised the French President, Emmanuel Macron, for his speech on the subject: “the French “Today, we find ourselves president said that NATO is brain within an alliance with dead. It should be pointed out that NATO’s longevity is quite remarkable the biggest army in the and it has demonstrated a proven world but whose power is ability to survive international crises useless, both militarily and and changes since 1949.” Camille politically. The immediate Grand commented that the North Atlantic Alliance finds itself in a consequences can be seen complicated situation: it must adapt in Turkey, for example.” to an environment of persistent Nicole Gnesotto instability which requires “reinvention”. “Is NATO the ultimate regional security alliance in the face of threats or is it an entity which is meant to expand its reach and manage crises as it has done in the past?” he asked. NATO’s Assistant Secretary-General for Defence Investment explained that his organisation “really gets its hands dirty”, citing cybersecurity and technology as examples. Pierre Vimont said that he thinks that NATO does useful work and that the North Camille Grand Atlantic Alliance remains a remarkable military tool: “in trying to force it to tackle all issues, NATO is in danger Infamous differences of losing some of its identity. Health Stéfanie von Hlatky focused on and health security is the focus of the Covid-19, explaining that NATO funds World Health Organisation, just as scientific research and develops the future of democracies is primarily partnerships on a global scale, as a matter for the United Nations.” part of the North Atlantic Alliance’s He picked up on the question of the approach to collective security. In position of Europe and the United view of the pandemic, she said that States within NATO. He suggested she believes that the armed forces that ramifications affecting Canada, must now concentrate on a different Australia, New Zealand and other
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countries could turn the NATO of is changing every six months. The tomorrow into a Western alliance CNAM professor and the holder of against the rest of the world, a the European Chair asked: “When we possibility which would be at odds talk about the West, are we talking with what France and a number of about Europeans and Americans? European countries want. “This is the Do we have common interests?” She real geopolitical debate for NATO over encouraged Europeans to enter this the coming years,” he declared. He debate: “the aim is not to confront concluded his remarks by explaining the United States, the largest that traditional multilateralism has democracy in the world, nor to build come to an end and that Europe is a rebel alliance. The aim is to build an finding it difficult to choose sides. autonomous European Union which is capable of defending its interests on “Multilateralism has been its own, if necessary, when they differ broken, buffeted and jostled from others’ interests.” on all sides by new powers which no longer respect CONTEXT the rule of law, countries’ sovereignty, the non-use of force and international 30 countries are members conventions. Today we of NATO. With the exception live in a world in which of Canada and the United States, every country is major global powers act located in Europe (including unilaterally and however Turkey, which extends from they please.” Eastern Europe to Asia Minor). Pierre Vimont
NATO 2030 €2.37 billion: NATO’s The future of the North Atlantic budget is calculated based on Alliance, which is currently under a cost-sharing formula. consideration with a view to 2030, was raised by many speakers. Camille Grand recommended “focusing on 2020: the year when more than just the short term” and NATO’s most recent member, encouraged people “to challenge North Macedonia, joined. existing ideas to open the debate and to look for solutions.” Nicole Gnesotto said that if NATO’s “only task is to protect soldiers from Covid, we must ask ourselves what purpose the Alliance serves.” She acknowledged that this organisation must reinvent itself but warned that it is difficult to look ten years ahead when the world
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 69 ETHIOPIA,
DEBATE A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR AFRICA?
Exploring international divisions | Friday, October 2 | 2.30pm • 4.00pm | Auditorium
Laëtitia Bader (via videoconference), Abdeta Beyene, Henok Teferra Shawl, René Lefort and Olivier Caslin
A strategic position
While there was consensus in Abiy Ahmed, was awarded the 100th some debates, this was not the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, something case during this debate, which gave which encouraged a tremendous rise to contradictory analysis and sense of hope. Secondly because of pronouncements. A preliminary its strategic position in the Horn of question arose: why dedicate a Africa, a peninsula in the east of the discussion to Ethiopia when there continent; Ethiopia is both the heart are 63 countries in Africa? Firstly, of this region and its main political because of the country’s current and economic power. Lastly, this large affairs. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, country with 109 million inhabitants has been the cradle of humanity
MODERATOR: since the discovery of Lucy in 1974. Olivier Caslin, journalist at Jeune Afrique Henok Teferra Shawl pointed out that Ethiopia is an old nation. The Ethiopian SPEAKERS: ambassador to France also said that René Lefort, independent researcher, specialising in the Horn of Africa although his country has suffered Laëtitia Bader, Horn of Africa director at because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Human Rights Watch along with so many others, it should Abdeta Beyene, executive director of the see economic growth of an estimated Centre for Dialogue, Research and Cooperation 7.2% in 2020. He explained that, Henok Teferra Shawl, Ethiopian ambassador to France thanks to the reforms undertaken in
70 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS ETHIOPIA, A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR AFRICA?
the last two years, his country has managed persistent macro-economic difficulties and has made progress on the major project of the Renaissance Dam 1. “We are a very old country which has changed from a feudal system in the form of an empire to an absolute monarchy. We have tried communism, then an authoritarian regime and finally committed ourselves to democracy, which we are learning about,” said Ethiopia’s ambassador to France, emphasising Henok Teferra Shawl that this regime involves judicial institutions, civil society, independent extremely difficult to overcome.” media and officials acting within the Henok Teferra Shawl responded to framework of the law. this, saying that “Ethiopia does not seek authoritarianism; rather, it seeks “Ethiopia will achieve food to ensure that the state’s authority security for the first time in is respected within a democratic framework. To do so, the state must its history. For an Ethiopian be separated from the party. It is like me, this is a great source absolutely false to say that we are of pride.” trying to perpetuate the party-state Henok Teferra Shawl when we are trying to do just the opposite.” He explained “that the Sharp criticism past should not be confused with the present, recognising both the René Lefort provided contrasting negatives and the positives of the way analysis of the situation in Ethiopia. in which the country was previously “The Ethiopian ambassador tells us run.” Abdeta Beyene put this criticism that his country is paving the way into perspective by emphasising that for democracy. That is not what Ethiopia is in the midst of transition, I have observed over the last 18 change and reform. After providing months in the international press a recap of the history of Ethiopia’s which has been critical of the regime politics, the executive director of and is worried about a shift towards the Centre for Dialogue, Research authoritarianism.” The independent and Cooperation explained that researcher mentioned “a chaotic fundamental changes “always create justice system”, a parliament “made winners and losers, with the winners up entirely of politicians who belonged wanting to consolidate their power.” to former and similar political He acknowledged contradictions. parties which do not deliberate” “Federal institutions have resolved and a “fragmentation of power and some problems while worsening authority which makes the situation others.” He also emphasised cross-
1 The largest hydroelectric dam in Africa; its construction is border issues between states in the scheduled to begin in 2022. The project is causing tensions region which may pose a challenge with Sudan and Egypt which are downstream and which fear a reduced water flow and increased silt deposits. for a process which is well under
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 71 ETHIOPIA, A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR AFRICA? way. “The previous regime tried to In particular, she mentioned the create institutions based on an assassination of the singer Hachalu understanding of our contradictions. Hundessa 2. Conversely, the current leadership is trying to involve Ethiopia by “The government has standardising society.” Lastly, he failed to deliver on its stressed Ethiopia’s geopolitical role. promise to conduct credible “We are peacemakers in the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan and investigations and to keep also in Somalia. We cannot afford to its commitments regarding fail because all of our neighbours are a peace commission, with small countries, such as Djibouti, and recurrent intercommunity they are counting on us to consolidate peace in the region.” violence in Ethiopia.” Laëtitia Bader The half-empty or When asked about this last point, half-full glass the ambassador explained that this In Laëtitia Bader’s view, Ethiopia violence is perpetrated by political raised the hopes of many Eritreans stakeholders who seek to cause in 2018, but the reality has been chaos in his country. According to quite different. She acknowledged him, the Ethiopian population lives “an extremely complex reality” and, in peace and harmony. With regard as a first step, positive reforms and to the Peace and Reconciliation important commitments, including Commission, he stressed out that it the release of thousands of political involves “the most independent people prisoners. But she blamed the there are.” Lastly, with regard to the government for forcing thousands assassination of the singer Hachalu of displaced people to return to their Hundessa, he stated that it was the homes and conflict zones since 2019. act of “organised people from other She described “a worsening situation places who want to create a civil war when it comes to human rights and between ethnic groups.” René Lefort a very worrying security policy.” concluded that the discussion had become “a stand-off because we do not have the same views, even when it comes to the facts” and said that “talking about a shift towards authoritarianism is not incompatible with the idea of a weakened state. It is precisely the opposite, because a weakened state seeks to strengthen itself by a shift to authoritarianism.” One thing is certain: the current situation in Ethiopia is a matter of debate!
2 Politically engaged Ethiopian singer who was killed on 29 Laëtitia Bader June 2020 and whose assassination sparked protests which left 239 people dead amidst ethnic tensions.
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DEBATE GLOBAL ECONOMIES
Exploring international divisions | Friday, October 2 | 4.30pm • 6.00pm | Salle Or
Virginie Robert Sylvie Bermann Bertrand Badré
The search for a vaccine to resolve the economic crisis
Although all of the debates at the reassessed, countries had to intervene Normandy World Peace Forum focus in a very significant way and financial on current affairs, some debates cover aid was provided to try to minimise more current topics than others. This the economic consequences of this was one of them, since it raised the pandemic. Should the imbalances question of the pandemic’s impact on created by this crisis be reduced or the world order. “Borders were closed, should we try to create something logistics production chains were new?” the moderator Virginie Robert asked. For Bertrand Badré, Covid-19 has quickly raised awareness of how MODERATOR: our economies function, in view of Virginie Robert, Chief of the international Service at Les Echos climate and social challenges. “This pandemic must be an opportunity to SPEAKERS: Jason Furman, Professor of Practice at do the work which has been ignored Harvard University, former Chairman of the during previous financial crises and Council of Economic Advisers during the Barack Obama presidency to refocus our economies to ensure Sylvie Bermann, France Ambassador – truly sustainable development.” President of the boards of directors of Jason Furman focused on the the Institution of Higher National Defense Studies scarcity of demand and the need Bertrand Badré, CEO and Founder of Blue to encourage a recovery which will like an Orange Sustainable Capital involve producing and consuming Yaroslav Lissovolik, Senior Managing Director & Head of Analytical Directorate, in a different way, noting that “11 Sberbank to 12 million people have lost their
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 73 (IM)BALANCED GLOBAL ECONOMIES jobs in the United States because of speakers, Sylvie Bermann said that the pandemic. It is vital to provide although a lot can be done at a training for tomorrow’s roles but we do regional level, it is not clear that the not necessarily know how to do this situation can be resolved in this way. properly.” Yaroslav Lissovolik provided his views as managing director and “If countries are not willing chief analytical officer of the Russian to co-operate, nothing will bank Sberbank. “The G20 shows happen. We are witnessing that efforts to combat this crisis are still not sufficiently co-ordinated a return to the antagonistic between different countries and behaviour of the major global institutions.” He believes that powers and it is very the European Union could take the lead in these joint efforts, suggesting difficult to overcome this.” that the International Monetary Sylvie Bermann 1 Fund, the World Bank and the The diplomat mentioned the fact World Trade Organisation, which are that in the United States, as in currently lacking in global governance, other countries, due to a lack of could join forces. He advocated an state resources, institutions are international framework to prepare founded with the help of voluntary for and to anticipate any possible new contributions. She mentioned crisis, focusing on how to establish the example of the World Health this “safety net”. Organisation: although it used to receive 80% compulsory The solution of regional contributions and 20% voluntary 2 development banks contributions, the opposite is true Co-operation can also be regional, as today. Although individual donors explained by the speakers, who cited provide significant financial support, the example of the Inter-American as seen with the Bill and Melinda Development Bank, Latin America’s Gates Foundation, they focus their largest regional development bank. contributions in areas which interest This was an opportunity to clarify that them and which are not necessarily the resources of regional development key priorities. Bertrand Badré said banks are comparable, if not superior, that the difficulty lies in mobilising to those of the World Bank and governments to tackle issues which do that regional institutions can carry not reflect their geopolitical or short- more weight than international term interests. He explained that the organisations. Yaroslav Lissovolik said relationship between regional banks that interactions between regional and the World Bank can sometimes co-operation institutions create be complicated. In his view, they must new opportunities for co-operation work together because they are all and more possibilities for economic parts of the same system. diplomacy. Responding to the other Refocusing the debate on 1 The World Bank is an international financial institution which provides leveraged loans to developing countries for the human aspect investment projects. The unprecedented economic 2 Institutions which play a similar role to that of the World Bank, but with a regional focus. imbalances caused by the pandemic
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“I have heard regional will not lead to comprehensive development banks say that relocation,” Sylvie Bermann warned. In the absence of a “vaccination” for the World Bank seems to the economic system, the debate think that it is Snow White ended with a discussion of the and that they are the seven Covid-19 vaccine. Although the speakers had no doubts concerning dwarves.” its efficacy, “thanks to truly global Bertrand Badré research, the likes of which has never been seen in the history of mankind”, have affected emerging countries, they questioned whether it would be particularly because of the way available for those in need. This issue in which the flow of money from is soon to become front-page news. emigrants to their native countries has slowed down. Jason Furman said that he believes that this is one of the most important aspects of the CONTEXT current crisis because it affects the poorest people. “Emigration has been very affected by the restrictions in billion dollars have various countries whose development 23 has depended significantly on this been committed by the World system of money transfer. According Bank in 2019 to World Bank estimates, the shortfall amounts to $100 billion.” Should we be prepared to live in a poorer world? 40 % of current In response to this question, the account deficits and Harvard Kennedy School professor surpluses around the world explained that the crisis is affecting were excessive in 2019, every country around the world and according to the International that it is exacerbated by a lack of co- Monetary Fund ordinated response. Although Africa has been relatively unaffected when compared to other continents in terms 55 % of global of the impact on people’s health, it is production and demand suffering the economic consequences comes from 6 countries which of this global disorder: a huge drop in emigrants’ incomes, a trade crisis have been among those most and the relocation of economic rapidly and severely affected activities. The debate’s speakers were by the pandemic: China, cautious as to whether the crisis is South Korea, Italy, Japan, the accentuating tensions surrounding United States and Germany identity: “when there is an economic crisis, there are inevitably inequalities, social movements and a tendency to withdraw. However, it is unreasonable to say that this is the end of globalisation because this pandemic
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 75 THE MIDDLE EAST:
DEBATE REBUILDING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Exploring international divisions | Friday, October 2 | 4.30pm • 6.00pm | Salle Azur
Grégory Rayko, Salman Shaikh and Farouk Atig
Giving the local population the keys to rebuild
Invited to explain the role of the various initiatives, including the return United Nations Development and reintegration of families who Programme (UNDP), Zena Ali- have had to flee. “In 2016, when this Ahmad began by stating that “the aid was launched, the country had 6.7 Middle East has always been a million IDPs who had been forced to region of great unrest and conflict.” flee because of the war against ISIS. The Resident Representative in Iraq Today, more than 4.7 million of these explained that this programme helps Iraqis have returned to their homes to strengthen a fragile peace through thanks to UNDP and donor support.” Twenty-seven partners work with the government to rehabilitate the MODERATOR: country’s infrastructure, from water Grégory Rayko, Head of the International section, The Conversation France to electricity and the construction of SPEAKERS: decent shelter. “We also work towards Zena Ali-Ahmad (Baghdad), Resident food self-sufficiency by supporting Representative – United Nations Development local agriculture. This reappropriation Programme Iraq Farouk Atig, Journalist specialized in Jihadist is complex because the people networks imprisoned by ISIS no longer feel Salman Shaikh, Founder & CEO - The Shaikh connected to the land which they Group used to work. To this end, we make
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significant efforts to integrate these The viability of Iraq and communities into the social fabric.” Syria in question Including the population in Farouk Atig also said that he believes the process to rebuild that “the solution cannot come from extra-territorial or foreign entities, Salman Shaikh confirmed the and that it is time to entrust the Iraqis need to involve representatives of and Syrians with the keys to rebuild local populations to build peace their respective countries.” As for the in the Middle East. He drew on his viability of these two neighbouring organisation’s experience; for the last states, “[his] heart wants to say yes, ten years, it has been involved in most but his head says no.” Focusing on of the conflicts in this region of the Syria, the senior reporter explained world: Palestine, Israel, Lebanon and that the country is fragmented and Iraq. In his view, in Syria, the UN made that there are now three different the mistake at the end of 2011 and in Syrias. The first in the south, with the 2012 of concentrating too much on capital Damascus and Alawite Shi’ite dialogue between Bashar al-Assad’s governance, the second in the north- regime and the opposition, when the west, under Turkish influence, with latter was not sufficiently organised, nearly 3 million people who rejected despite the international community’s Bashar al-Assad’s regime, and the efforts. third with a Kurdish and Arab majority who fought to liberate the country “Syrians tell us that they from jihadi influence. need a process which involves more people and “We must remember the which gives everyone the violence and abuses of opportunity to express their Bashar al-Assad, a man views about the reforms whom the French Minister of which their society needs.” Foreign Affairs said did not Salman Shaikh deserve to be on earth, back Emphasising his opposition to Bashar in 2012.” al-Assad “who does not deserve Farouk Atig to govern the country”, Salman In Zena Ali-Ahmad’s view, Lebanon, Shaikh said that, in a Syria which Syria, Jordan and Iraq are viable, has been divided into different areas although the breakdown of the controlled by different administrations, social contract between citizens and he believes that “the only way governments is an additional obstacle. to overcome these difficulties is She also advocated the recognition to support international law and of victims “because reconciliation is standards.” To this end, he repeated not possible without justice.” Salman that governments are strictly forbidden Shaikh said that he also believes a to attack their own people and solution is possible because “these are stressed that citizens have the right to proud people and major civilisations”. express how their country is rebuilt. On hearing these remarks, Farouk
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how the city of Mosul was taken by the Islamic State in fourteen hours. However, this city was controlled by Shi’ite militiamen sent by Baghdad who inflicted racketeering, rape and robbery on the predominantly Sunni people. The exasperation of the local population facilitated ISIS’ arrival.” Grégory Rayko refocused the debate on rebuilding and the role of external powers. All of the speakers agreed that there is a disengagement of the United States, China and Russia. Instead of these struggles for influence, they called for the support of the international community, which, in their view, must help people to take their destiny into their own hands by Zena Ali-Ahmad giving them the keys to rebuild.
Atig modified his initial remarks on CONTEXT the viability of the Iraqi and Syrian states and clarified his thoughts: “I have more confidence in Iraq because, people despite the scars of war, there has 380,000 not been the same extensive loss of have been killed in Syria since life as in Syria, at least not in the last the beginning of the conflict ten years. I just think that things are in 2011, including more than going to be particularly complicated 115,000 civilians, 22,000 of and that the solution is internal. It is them children. the responsibility of the oppressed to judge those who have been complicit in atrocious crimes. If this preliminary $400 billion: the cost work is not done, there can be no of the destruction in Syria, viability.” according to UN estimates. A cancer called ISIS $4,000 billion. The overall cost to the United The conversation then focused on States of the war in Iraq, ISIS, which was compared “to a cancer which has spread across this region of including medical costs and the world and which has metastasised financial support for veterans. significantly”. Farouk Atig pointed out that these “organisations” have thrived because of the absence of a central government. “Just look at
78 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS DEBATE RESTORING TRUST?
Exploring international divisions | Thursday, October 1 | 5.30pm • 7.00pm | Salle Azur
Marc van der Woude, Françoise Mélonio and Pascal Perrineau
A deep and lasting split
Opening the debate, Françoise is considered to be one of the Mélonio quoted the French Prime most mistrustful in the world, after Minister Jean Castex, who said that Afghanistan. Yet trust is a decisive his highest priority was “to restore the factor for a functioning democracy, trust which brings societies together based on the principle that if power to focus on human values: people’s comes from above, trust comes from trust in the elite, trust between the below.” In the political scientist’s state and its intermediary bodies, view, this feeling of mistrust is the trust in the future.” This proves fundamental cause of the democratic that there is a problem, as Pascal malaise we are currently experiencing. Perrineau explained: “French society “The studies we have carried out show that this mistrust is everywhere: mistrust of politicians, companies, religious institutions, the justice MODERATOR: system and so on.” In this situation, Françoise Mélonio, professor emeritus in French literature, Sorbonne University what Pascal Perrineau termed “the protective state” (the army, the SPEAKERS: Arthur Goldhammer, writer, translator, essayist, police and public hospitals) is an Senior Affiliate of the Centre for European exception. The paradox is that the Studies, Harvard University people interviewed in France for Pascal Perrineau, political scientist and professor at Sciences Po, former director of these surveys state that they have CEVIPOF high levels of trust in themselves and Marc van der Woude, President of the General Court of the European Union also their friends and family, their
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neighbours and their neighbourhoods. several facets to democracy today, This trust at a local level was including “representative democracy”, impressively demonstrated during which is increasingly unsatisfactory, the Covid-19 crisis, when remarkable and “participatory democracy», acts of solidarity were seen. However, which is reinventing itself. This form Pascal Perrineau commented on of democracy involves citizens in the a very worrying issue: mistrust of decision-making process by means decision-makers. of consultations and deliberations outside electoral periods, like the “great national debate” or the “Trust between citizens and “citizens’ conference on climate”. power is like a black hole Arthur Goldhammer described the which continues to expand situation in the United States by every year.” saying that his country is in the Pascal Perrineau grip of “a worrying and virulent crisis”. He mentioned six key factors: the breakdown of social The harmful effects of the mobility, the transformation of the situation media, a Manichean use of social media, opposing institutions, racial The public only approves of decision- tensions and xenophobic overtones. makers who have left the political In particular, it should be noted arena. This widespread mistrust has that “Europeans have always harmful effects because it weakens underestimated their chances of the democratic regime and reinforces social advancement while Americans the idea that there could be another have always overestimated them.” The option, such as an authoritarian writer and translator was also very regime; this idea is gaining ground critical of American universities which, among young people. The Sciences in setting up “a so-called objective Po professor explained that there are
The disappointment of social media and the role of the media The debate’s speakers explained question about the existence of that the use of social media “disinformation” in the French by demagogues who address media, the speakers replied that millions of people without being “there is no channel like Fox News contradicted and who constantly in France”. However, interest in criticise “elites” works to exacerbate information in France, as measured a sense of mistrust. The panellists by the La Croix Barometer, reached were also critical of social media, an all-time low in 2020: a rather about which people were “incredibly depressing statistic. hopeful” when it first emerged. In response to an audience
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selection system, has created CONTEXT something very much like a caste system for graduates.” Collective 64% of people in France responsibility believe that their country’s Marc van der Woude highlighted two democracy is not functioning factors which contribute to mistrust, properly both in France and on the other side of the Atlantic. The first is the result of Just 39% of people in a social-democratic model which no France trust the government longer works and fuels individualism to to tackle coronavirus the detriment of the collective. effectively “Individual right is well covered in law. But where is 30% of people chose the collective responsibility “mistrust” to express and how does it translate their state of mind, ahead into jurisdictional of “weariness” (28%), “gloominess” (22%) and decisions?” “equanimity” (21%) Marc van der Woude The second lies in the perception Just 8% of French of Europe by citizens who believe employees belong to a trade that the EU is responsible for a loss union of control by member governments, primarily caused by politicians who adopt different positions, depending on whether they are speaking in Brussels or in their own country. “When we talk about European elections, are they European? No, these are elections in which delegates to the European Parliament are appointed, but the process is not collective. This is another misapprehension when it comes to Europe.” He lamented this, saying that he believes that the EU should unite, rather than divide.
THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS | 81 ASIAN DYNAMICS
DEBATE IN A TIME OF CRISIS
Exploring international divisions | Friday, October 2 | 2.30pm • 4.00pm | Salle Azur
Virginie Robert, Judy Tseng and Antoine Bondaz
A climate of tension
China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, regime does not agree to make Japan: just like every other country concessions,” he explained. Covid-19 in the world, Asian countries have could have brought the two camps been hit by the global pandemic. How closer together but it seems to have are they coping? Has the pandemic driven them apart instead. Judy Tseng changed their relationships with other shared her opinion from a Taiwanese world powers? Via video, Jean-Pierre perspective. In her view, the pandemic Cabestan discussed the relationship has played a role because it has between China and the European revealed divisions within Taiwanese Union, focusing on the issue of society, with tensions between Taiwan access to the Chinese market. “We and China causing real suffering. are at an impasse and I do not see She also stressed the urgent need how China and Europe will be able to for a world with multiple alliances find common ground if the Beijing and genuine regional solidarity to combat this crisis and to strengthen democracy, including in countries MODERATOR: under Chinese influence. Virginie Robert, Chief of the international Service, Les Echos Burying the hatchet SPEAKERS: Jean-Pierre Cabestan, Professor at the between the United States Hong Kong Baptist University and Research director - CNRS and China Dingli Shen, Professor at the Center for American Studies, Fudan University Rejecting the idea of a “post-Covid Judy Tseng, Journalist, Central News world”, Antoine Bondaz said that he Agency believed that pre-existing trends have Antoine Bondaz, Researcher, Foundation for strategic research (FRS) merely been reinforced. He began by
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Pacific is also on the agenda with an Iranian government which is unhappy about America’s presence in the region. “At a time when there should be cooperation, I have the impression that a consensus is forming between American
Jean-Pierre Cabestan Democrats and Republicans to further damage relations mentioning China’s assertiveness 1, with China.” with authorities demanding that Dingli Shen language be closely policed. He went on to note the development Pre-emptive security of Chinese health diplomacy; China Jean-Pierre Cabestan advocated was the first country to provide pre-emptive security to curb a aid to Italy, which was hard hit by pandemic like the one we are currently coronavirus before the rest of the living through. Although he noted EU. Lastly, he highlighted China’s a significant difference between worsening image in the United States countries with borders (including from 2016 onwards and from 2018 Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and even in Europe. In his view, this crisis has the Hong Kong region) and the EU’s revealed the weaknesses and errors Schengen area, he stressed that a of France and Europe. “We need to country like Taiwan had implemented be less dependent on one country, very effective protection measures in diversifying our partners and ensuring late December 2019. He also said that that our interests are safeguarded in he believes that the United States the event of a recurrence.” Dingli Shen was naive to let China assume global stressed the idea that the pandemic technological leadership. In his view, has exacerbated worsening relations the United States take the attitude between China and the United States that “as long as China is ruled by at all levels, including commercially a single party which prevents the and academically, with many Chinese country from becoming truly global, students having been expelled from it will be difficult to have normalised the country. She explained that relations with the country.” Judy Tseng Washington is supporting Taiwan detailed the various measures taken by sending officers, soldiers and by Taiwan to limit the spread of the weapons, a new approach which virus. Having been traumatised by nobody was expecting. Tensions are the 2003 SARS crisis, the government high in Asia, with North Korea refusing had set up a command centre which to give up nuclear weapons. The Indo- was reactivated in the wake of the
1 An individual’s ability to express his or her ideas and to global pandemic. It is responsible for defend his or her rights without provoking the hostility of the all decision-making processes and person with whom he or she is talking, whose values he or she respects. communicates quickly and effectively
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in a society in which mask-wearing CONTEXT is already commonplace. Lastly, the use of technology for contact tracing has played a part, as has compliance with the drastic rules which have Of all Covid-19 deaths, 1 been put in place. Civic-mindedness in 2 occurs in Europe and and mutual trust between the North America, compared to 1 government and the Taiwanese people death in 5 in Asia, home to 4 have contributed to the successful times as many people collective management of this crisis. “Taiwan wants to prove that Just 6 people died from it has managed Covid-19 Covid-19 by 15 April 2020 in flawlessly to highlight the Taiwan, an island of 24 million injustice of its exclusion people from the WHO, following China’s diktat.” 4.9% growth in the 3rd Judy Tseng quarter of 2020 after 3.2% in Antoine Bondaz mentioned the the previous quarter: China incredibly strict measures (as difficult has confirmed its sluggish as that is to imagine in France) taken economic recovery at the by various Asian countries in response height of the pandemic to the crisis which have, in fact, brought about economic benefits. “South Korea will become the world’s tenth economic power, surpassing Canada and Russia in a year.”. The fall-out in Asia is proving to be less painful economically than elsewhere because efforts to limit the spread of the virus have not required a large- scale recovery plan, thus opening up new prospects for growth in Asian countries.
UNITED STATES/CHINA: what course of action for the EU? When asked about this, Jean-Pierre interests in the Far East. He sees Japan’s Cabestan explained that Europe believes attitude as interesting in this respect it can play the role of mediator by because the country has a rather shrewd maintaining an equidistant position strategy: not cutting ties with China, between China and the United States. on which it depends economically, while Personally, he believes that the EU shares maintaining strategic relations with the the values and economic approaches United States, India and Vietnam. of the Americans, along with strategic
84 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS THE EVENING EVENTS
THE EVENING EVENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DOCS UP FUND | SALLE PLÉNIÈRE
SCREENING OF THE DOCUMENTARY ‘‘THE CAVE’’ Revealing a subterranean story
The Forum’s first evening event was a screening of the documentary film The Cave, followed by comments from Amani Ballour, the film’s protagonist, and its director Feras Fayyad 1.
A new initiative: a tour de force. The first documentary to be supported by the Normandy Region, in partnership with the association Docs Up Fund, was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2020 Oscars. The relevance of this incredible film to the Normandy World Peace Forum was acknowledged by the audience. When the film ended and after a long round of applause, a few seconds were needed to process the palpable emotion created by this masterpiece which took two years to film. Feras Fayyad: “I cannot thank Dr Amani Ballour enough because she put her life in danger for this film. Without her, we would not be able to tell this store which is our story, as Syrians. The aim was to focus on this hospital in our country, a symbol of hope and a place of safety, but also to tell the story of her struggle to save lives.” The Syrian doctor, who learned that
1 Writer and director of the internationally acclaimed 2017 film Last Men in Aleppo
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she was the central focus of the film at its screening, said that “her daily Amani Ballour life in Syria was also the daily lives of other doctors and patients.” She paid tribute to the patients who died because of the conflict in Syria. “It is vital that everyone learns the truth!” Crimes against humanity Imprisoned by Syria’s secret services, Feras Fayyad testified at the trial of the former Syrian officer Anwar Raslan who was arrested and put on trial in Germany for crimes against humanity 2. “Dr Amani was also arrested. We have this sad experience in common.” During his arbitrary detention, the director was subjected to physical and psychological violence. “I was imprisoned underground in temperatures of -3°C. I suffered from a lack of oxygen, brutality and pressure. I was told that my family was going to be tortured.” Ironically, the director and the entire Syrian crew of the ceremony: their visas were denied by film were prevented from attending the U.S. administration in the wake the ninetieth Academy Awards of President Donald Trump’s newly implemented anti-terrorist measures. 2 Bashar al-Assad’s “strong arm” is accused of torturing 4,000 detainees, 58 of whom died Women’s place in society An internationally- The Cave is also an ode to the acclaimed documentary emancipation of women in Syrian’s patriarchal society. “I feel I have to • Nominee - Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature confront this ancient culture in my country, according to which men • Winner - Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography for Nonfiction should be in charge of everything. and Emmy for Exceptional Merit in When I had been working at the Documentary Filmmaking hospital for four years, even though • Winner - Audience Award and Special I had the same skills as the other Mention at the Camden International doctors and my colleagues chose Film Festival me to run the hospital, some people
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wondered why I had been asked to manage it. Other people even refused THE PITCH to talk to me.” Amani Ballour also OF THE fights for the recognition of women in Syrian society. “My own sister DOCUMENTARY got married when she was 13 years old; she has lost her husband now In Syria, in the besieged area of Ghouta, which suffered the worst because he was arrested. She has a chemical attack in 25 years, local very difficult life for which she was inhabitants have built a makeshift not prepared. I am trying to fight this. hospital in the bowels of the earth. That is why I have created a fund for While the conflict rages on, the women’s rights in my community: it paediatrician Amani Ballour tries to will help them to access education save lives and to find medicines. Feras and healthcare.” More generally, the Fayyad’s film follows the working life of this devoted woman. doctor is an advocate for all Muslim women. “Being religious should not 1H 35MIN / DOCUMENTARY prevent you from working if you DIRECTOR: want to. There is a misunderstanding Feras Fayyad about Islam, especially because our communities force women to wear the hijab. But that is not the real image of Islam.” A high price to pay The film ends with Amani Ballour leaving Syria, having been ordered to leave the country or to risk being killed. “It was hard to leave my homeland. I am waiting for the fall of this dictatorship so that I can come back. Until then, I will continue to study and work as a doctor.” After leaving for Turkey, she now hopes to be recognised as political refugee in Germany. But this young woman, who was not yet 30 years old when the documentary was filmed, continues to think of others first. “I am sad for all the refugees from my country in Turkey, in Greece and in the north- west of Syria.”
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LITERARY EVENING WRITERS AND PEACE Writing for peace
Organised in partnership with the magazine L’OBS, a literary evening hosted by Jérôme Garcin was the first guest to speak. “Writers was the closing event of the should have no illusions about their role. They are witnesses. Their action Normandy World Peace Forum. A is clandestine and unconscious. panel made up of the editor-in- We preach to the choir but we chief of the culture division at must address the warring parties Le Nouvel Observateur, Justine themselves. War is an extreme form Augier, Bartabas, Scholastique in which one sides views the other Mukasonga, François Reynaert as an enemy who must be destroyed. and Jean-Christophe Rufin If the writer has a role to play, it explored the relationship between is to show that humanity can be authors, literature and peace. found everywhere, even among the enemy.” Scholastique Mukasonga, “a Tutsi living in Calvados” and “an “I take off my mask and pick up my ambassador for peace” as Jérôme pen.” Jérôme Garcin opened this Garcin put it, won the Prix Renaudot fascinating and wide-ranging debate for her book Notre-Dame du Nil (Our with this witty reference to the name Lady of the Nile). She discussed the of the long-standing literary radio wars in Rwanda. “I have only ever show he presents on France Inter; known discrimination, hatred and the speakers’ contributions, analysis rejection. I was a child when I was and explanations made this a truly deported with other Tutsis and I was inspiring event at the Forum. “You lucky to be raised by parents who have listened to many researchers, actively resisted and who showed me economists and decision-makers so love. From the age of 3, I was taught far. Tonight, let us hear from writers not to be scared, to survive, to share whose art helps to prevent war and with others.” Access to education work for peace.” Jean-Christophe was key to her resilience, as was her Rufin, a doctor, writer and diplomat, arrival in Normandy. “I am surrounded
88 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS François Reynaert, Jérôme Garcin, Bartabas and Justine Augier THE EVENING EVENTS
by memories of the Second World War much about history and current affairs here. Here, I have been able to rebuild but has never been in a war zone. “I myself and to become stronger. started my career with people who Indeed, I wrote my first two books in talked about peace. When you write Bény-sur-Mer.” history books, you realise how lucky you are to have lived in a country The utility of literature like France, which has been peaceful Justine Augier questioned the for such a long time.” The scholar utility of literature when it comes to explained that until 1914, historians promoting peace. “I think that conflict liked to explain or justify wars, rather is almost always born of a refusal than denouncing them. The evening to confront the world’s multiplicity. was also an opportunity to discuss It is the result of a narrow focus on more philosophical subjects, such unequivocal interpretations, the as whether writers can be “neutral” imprisoning of people by simplistic when writing about conflict. “Writing and ideological explanations. On the is a form of activism, an attempt to contrary, as I see it, good literature, find a way to be present in the world, should not try to crush reality but to to share a personal perspective. reveal its inherent layers.” Bartabas Authors do take a position but the is famous for having created the power of literature lies in not doing equestrian theatre Zingaro. A so in a binary way,” Justine Augier horseman, a director and a film- said. Similarly, does pacifist literature maker, he is also the author of the influence behaviour? “Even if it raised book D’un cheval l’autre. “For thirty awareness, it did not prevent the years, I have analysed the relationship Second World War from 1939 to 1945, between humans and animals in an despite an abundance of literature unconscious quest for the universal. which was very hostile about the Humans are the only animals to Great War,” François Reynaert pointed have invented war. They liked it and out. When discussing whether good continue to wage war. The first lesson literature requires worthy sentiments I learned from horses was not to be and whether a good writer should afraid of others, of the unknown. I always be on the right side, the think that all conflicts are the result speakers shared sharp, acerbic points of fear.” François Reynaert has written of view.
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Parliamentarians for Peace
Launched by Open Diplomacy and the Normandy Region for the Normandy World Peace Forum, the project Parliamentarians for Peace gathered 10 parliamentarians from 5 continents to work upon the themes of the Forum: environmental degradation, social upheaval and the digital revolution. Their meeting with Forum’s partners and peace project leaders resulted in the Peace Policy Platform, to promote five principles to build a lasting peace and five political solutions that they will submit to Parliament.
« We commit, as Parliamentarians for Peace, to sustain key policy Thomas Friang solutions which work towards peace, developed by governments as well as non-state actors. Across the borders that separate our chambers, and the political boundaries that differentiate our respective viewpoints, we jointly look forward to more policy anticipation and cooperation. »
PARLIAMENTARIANS FOR PEACE WEBSITE: https://www.p4p.global/
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THE NORMANDY INDEX
To assess the threats to peace and democracy around the world
The Normandy Index assesses the Normandy Index, developed by 136 countries and the European the European Parliament Research Union, focusing on eleven threats Service (EPRS) and the Institute for to measure their vulnerability to Economics and Peace (IEP); it is a conflict. Developed by the European very valuable tool which helps us to Parliament Research Service and the understand war so that we can better Institute for Economics and Peace build peace.” in partnership with the Normandy Region, this tool returned in 2020. 11 threats analysed In view of the region’s history and To measure a country’s “peace” in real initiatives to promote peace, including terms, the Normandy Index takes into the Normandy World Peace Forum, the account eleven different threats, as Normandy Region was keen to support defined in the EU’s Global Strategy: this Index, which was presented for the climate change, cybersecurity, first time in June 2019. As Hervé Morin, democratic processes, economic President of the Normandy Region, crises, energy insecurity, fragile states, explained: “this year, the Normandy homicides, disinformation, terrorism, World Peace Forum is focused on new violent conflicts and weapons of mass threats, including climatic, social and destruction. Regions and countries are technological threats; these negative assessed and compared in each of external factors contribute to growth these areas on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 = which often disregards both mankind serious threat, 10 = no risk) and given and the environment. This focus on an overall score. The 2020 Index, which threats is entirely consistent with looks at the situation in 2019, shows an encouraging global picture with a slightly higher global index than in 2018. However, some regions including the Sahel and the Middle East remain VISIT THE NORMANDY INDEX’S under serious threat. A tool like this is INTERACTIVE PLATFORM: more relevant than ever when it comes to identifying risks and understanding https://www.europarl.europa. and preventing wars. eu/thinktank/infographics/ peaceandsecurity/index.html#/
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FREEDOM PRIZE On behalf of Loujain al-hathloul and all her sisters
Created by the Normandy Region, in partnership with the international Institute of Human Rights and peace, the academic authorities of Normandy, Canopé and Ouest-France, the Freedom Prize pays tribute to all those who fight for the right to be free. The 2020 Freedom Prize was awarded to Loujain Al-Hathloul by 5,500 young people around the world. She has been imprisoned for two and a half years in Saudi Arabia for her efforts to emancipate women in her country.
As the guest of honour of the 2020 concerned about his image in Western edition, Barbara Hendricks awarded countries. This is why it is particularly Loujain Al-Hathloul’s Freedom Prize important to highlight Loujain Al- trophy 1 to her sisters, Lina and Alia, Hathloul’s fate: to raise awareness who were very moved. “We cannot among the public and, consequently, thank you enough for your support. in the press and among democratic We have not been in regular contact governments. with Loujain since her arrest. Saudi Arabia is indirectly pressuring us to A unanimous tribute remain silent. My parents met with Father Pedro Opeka, another her a few months ago; afterwards, we candidate for this year’s Freedom Prize, did not hear from her for weeks and expressed his support, demonstrating weeks.” The two siblings explained the solidarity which exists among all that these tactics to intimidate those who defend freedom around the are combined with a sham justice world. “Loujain Al-Hathloul deserves system in a “schizophrenic” country. this recognition and this award. I hope Internationally, Saudi Arabia tries to appear to be a progressive country, with women now allowed to drive and the laws around the veil now relaxed. Nationally, arbitrary arrests are commonplace, ordered by a monarchy which undermines the public authorities, according to the Al-Hathloul sisters. The two young women denounced a regime which is subjected to the “whims of the
Prince”, Mohammed bin Salman. He is Lina and Alia Al-Hathloul, Barbara Hendricks and Hervé Morin. 1 made by Lycée Napoléon in L’Aigle (Orne)
92 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS ACHIEVEMENTS with all my heart that she will be freed, along with Nasrin Sotoudeh”, a lawyer who was also chosen as a candidate and is imprisoned in Iran. “The world’s young people are increasingly driven by tolerance and freedom, with no distinctions regarding race, opinion, ideology or religion. I admire these sisters who fight for freedom, who will eventually be victorious around Loujain Al-Hathloul the world,” Pedro Opeka concluded. The Freedom Prize was inspired Freedom has a price by three iconic people who fought against Nazism in Normandy: Bernard 31-year-old Loujain Al-Hathloul has Dargols, who passed away last year, been arrested and detained on numerous Léon Gauthier and Charles Norman occasions in Saudi Arabia for demonstrating against her country’s system of male Shay. The latter wanted to encourage guardianship. This multi-lingual young the 2020 winner. “I am honoured to woman spent some of her childhood in have been chosen by Normandy to Toulon and studied for an undergraduate participate in the Freedom Prize. degree in French in Vancouver and a Master’s Seventy-six years ago, I landed on degree at the Sorbonne in Abu Dhabi. As a Omaha Beach as a military orderly. My popular figure on social media who is known comrades and I fought for freedom for her peaceful struggle to emancipate women in her country, she has spent the last to protect and to cherish. I want to two and a half years of her life as a political congratulate Loujain, a brilliant young prisoner in the maximum-security prison woman, who has unfortunately already Al-Ha’ir. Her family reported that the young experienced brutality. Because of your woman has been subjected to torture and sacrifice, women are now allowed to sexual harassment while in prison. The Saudi drive in Saudi Arabia. You have already authorities reportedly offered to release won a battle.” After Greta Thunberg her if she would deny that she had been the victim of violence. Loujain Al-Hathloul in 2019, the Freedom Prize has once refused. Since the Normandy World Peace again been awarded to a woman. Forum, it was reported that she had gone “They embody the fight for humanity,” on hunger strike to protest against the Barbara Hendricks explained. conditions of her detention.
A democratic prize More than 5,500 young people aged 15 choose three people or organisations to 25 from eighty-one different countries whose fights for freedom ahead of 2021 participated in the three stages of the were particularly commendable. More 2020 Freedom Prize. During the first than 5,500 votes were cast during an stage, the call for applications received online vote which ended on 6 June 2020. 238 nominations. The international The winner, Loujain Al-Hathloul, won panel of judges, made up of twenty-four 42% of the votes, ahead of Father Pedro young people and led by the journalist Opeka from Madagascar (29%) and the Emmanuel Davidenkoff, spent two days Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh (25%). narrowing down these nominations to
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Hand in hand In view of the absence of physical years of history, reconciliation, peace contact because of measures to prevent agreements and symbols of fraternity. the spread of coronavirus, the Normandy From the handshake between General World Peace Forum came up with the de Gaulle and the German chancellor idea of a photo exhibition in the centre Adenauer to the meeting between Greta of its village, displaying some of the Thunberg and Charles Norman Shay, a most stunning handshakes in history. World War Two veteran, at the award Presented by its deputy director, Régis ceremony for the Freedom Prize, these Le Sommier, the photographs from Paris eye-catching gestures made quite an Match’s archives retraced more than 50 impression on many visitors.
The gift of ubiquity Questions arose as to how quality speakers from all continents would be able to speak at the Forum, despite border closures caused by the pandemic. Organisers also wanted speakers to avoid time-consuming and energy-intensive travel. Consequently, Normandy for Peace used video links, video conferencing and other pre- recorded messages during the conferences and debates. This resolutely modern technology did not detract from speakers’ wide-ranging contributions. Audience members were particularly struck by the live speech given by Cacique Ninawa, the spiritual leader and chief of the Huni Kuin people; this community Intergenerational of 15,000 people The Forum welcomed visitors of lives in villages in the all ages, from secondary school Amazonian forest pupils and university students which are often very to senior citizens. This diversity isolated, in the state of was particularly noticeable du- Acre in the north-west ring the plenary conferences. of Brazil.
94 | THE NORMANDY WORLD PEACE FORUM - THE ESSENTIALS Acknowledgements
Many challenges were overcome to successfully organise this third edition of the Normandy World Peace Forum. The President of the Normandy Region would like to thank everyone who made this event possible, particularly:
The Forum’s participants, whether they came to Abbaye aux Dames or attended remotely
The Forum’s panellists and partners within the Village for Peace who brought this edition of the Forum to life by sharing their experience and expertise
Patrons and members of the Normandy for Peace network who helped to create a genuinely influential regional initiative
State departments and the city of Caen, both of which provided essential support to ensure the health and safety of the Forum’s attendees
The teams behind the Forum: elected representatives, officials, service providers and volunteers who create an extraordinary public event every year
Hervé Morin President of the Normandy Region, former French Minister of Defence The Normandy Region is looking forward to seeing you in 2021 for the 4th edition of the Normandy World Peace Forum !