'This quest for common ground aims to shift the international geopolitical stage away from polarisation and towards long-lasting equitable peace.' Photo: by Ben Masora on Unsplash
Conversation peace: an introduction to Quaker Peacebuilding Perspectives
‘Peace is vital for the thriving coexistence of communities.’
Quaker Peacebuilding Perspectives (QPP) is an informal, international peace group formed in April 2022 out of deep concern about the tragic conflict in Ukraine. QPP is driven by the realisation that this conflict has grave far-reaching consequences for the wider region extending well into the future. All are welcome to join, Quakers and non-Quakers alike, to explore the wide variety of perspectives on topics of shared concern. This quest for common ground aims to shift the international geopolitical stage away from polarisation and towards long-lasting equitable peace.
In the course of this quest, the group has evolved processes that flow from both listening and speaking respectfully to assist this shift. Contrary to any assumption that a ceasefire is a necessary precondition for peace talks, it is the position of QPP that this is not the case. It is a matter of urgency for exploratory discussions to be held to build trust and pave the way to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Identifying and addressing anticipated unwanted outcomes of discussions between polarised parties (Russia and Ukraine in this instance) can be a useful part of planning for the discussions rather than being a reason for not holding them. There is every reason to hold exploratory discussions in a creative constructive manner with careful planning to promote an equitable outcome.
Considering the desperate urgency to establish long-term peace, the governments of Ukraine, Russia, neighbouring countries, the United States, NATO, and the European Union, will need to explore all avenues – whether public or private – for a renewed conversation to address the human security needs of all the peoples and countries in the region.
The Quaker Peace Testimony maintains that peace must be achieved non-violently, supported by procedures for its continuation. This includes the need to maintain human security and justice and address seeds of future conflicts. There is clearly an urgent need for a process to resolve conflicts without ‘the threat or use of force’ (as enshrined in Article 2.(4) of the UN Charter).
We support the exploration of proposals that advocate a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Examples thus far include (in chronological order): Turkey’s mediation efforts, Vlodomir Zelensky’s peace plan, China’s position paper on settlement of the crisis, the Vatican’s mediation efforts, the Brazilian peace initiative, and the African peace plan.
Quakers have historically played the role of gathering peaceably and providing a safe space for expressing disparate points of view. QPP is thus inspired to complement such initiatives by proposing a methodology and framework that would enable and enhance the potential success of associated exploratory discussions.
Furthermore, ‘Saving future generations from the scourge of war’, as enshrined in the UN Charter, asks us all to give peace a chance. The alternative is widespread devastation to people and planet.
Peace is vital for the thriving coexistence of communities. The QPP Group has evolved a transferable model for resolving peacefully tensions that threaten international human security needs.
It is crucial that all countries in the wider region including Russia and Ukraine enjoy freedom to choose any of the options from all future development opportunities in fields such as infrastructure and commerce. This freedom should not be constrained by any terms or conditions attached to the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Such opportunities would be even better if they facilitate transnational collaborative constructive development in accordance with the aspirations of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ‘leaving no one behind’ (see https://unsdg.un.org/2030-agenda/universal-values).
The QPP group realised that a path towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict could be found by including the following:
• an alternative to direct face-to-face negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Through diplomatic efforts by third parties working with the leadership of both states, it may be possible to reach a common text of a unilateral binding commitment that would be agreeable to each side
• peaceful resolution based on agreed terms not detrimental to Ukraine or Russia. Creative flexible approaches could lead to the exploration of alternative perspectives so that agreed terms would not be detrimental to either Ukraine or Russia. Examples include ‘thinking outside the box’, seeking win-win solutions, and transformative mediation
• a methodology for exploring vital interests of all parties without pre-condition: Specific Topic Exploration Groups (STEGs). The resolution of outstanding contentious issues can take place through parallel discussions on each issue. These can pave the way for comprehensive resolution of the conflict. The group realised that a conducive environment is needed for such exploratory discussions to take place without them being characterised as ‘negotiations’. They could take place through the participation of interested parties in several STEGs, each focussing on a topic of concern that is central to addressing factors contributing to the conflict. Any party (individual or group) with pertinent expertise may propose topics for discussion, while no party may rule out the discussion of a proposed topic. Each participant should have equal freedom to share in STEGs, without obligations resulting from their official capacity. This freedom would increase the scope for a successful approach.
The distinctive approach that has evolved through the group’s work lies in recognising that:
• success relies on identifying and exploring the core concerns of all involved
• building trust is vital, more so after the collapse of previous agreements. Future agreements need to be based on internationally verified mechanisms rather than relying solely on any party acting in good faith
• trust can be developed in a receptive safe environment for entering into solution-focussed exploratory discussions. Respectful communication, both in expressing perspectives and in enquiring in order to understand, is necessary. Integrity must be sustained through words and actions
• the less a person is attached to a particular perspective the easier it will be for them to engage with other perspective.
• with each perspective comes opportunity for exploring compatible ground, allowing unexpected paths toward resolution of the conflict to emerge. Any perspective expressed in a meeting is probably shared by thousands of people in the wider world. The focus of the related exploratory discussion, therefore, needs to be on the perspective and the underlying reasoning, not on the person who expressed it
• speaking of experiences of war in an atmosphere of profound, respectful listening can enable participants to relate to each other more deeply
• consideration of ethics and justice would help to reduce feelings of dissatisfaction and enhance the prospects for lasting peace.
Using this approach and addressing the experience of loss or harm could avoid related resentments being so significant as to prevent progress towards a brighter future. Genuine reconciliation and reconstruction in ways that are peaceful, built on respect and compassion, would thus support healing and gradual transformation of the fabric of society.
We welcome any opportunity to work with parties seeking peaceful ways forward and creative solutions, as well as working with existing programmes that engage with all aspects of the conflict.
We advocate seeking lasting peace on Earth.
Text submitted by Gail Parfitt. Email peacebuildingperspectives@gmail.com for more info.
