10.06.2025UZH Hosts a Transdisciplinary Dialogue on Humanitarian Traditions and Peacebuilding

On 10 June, the University of Zurich (UZH) hosted a public event entitled “Humanitarian Traditions and the Future of Peace: What Have We Learned?”. The event brought together diplomats, academics, and humanitarian experts to reflect on the evolving challenges of conflict and the conditions necessary for sustainable peace.

Opening the event, UZH President Professor Michael Schaepman highlighted Switzerland’s long-standing humanitarian traditions and emphasized the university’s role as a neutral platform for trans- and interdisciplinary dialogue. He noted that building peaceful and resilient societies requires not only political engagement, but also a commitment to evidence-based discussion across institutional and national boundaries.

The event was moderated by the Dutch historian and science communicator Eveline van Rijswijk. (Image: André Hengst)
"We strive to offer a neutral platform for open and evidence-based dialogue. A place where different disciplines and perspectives come together to address urgent challenges.", said UZH President Michael Schaepman in his opening remarks. (Image: André Hengst)
Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), stated in her keynote address: "And I am convinced that respect for international humanitarian law, combined with neutral, impartial humanitarian action, can help remove obstacles to peace and lay the foundations for reconciliation." (Image: André Hengst)
Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the ICRC (Image: André Hengst)
Panel discussion on "enabling and hindering factors for peacebuilding" and "what science can contribute" with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger (President of the ICRC), Jürg Lauber (Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN in Geneva and current President of the UN Human Rights Council), Jaak Aaviksoo (independent consultant), Thomas Greminger (Executive Director of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy GCSP), Helen Keller (international judge and Chair of Public Law and European and Public International Law at UZH), and Karin Aggestam (Professor of Political Science at Lund University) - from left to right. (Image: André Hengst)
Professor Karin Aggestam (Lund University) offered a scientific synthesis, stating: "In today’s world, the focus should shift from intervention to facilitation". She added that global power balances are shifting and multilateral institutions are losing influence, and that unilateral ad hoc actions and minilateralism are becoming more common – but these actions rarely lead to sustainable results and lasting peace. (Image: André Hengst)
The event attracted a diverse audience, including researchers, students, policymakers and diplomats. (Image: André Hengst)
The distinguished speakers from left to right: Jürg Lauber (Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN), Karin Aggestam (Lund University), Michael Schaepman (UZH), Mirjana Spoljaric Egger (ICRC), Helen Keller (UZH), Jaak Aaviksoo (independent consultant / Estonia), Thomas Greminger (GCSP), Eveline van Rijswijk (moderator). (Image: André Hengst)
Relaxed networking dinner at the Terrace of the University of Zurich. (Image: André Hengst)

Keynote: Humanitarian action as a pathway to de-escalation

The keynote address was delivered by Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). She described the ICRC’s work in over 130 conflict zones and outlined how adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), along with neutral humanitarian action, can support de-escalation and prepare the ground for reconciliation.

Spoljaric emphasized that while the ICRC is not a peacebuilding institution, its operational presence and intermediary role often contribute to the conditions necessary for dialogue, trust-building, and the protection of civilians.

“Across three major events this year, States and practitioners highlighted that IHL, when integrated early in peace negotiations, can foster trust, open space for humanitarian dialogue, and serve as a foundation for inclusive, sustainable peace.”
— Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the ICRC

Panel reflections: Lessons from contemporary conflicts

Following the keynote, the panel brought together Ambassador Jürg Lauber, Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Professor Helen Keller, Professor Karin Aggestam, and former Estonian Minister Jaak Aaviksoo, for a moderated discussion. They examined real-world cases from Ukraine, Bosnia, Syria, and Uganda to identify both enabling and obstructive factors in peace efforts. Several speakers addressed the importance of acknowledging local agency, avoiding excessive international dominance, and understanding divergent value systems in an increasingly multipolar world.

Professor Karin Aggestam provided a synthesis of the discussion from a research perspective. She emphasized the growing politicization of humanitarian action and the need for more inclusive peace processes. She called for stronger links between research and practice to address fragmentation in peacebuilding efforts and highlighted the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping effective, evidence-based approaches.

The discussion concluded with a short Q&A session. The event was organized by UZH Global Affairs and supported by the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP).

This discussion forms part of UZH’s broader engagement and its focus on addressing global challenges through trans- and interdisciplinary dialogue and research.

Tiffany Merz-Cheok

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