As the nature of violent conflict is changing and growing increasingly complex, discussions around solutions have become more technical and confined to the realm of politics and security. As a result, many individuals do not perceive the opportunity to practically contribute to building peace and resolving conflict. But even in the most hostile and challenging environments, there are many peace initiatives taking place that don't receive the attention they deserve.

The 4th edition of the Geneva Peace Talks, organized under the theme « Peace Happens » will look to bring these initiatives and the people behind them to light. Speakers coming from diverse backgrounds will share their personal experiences, stories and ideas to highlight how « Peace Happens » This event aims to highlight that everyone can contribute to peace – be it at home or in a far-away conflict zone. The Peace Talks symbolically stand for a Geneva spirit to resolve conflict through dialogue and negotiation.

The Geneva Peace Talks will be held on the International Day of Peace 21 September. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

This year's Geneva Peace Talks are co-organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform and Interpeace, in partnership with the Kofi Annan Foundation, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces and the Global Shapers Community Geneva.

The Iranian artist Gohar Dashti's series « Today's Life and War » emerged from her experiences during the eight-year Iran-Iraq War. For Dashti: « This conflict has had a strong symbolic influence on the emotional life of my generation. Although we may be safe within the walls of our homes, the war continues to reach us through newspapers, television and the Internet. This body of work represents war and its legacy, the ways in which it permeates all aspects of contemporary society. I capture moments that reference the ongoing duality of life and war without precluding hope. In a fictionalized battlefield, I show a couple in a series of everyday activities. Though they do not visibly express emotion, the man and woman embody the power of perseverance, determination, and survival ». Gohar Dashti's work will be shown at the 6th edition of the Daegu Photo Biennale and the Chobi Mela IX Photography Festival in Dhaka.

To attend the Geneva Peace Talks please visit the www.genevapeacetalks.ch and join the discussion on twitter #GVAPeacetalks

The event is made possible with the generous support of the Swiss Confederation, the Republic and State of Geneva, the City of Geneva, and Mirabaud Bank.