International Forum on Peace, Security and Prosperity (IFPSP) 2025

Dates : 16 to 20 March 2025
Location : Palazzo Sclafani, Palermo, Sicily
Theme : Human Security in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) World: Addressing Challenges, Building Resilience

Human security has emerged as a critical concern for global stability and well-being in an era characterized by rapid geopolitical changes, socioeconomic disparities, and ever-changing security threats. The Forum theme “Human Security in a VUCA World” explores the multiple dimensions of human security in today’s volatile landscape, addressing pressing issues such as armed conflict, terrorism, climate change, pandemics, and technological disruptions to establish lasting peace.

Panels:

An IFPSP academic panel, a cornerstone of our forum, typically consists of experts, scholars, or practitioners who will gather to discuss a particular topic or theme formally. The panel will be moderated by a chairperson who introduces the topic and panellists and manages the discussion. Each panellist provides insights based on their expertise, often presenting research findings, theoretical perspectives, or practical experiences. Following the presentations, the panel will take questions from the audience. Students will not be presenting as part of these panels.

The three themes are:

1. Hybrid warfare.
2. Children and war.
3. Human security approaches.

Poster Competiton (for students and all participants)

Date: 17 March 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (Central European Time)
Location: Palazzo Sclafani

Panel 1:

Theme: “Hybrid Warfare: New Threats and Complexities in Human Security”
Date: 17 March 2025
Time: 1:50 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. (CEST)
Location: Palazzo Sclafani
Organizers : Edinburgh Napier University

Hybrid warfare represents a fusion of conventional, irregular, and cyber warfare strategies, often supplemented by information warfare and economic pressure. This multifaceted approach aims to exploit the vulnerabilities of states and non-state actors, creating complex challenges for human security. The evolution of hybrid warfare has introduced new threats and necessitates understanding its impact on human security.

Chairperson: Prof. Gerri Matthews-Smith, Edinburgh Napier University (Scotland)
Panellist 1: Ms. Sarah von Felten, Research Associate Military Academy at ETH Zurich, Doctoral Candidate at the University of Bern (Switzerland)
Panellist 2: Prof. Agata Mazurkiewicz, The Institute of European Studies, Jagiellonian University (Poland)
Panellist 3: Prof. Travis Morris, Norwich University (USA)
Panellist 4: Mr. Mathieu Bussière, Director of NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE) (Canada)

Workshop 1: “Resilience and Leadership in Peace”
Date: 18 March 2025
Time: 9:20 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. (CEST)
Location: Palazzo Sclafani
Organizer: Prof. Lobna Cherif, Royal Military College of Canada (Canada)

Worksop 2: United Nations Simulation
Date: 18 March 2025
Time: 4:40 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. (CEST)
Location: Palazzo Sclafani
Organizers: TBD

Panel 2: 

Theme: “Protecting Innocence: Children at War – A Human Security Perspective”
Date: 18 March 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CEST)
Location: Palazzo Sclafani
Organizers: Chaire de leadership en enseignement Roméo Dallaire sur les conflits civils et la paix durable, Université Laval, Québec, Canada

The panel meets to explore the multiple challenges children living in conflict zones face, highlighting human security’s critical importance in safeguarding their well-being. While conflict persists around the world, children are disproportionately affected, suffering physical harm, psychological trauma, and disruptions to their education and development. The discussion delves into strategies to improve protection mechanisms and promote resilience among children in conflict-affected areas.

Chairperson: Prof. Alexandre Pelletier, Université Laval (Canada)
Panellist 1: Dr. Shelly Whitman, The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security (Canada)
Panellist 2: Capt SA Navy, Dr. Andries Putter, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Panellist 3: Ms. Charu Lata Hogg, Founder and Executive Director of All Survivors Project (UK)
Panellist 4: Ms. Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially in women and children, The UN Human Rights Office (Ireland)

Student Activity: 

Activity: High School Contest Finalist Presentations
Date: 19 March 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. (CEST)
Location: Teatro Politeama
Organizers: TBD

Panel 3:

Theme: “Evolving approaches to human security”
Date: 19 March 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CEST)
Location: Palazzo Sclafani
Organizers: The Netherlands Defence Academy

Evolving approaches to addressing human security challenges involve adapting strategies, policies, and interventions to respond effectively to changing global challenges. These include trends such as holistic and integrated approaches, as well as the safety of human centres. These responses include multilateral organizations, alliances, and diplomatic efforts crucial in addressing transnational threats that impact human security, using human rights-focused approaches and considering aspects such as environmental sustainability. These evolving approaches reflect a broader recognition that security goes beyond the absence of military threats and encompasses a range of factors that impact the well-being and dignity of individuals and communities. Adapting to these changes requires military and civilian organizations to be flexible, collaborate, and understand contemporary security challenges’ complex and interconnected nature.

Chairperson: Prof. René Moelker, The Netherlands Defence Academy (The Netherlands)
Panellist 1: Dr. Ivan Henrico, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Panellist 2: Dr. Peter Olsthoorn, Netherlands Defense Academy (The Netherlands)
Panellist 3: Dr. Karishma Chafekar, The Netherlands Language Center (The Netherlands)
Conclusion: TBC

Poster Competiton (for students and all participants)

Date: 19 March 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. (Central European Time)
Location: Palazzo Sclafani