How can one think about a peace-oriented sustainable economy? What does it cost to wage war? When is the economy a cause of war? When is the economy a promoter of peaceful cooperation? Who are the economic winners and losers in the wars of today? How much is invested in weapons globally? What effects do sanctions have on the economy of different countries? How is the economy of private individuals affected by war? Is it possible to ‘peace certify’ investments? What would it cost to make a transition of the economy to a peace-oriented sustainable one?
These are some of the questions that are in focus when the Åland Peace Institute organizes the Kastelholm Peace Talks on March 30, 2023.
There are several conflicts going on around the world. Most of them are complex wars with many actors involved, a broader regional character and with global effects also in the field of the economy. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which is a classic war where a country attacks a neighboring country, also has global effects. Today we see great economic and other effects of the wars and confrontations around the world. In combination with the climate crisis, they today result in starvation and famine in many places. In 2019, over 750 million people were in a situation of extreme food insecurity, most of them in Asia and Africa, according to the UN. Now the number has increased during the pandemic, climate disasters and war. The effects of war differ greatly between countries and affect different groups and actors within countries in different ways. Minorities are often hit hard. Everyone is affected.
Kastelholm Talks on Peace is an annual event under the auspices of Finland’s former president Tarja Halonen and with prominent speakers, such as politicians, diplomats and researchers, on the panel. The theme of the conversation is chosen based on ongoing public debates and knowledge needs where the peace perspective should be highlighted. The conversation is characterized by dialogue and reflection rather than debate and the focus is on peace policy, rather than security. The Kastelholm Talks always have a connection to issues affecting Åland, which are placed in a broader context during the conversations.
A novelty in March 2023 is that the conversation at Kastelholm Castle will be held in English. The subsequent round table discussion will be held once more at Alandica in Mariehamn and will be in Swedish.
