In an international context marked by the multiplication of armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and economic and climate shocks, thinking about peace requires going beyond the mere absence of violence. On 19 February, the Positive Peace Conference brought together a range of contributions that fostered a strategic reflection on conflict prevention, resilience, and cooperation within the Lusophone space, particularly in Portuguese-speaking African countries.
In the opening session, Professor Américo Ramos dos Santos, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CESO Development Consultants and of the Executive Board of CESO Academy, the entities organising the event, highlighted the strategic importance of the conference and the role of organisations in promoting more peaceful societies.
Josué Tambara, Peace Ambassador representing the Institute for Economics & Peace, emphasised the three domains of Positive Peace — attitudes, institutions, and structures — as the foundations of resilient societies, and explained the Global Peace Index as a relevant strategic tool for conflict prevention.
Ambassador Florbela Paraíba, President of Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, I.P., co-funding entity of the conference, reinforced the commitment to development education and sustainable development, key elements of the Portuguese Cooperation Strategy.
The conference brought together national and international decision-makers, academics, and experts to discuss the impacts of global conflicts, deepen the concept of Positive Peace, and identify concrete pathways to strengthen institutions, social inclusion, and sustainable stability.
In addition to the interventions delivered throughout the day, two panels were organised to explore a central question: how can resilience be built within a transforming international system?
Panel 1, “A World in Conflict: Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and Security in a Transforming System”, moderated by Filipe Domingues, featured speakers António Vitorino, Ambassador Francisco Seixas da Costa, Major-General Jorge Saramago, and Donatella Montaldo.
This panel considered the structural transition currently affecting Europe: from peace as identity to defence as a strategic necessity. Hybrid warfare, disinformation, populism, competition for raw materials, technological rivalry, and the reorganisation of spheres of influence are compelling a reassessment of capabilities, alliances, and priorities. Security has once again moved to the centre of the political agenda, requiring strategic coherence, external coordination, and internal legitimacy.
Panel 2, “Impacts of Global Conflicts in the Lusophone Space”, moderated by Miguel Filipe Silva, included Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro, Vasco Malta, Pedro Vicente, Teresa Ribeiro, and Lieutenant-General Marco Serronha.
Among the topics discussed were conflict prevention through public policies grounded in reliable data, institutions capable of addressing structural challenges, and the active engagement of communities. Projects carried out in the province of Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, were presented, where the involvement of religious leaders and investment in education contributed to greater awareness among local populations regarding situations of heightened conflict. The challenges generated by migration were also highlighted, underscoring the need for evidence-based policies rather than perceptions, as well as strengthened local management capacity and public communication. The potential for cooperation in security and defence within the CPLP framework was also addressed.
Following the panels, a "Positive Peace Workshop" was held. Through a practical session, participants explored prevention and resilience strategies applicable at local and regional levels, focusing on strengthening dialogue between governments and communities.
In the closing session, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ana Isabel Xavier, reinforced the strategic significance of Positive Peace in the current context, highlighting the importance of peace as a multilateral concept dependent on collaboration between countries, institutions, and communities.
Rui Miguel Santos, CEO of CESO, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to continuing to promote dialogue, stimulate reflection, and build pathways to resilience — essential to addressing present and future challenges. He also emphasised the importance of deepening partnerships, strengthening cooperation, and fostering joint action, particularly within the Lusophone space, as key elements for promoting Peace and Sustainable Development.
The Conference | Positive Peace – Conflict Prevention and Resilience in the Lusophone Space received institutional support from Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, I.P., in partnership with OEI – Organization of Ibero-American States and the Institute for Economics and Peace.