As global military expenditures continue to rise, surging by 27% since 2021 to a staggering $2.4 trillion, questions about the world's priorities for peace emerge, said the Chancellor of Iran's faculty of World Studies at the 6th International Conference on Peace and Conflict Resolution, hosted by the faculty.

Why it matters:

The Islamic Republic consistently emphasizes peace grounded in mercy, justice, and sustainable security within societies and between nations. In a world where military budgets surge amid ongoing conflicts, addressing root causes like injustice is vital for lasting peace.

 

The big picture:

The 6th International Conference on Peace and Conflict Resolution is underway at the University of Tehran from May 25 to May 27, with the participation of scholars from 14 countries and the presentation of 120 academic papers. The event provided a platform for discussing peaceful conflict resolution strategies and fostering scholarly exchanges on global peace efforts.

 

What they are saying:

Saeed Reza Ameli, President of the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran, identified injustice and discrimination as fundamental drivers of public unrest. He highlighted the alarming increase in global military spending since 2021, reaching approximately $2.4 trillion, and noted that this massive expenditure could instead feed 10 billion people adequately, emphasizing the misallocation of resources.

Hossein Simaei Sarraf, Iran's Minister of Science, stressed that peace transcends mere absence of war. Drawing from the Quran, he stated that benevolence—giving beyond mere justice—is essential. Peace, in this sense, is living harmoniously underpinned by justice and acts of kindness, which go beyond simply refraining from conflict.

 

 

 

Go deeper:

The International Conference on Peace and Conflict Resolution serves as a critical platform for intellectual exchange on global peace. The event’s focus on Islamic perspectives highlights a framework where security and peace are inseparable from justice and compassion. 

ahmad shirzadian