MAKE PEACE A PRIORITY
Choose Diplomacy Over Destruction
Transform Australia's approach to international relations by institutionalising peace as the central organising principle of our foreign policy
"Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, cooperation, and security for all nations."
GET INVOLVED🌍 Environmental Costs of War & Militarization
🌍 Military Carbon Footprint:
Global militaries produce 1,600-3,500 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, representing 3.3-7% of total global emissions (SIPRI/CEOBS research)
🌍 Resource Diversion:
Military spending diverts critical finance from climate action and sustainable development, undermining environmental protection efforts
🌍 Environmental Warfare:
The Nordstream pipeline attack (2022) released up to 485,000 tonnes of methane - one of the largest single methane releases ever recorded
🌍 Ecosystem Destruction:
Armed conflicts directly destroy ecosystems, contaminate water sources, and create long-term environmental damage that persists for generations
Initial Proposals
Three key recommendations to institutionalise peace in Australian foreign policy
Expand Minister for International Development Role
Expand the role of the Minister for International Development to include Peacebuilding. This will promote Australia's efforts and provide focus to engage with countries of the Indo-Pacific and the international frameworks for peace and development, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Consolidate All Areas Working on Peace
Currently, three different Deputy Secretaries manage the three areas that cover different aspects of Peace: Conflict Prevention and Strategy Branch, the Humanitarian Division, and the International Security Division. To ensure that Peace was given an appropriate focus and simplify coordination, these areas should be consolidated under one Deputy Secretary.
Increase Resourcing for Conflict Prevention
Increase resourcing for the Department's conflict prevention work and Australia's participation on the UN Peacebuilding Commission. As international tension rises, DFAT should consider providing additional funding to research bodies, increasing resources to the Peacebuilding Commission, and expanding resources for diplomacy and meetings to pursue a peace agenda in the Indo-Pacific.
Supported By
This campaign is endorsed and supported by organisations and individuals committed to building a more peaceful world
Join the Movement
Be part of the change. Help us make peace a priority in Australian foreign policy.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that peace-building begins with respect for Country and the wisdom of First Nations peoples.