16 August 2012

16 August 2012 Notes on the Nexus Center Related to Health and Peace • In an inter-connected world, many challenges are inter-linked. For example, improving health depends on stability and development. • Peace is the primary condition for health. It is also a prerequisite for development. • At the same time, healthier societies are less vulnerable, and therefore in a better position to grow, prosper and implement the Millennium Development Goals. • Therefore, peace is necessary for health, and health is needed for peace. • This point has been realized by a few governments, international organizations, and philanthropists. But their initiatives have been disjointed. • Short-term independent initiatives are necessary but not sufficient. • In order to be sustainable, preventive and remedial measures need to be part of a coordinated, comprehensive and long-term global process that unites all stakeholders and ensures a multi-disciplinary and evidence-based approach. • To be effective and sustainable, this process should be centralized and institutionalized. • At the moment, no such institution exists. That is why the International Peace Institute (IPI) proposes to create one. • IPI has more than forty years of experience analysing conflicts and other global threats as well as peace-related issues. It also has convening power to bring together experts from a wide range of backgrounds to discuss international problems and seek innovative, multi-lateral solutions. • The proposal is to create a new inter-disciplinary Center, called the "Nexus Center for Conflict Resolution" in Vienna, looking in particular at promoting peace through health, and health through peace. EFTA01122831