Scholars Urge Intensified Efforts to Build a Transnational Culture of Peace in North America

Mexico City — Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, democratic backsliding, and persistent human rights challenges, academics from Mexico and the United States are calling for a renewed focus on fostering a transnational culture of peace across North America. The appeal came during the opening of the International Seminar on the “Transnationalization of the Culture of Peace in North America,” held at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) on April 27, 2026. The event, organized by a coalition of UNAM institutions and the University of Notre Dame, brought together scholars, policymakers, and civil society leaders to explore collaborative strategies for addressing shared regional challenges through dialogue, education, and cross-border cooperation.

Fiorella Mancini, academic secretary of UNAM’s Humanities Coordination, emphasized the urgency of rethinking traditional boundaries—geographical, symbolic, and linguistic—that have historically served as barriers to human rights and inclusive peacebuilding. “We must move beyond these limits to identify common forces and shared solutions,” Mancini said in her opening remarks. “The transnationalization of peace culture is not just an academic exercise; it is a practical necessity in a region where democratic values and human rights are under threat.”

The seminar’s focus on transnationalization reflects a growing recognition that peacebuilding efforts must extend beyond national borders to address the interconnected challenges facing North America. These include migration crises, climate change, economic inequality, and the erosion of democratic institutions—issues that do not respect political or geographic divides. By fostering collaboration among universities, civil society organizations, and governments, the organizers hope to create a framework for sustainable peace that is both globally informed and locally grounded.

A Region in Crisis: Why Transnational Peacebuilding Matters

North America is at a crossroads. In recent years, the region has witnessed a surge in political polarization, social unrest, and the rollback of hard-won human rights protections. In Mexico, organized crime and state violence have contributed to record levels of displacement and homicides, with over 40,000 homicides reported in 2025 alone, according to data from the Mexican government. Meanwhile, the United States has grappled with deepening political divisions, rising hate crimes, and a crisis of trust in democratic institutions. Canada, often seen as a stable counterpoint, has faced its own challenges, including protests over Indigenous rights and climate policies that have strained social cohesion.

Against this backdrop, the concept of a “culture of peace” has gained traction among scholars and policymakers. Defined by the United Nations as “a set of values, attitudes, traditions, and modes of behavior and ways of life based on respect for life, ending of violence, and promotion of dialogue,” a culture of peace seeks to address the root causes of conflict through education, advocacy, and institutional reform. The transnational approach advocated at the UNAM seminar builds on this framework by emphasizing cross-border collaboration as a means of amplifying impact.

“Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, equity, and mutual understanding,” said Dr. Jennifer McCoy, a political scientist at Georgia State University and a participant in the seminar. “In North America, we are seeing how domestic conflicts—whether over migration, racial justice, or economic inequality—spill across borders. A transnational approach allows us to tackle these issues collectively, rather than in isolation.”

Universities as Catalysts for Change

A key theme of the seminar was the role of universities in driving peacebuilding efforts. The University of Notre Dame, a co-organizer of the event, has been a pioneer in this field through its Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, which has developed peace education programs implemented in over 100 countries. These programs focus on conflict resolution, restorative justice, and intercultural dialogue, often in partnership with local universities and civil society groups.

At the seminar, Notre Dame representatives shared insights from their work in conflict zones, highlighting the importance of adapting global peacebuilding models to local contexts. “One size does not fit all,” said Dr. Laurie Nathan, director of the Kroc Institute’s Mediation Program. “What works in Colombia may not work in Mexico or the United States. The key is to create frameworks that are flexible enough to address local realities while drawing on international best practices.”

UNAM, Mexico’s largest and most prestigious university, has also been at the forefront of peace education. The university’s Center for Research on North America (CISAN) has conducted extensive research on migration, security, and human rights, often in collaboration with U.S. And Canadian institutions. The seminar built on this work by fostering dialogue between academics from diverse disciplines, including psychology, social work, and international relations.

“Universities have a unique responsibility to bridge divides,” said Dr. Silvia Giorguli, president of El Colegio de México, who delivered a keynote address at the event. “We are not just observers of conflict; we are active participants in shaping solutions. By bringing together scholars from different countries and disciplines, we can develop innovative approaches to peace that are both theoretically sound and practically applicable.”

Challenges and Opportunities in Transnational Peacebuilding

While the seminar highlighted the potential of transnational peacebuilding, it also acknowledged significant challenges. One of the most pressing is the erosion of trust in institutions, both within and between countries. In Mexico, for example, public confidence in the government has plummeted amid corruption scandals and perceived failures to address violence. In the United States, political polarization has made bipartisan cooperation on even basic issues increasingly difficult. These dynamics complicate efforts to build consensus around shared peacebuilding goals.

Another challenge is the uneven distribution of resources and expertise. While universities like Notre Dame and UNAM have robust peace education programs, many institutions—particularly in underserved communities—lack the funding and infrastructure to participate in such initiatives. This disparity risks creating a “peace divide,” where only well-resourced organizations can contribute to transnational efforts.

“We need to democratize peacebuilding,” said Dr. María Eugenia Sánchez, a professor of social work at UNAM and a panelist at the seminar. “That means ensuring that marginalized communities—Indigenous groups, migrants, women, and youth—have a seat at the table. Their voices are essential to creating solutions that are inclusive and sustainable.”

Despite these challenges, the seminar identified several opportunities for advancing a transnational culture of peace. One is the growing recognition of the interconnectedness of regional issues. For example, migration policies in the United States have direct implications for security and economic stability in Mexico and Central America. Similarly, climate change is exacerbating resource scarcity, which in turn fuels conflict and displacement. By addressing these issues collaboratively, North American countries can create more effective and humane solutions.

Another opportunity lies in the increasing use of technology to facilitate cross-border dialogue. During the seminar, participants discussed the potential of digital platforms to connect peacebuilders across the region, share best practices, and amplify marginalized voices. For instance, the PeaceTech Lab, a nonprofit organization that uses technology to reduce violent conflict, has developed tools for monitoring hate speech and promoting digital literacy—efforts that could be scaled across North America.

What’s Next? From Dialogue to Action

The seminar concluded with a call to action, urging participants to translate the discussions into concrete initiatives. Among the proposed next steps were:

• Expanding university partnerships: Creating joint research projects, student exchange programs, and dual-degree offerings focused on peace and conflict studies.
• Engaging policymakers: Developing policy briefs and hosting roundtables with government officials to advocate for peacebuilding measures at the national and regional levels.
• Strengthening civil society networks: Establishing a North American Peacebuilding Network to facilitate collaboration among NGOs, community organizations, and grassroots groups.
• Promoting public awareness: Launching public campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of a culture of peace and the role they can play in fostering it.

Organizers also announced plans to publish a white paper summarizing the seminar’s key findings and recommendations, which will be shared with governments, universities, and civil society organizations across North America. The paper is expected to be released in late 2026, with a follow-up conference tentatively scheduled for early 2027.

“This seminar is just the beginning,” said Fiorella Mancini in her closing remarks. “The real work lies ahead—turning dialogue into action, and ideas into impact. We have an opportunity to build a more peaceful, just, and inclusive North America, but it will require all of us to commit to this vision.”

Why This Matters for the World

While the seminar focused on North America, its implications extend far beyond the region. In an era of global fragmentation, the concept of transnational peacebuilding offers a model for addressing shared challenges through collaboration rather than competition. From the war in Ukraine to the climate crisis, many of today’s most pressing issues require solutions that transcend national borders. By demonstrating how universities, governments, and civil society can work together across divides, the North American experience could serve as a blueprint for other regions.

the seminar’s emphasis on inclusivity and local ownership resonates with broader trends in international development. Increasingly, peacebuilding efforts are moving away from top-down, Western-led interventions toward models that prioritize the voices and agency of affected communities. The transnational approach advocated at UNAM aligns with this shift, offering a more equitable and sustainable path to peace.

For readers of World Today Journal, the seminar’s outcomes serve as a reminder of the power of collective action. Whether through supporting peace education initiatives, advocating for inclusive policies, or simply engaging in dialogue with those who hold different views, individuals can contribute to building a culture of peace in their own communities. As the world grapples with rising tensions and deepening divisions, the need for such efforts has never been more urgent.

Key Takeaways

• Transnational peacebuilding is essential: North America’s challenges—migration, violence, democratic backsliding—are interconnected and require collaborative solutions.
• Universities play a critical role: Institutions like UNAM and the University of Notre Dame are leading efforts to develop peace education programs that can be adapted to local contexts.
• Inclusivity is non-negotiable: Effective peacebuilding must center the voices of marginalized communities, including Indigenous groups, migrants, women, and youth.
• Technology can amplify impact: Digital platforms offer new opportunities for cross-border dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy.
• Action is the next step: The seminar’s organizers are committed to translating discussions into concrete initiatives, including policy briefs, research partnerships, and public awareness campaigns.

What You Can Do

Building a culture of peace is not the sole responsibility of governments or institutions—it requires the participation of individuals and communities. Here are some ways you can acquire involved:

• Educate yourself: Learn about the root causes of conflict in your community and region. Resources like the United Nations’ peacebuilding initiatives and the U.S. Institute of Peace offer valuable insights.
• Support local organizations: Donate to or volunteer with NGOs and community groups working on peace, human rights, and social justice issues.
• Engage in dialogue: Seek out opportunities to discuss peace and conflict resolution with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Programs like Living Room Conversations provide structured frameworks for these discussions.
• Advocate for change: Contact your elected representatives to express support for policies that promote peace, human rights, and cross-border cooperation.
• Promote peace in your daily life: Challenge stereotypes, practice active listening, and model respectful dialogue in your interactions with others.

Looking Ahead

The next major milestone in this initiative will be the release of the white paper summarizing the seminar’s findings and recommendations, expected in late 2026. The document will provide a roadmap for advancing a transnational culture of peace in North America, with specific proposals for governments, universities, and civil society organizations. In the meantime, participants are encouraged to continue the dialogue through the newly established North American Peacebuilding Network, which will serve as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

As the world watches North America’s experiment in transnational peacebuilding, the stakes could not be higher. Success could offer a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges, while failure risks deepening divisions and undermining the fragile progress that has been made. For now, the message from the seminar is clear: the time to act is now, and the responsibility lies with all of us.

What are your thoughts on building a transnational culture of peace? Share your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your network to keep the conversation going.