At the Vienna International Center (VIC) (the UN Body in Vienna, Austria), peace researcher and peace journalist Josef Mühlbauer from the University of Graz delivered an urgent appeal for peace and justice in his opening remarks to the UN NGO Committee on Peace. Speaking under the title “A Fractured World”, he reflected on the legacy of the United Nations as a cornerstone of diplomacy and human rights while warning of today’s crises. The Video reached in few months more than 7.000 views! That shows that the topic is still very important and matters to all of us!

Mühlbauer highlighted the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it a test of the world’s commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He also condemned the erosion of disarmament efforts, pointing to the reckless modernization of nuclear arsenals, while global resources are diverted away from fighting hunger, poverty, and climate change.

Central to his address was the role of Critical Peace Studies, which he framed around the revolutionary ideals of égalité, fraternité, and solidarité. He stressed that true peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, inclusion, and equity. Drawing on examples from grassroots movements and nonviolent resistance, he argued that peace must be built through solidarity across borders and the dismantling of systems of oppression.

Closing his (emotional) speech, Mühlbauer urged the international community to reject the myth of inevitable violence and to invest in dialogue, justice, and the “messy but glorious work of peace.” His words stood as both a critique of current failures and a call to action for a more just and humane global order.

Josef Mühlbauer is the co-editor of several books, such as „Critical Peace Studies“ (Kritische Friedensforschung) (2024). He is a member of the Österreichischer Journalisten Club where he teaches for the certified course „Journalists4Peace“. Last but not least he is a University Assistant and Peace Researcher at the University of Graz in Austria.

For requests write here: josef.muehlbauer@uni-graz.at