Hyderabad, April 27, 2026: In a powerful and timely seminar titled “Humanity on the Brink through Wars and Sectarian Violence: Responsibility and Role for Citizens and Global Civil Society,” prominent voices from across the country and beyond came together in Hyderabad to raise urgent concerns over escalating global conflicts and their far-reaching consequences.
The seminar was jointly organised by the COVA Peace Network, Amoomat Society, and PUCAAR as part of the nationwide campaign “Women Against War” led by the Peace Builders Forum India.
The event brought together noted speakers including Prof. Haragopal, Lalita Ramdas, Sandhya, Venkat Reddy, Sarah Mathews, Evita Fernandes, and Mohammed Afzal. Renowned activists Ram Punyani, Jill Carr Harris, and Deben Bachuspatimayum from Manipur joined virtually, while the session was moderated by Mazher Hussain, Executive Director of COVA.
War’s Ripple Effect: From Conflict Zones to Kitchens
Speakers highlighted a stark and unsettling reality — that wars and violence, once perceived as distant crises, are now directly affecting everyday life.
Referring to the disruption of global energy supplies, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, speakers noted that shortages of essential resources like cooking gas have made the consequences of war tangible for ordinary households.
“War has now entered our kitchens,” was a recurring sentiment, symbolising how global conflicts are no longer confined to battlefields but are impacting basic human needs worldwide.
Global Indifference Under Scrutiny
The seminar also addressed what speakers described as a troubling global indifference toward prolonged violence and humanitarian crises in regions such as Africa, Ukraine, Gaza, and Manipur.
Despite ongoing conflicts affecting over 130 countries, widespread public engagement has remained limited — until the economic and social consequences began affecting daily life globally.
Participants emphasized that this delayed realization underscores the urgent need for proactive and sustained civic engagement.
Civil Society’s Crucial Role
A key message that emerged from the discussions was the growing responsibility of civil society and citizens in countering violence.
Speakers warned that many conflicts are being fueled or perpetuated by governments themselves, and without sustained public pressure, the situation could lead to catastrophic consequences for humanity.
They called for collective efforts to influence decision-makers — from local authorities to international bodies such as the United Nations — to prioritize peace over conflict.
Six Key Action Points for Peace
The seminar outlined a clear roadmap for citizen-driven peace initiatives:
- Integrating discussions on war and violence into school and college programs, including summer camps
- Promoting compassion and non-violence as core educational values
- Making peace-building a regular agenda in community meetings
- Organising door-to-door campaigns to raise awareness
- Conducting sustained campaigns on socially significant days
- Engaging elected representatives at all levels to advocate for peace
Additionally, efforts are underway to form a global collaborative initiative — “P7 Countries for Peace” — aimed at fostering cross-border cooperation for harmony and security.
A Growing National Movement
The Hyderabad seminar forms part of a broader national initiative under the “Women Against War” campaign, which is organizing 15 events across 13 states to mobilize citizens and amplify the call for peace.
Conclusion
As conflicts intensify across the globe, the message from Hyderabad is clear: peace is no longer a distant ideal but an urgent necessity.
The seminar served as a reminder that the responsibility to end violence does not rest solely with governments, but equally with informed, active, and united citizens.