I still remember that date: May 16, 2024.
I was attending a panel discussion at the UN, organized as part of the International Day of Living Together in Peace (Jivep). Dominique Steiler, founder of the UNESCO Chair for a Culture of Economic Peace, was part of the panel.
His speech, full of wisdom and humanity, deeply moved me. He spoke about peace, vulnerability, and connection. And above all, about this “economy of peace” that places humans and relationships at its core.
One phrase particularly resonated with me: “Learning from elsewhere (from others) helps illuminate blind spots.“
When he stopped speaking, the audience erupted in applause (you can see this by watching the video until the end). Sitting among the audience, I realized that throughout his speech, he had spoken about inclusion without ever using the word. And that was what had resonated so deeply with me.
As soon as the panel ended, I went over to thank him for his words. He didn’t know it yet… but I already had an idea in mind. I didn’t know it yet either… but it was for May 23, 2025.
An Inspiration for the International Day Against Harassment and for Inclusion in the World of Work (www.24may.org)
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead
A few months later, when it came time to define the theme for the 2025 edition of the International Day Against Harassment and for Inclusion in the World of Work, Dominique Steiler’s intervention came to mind. So, I did some research.
The UNESCO Chair for a Culture of Economic Peace advocates a vision in which the economy regains its original vocation: to serve the common good.
- This approach is based on individual and collective responsibility,
- care for human relationships,
- and attention to mental health, dignity, and recognition.
These are all themes at the heart of the International Day Against Harassment and for Inclusion in the World of Work (https://24may.org/en/). During the discussion with the Rezalliance committee to finalize the theme for the next edition, “economic peace” quickly emerged as a relevant thread, allowing us to explore the link between the mechanisms at work within companies and the state of society. The dynamics of harassment, exclusion, and violence in the workplace are not isolated phenomena but indicators of broader issues, the impact of which is much more widespread than we often realize. So, the decision was made to propose a dialogue around the theme: “Economic Peace – Redefining Prosperity Through Inclusion and Respect for Human Dignity.“
US Elections and Anti-DEI Pressure
In January 2025, after the elections in the United States, we saw several large organizations backtrack on their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, under pressure from the new US government. The question then arose: Should we maintain the 2025 edition of the International Day Against Harassment and for Inclusion in the Workplace?
A hesitation that was quickly dispelled, as the moment is too critical. In fact, it’s when human rights, justice, and equity—values fundamental to the prosperity of society—are under attack, that we must stand firm.
Our determination to move forward was bolstered by the speakers who had confirmed their presence months in advance and who, given the context, were even more motivated to speak out.
➡️ To deliver a strong message of humanity in the face of the prevailing chaos.
➡️ A message of unity against the will to divide.
As Dominique Steiler reminds us: “Those who want peace, prepare for peace.” So, when he was asked why he had agreed to be one of the ambassadors for the International Day Against Harassment and for Inclusion in the World of Work, his response was clear:
The business world has long forgotten that the very purpose of the economy is to serve the common good by strengthening the social fabric. The challenge is how to move from an economy that sees the world as an object of exploitation to a world that is a subject of relationships. Strengthening our ability to ‘learn from elsewhere – learn from others’ is fundamental. Difference should not be seen as a wall that divides, but as a ‘between,’ a space for meeting and exchange.
Towards a Honest and Constructive Dialogue on May 23, 2025
One cannot aspire to a safer and fairer (work) world without individual effort. Because change begins with oneself. By changing our behaviors and acting at our level, we can collectively influence the culture of a company, society, and ultimately the trajectory of the world.
That’s why we invite you to rethink together what it truly means to prosper. No organization can be sustainably successful if it neglects the dignity, mental health, and recognition of all those who contribute to its growth. Similarly, on a larger scale, the prosperity of a country or continent cannot be built without these fundamental principles.
🎤 Dominique Steiler will be present on May 23, 2025, at FER Geneva. He will be joined by Maya Dougoud for a dialogue on the theme: “Economic Peace: A New Perspective on Prosperity and social cohesion.”
📍 Full program and registration: https://24may.org/en/geneva2025/
I look forward to seeing many of you on May 23 at FER Geneva for a day of inspiration and action.
Yours sincerely,
Joëlle Payom – Founding President of Rezalliance
🔎 More about the concept of Economic Peace.
#24MayInternationalDay #Inclusion #Respect #EconomicPeace #Rezalliance