Global Developments in Peacebuilding: November-December 2025

Religions for Peace monitors global developments in peacebuilding of special interest to those interested in interfaith collaboration. Developments of interest for November and December appear below.

Conflicts Likely to Remain Elevated, New ACLED Index Warns 

Global political violence remains at historically high levels and is increasingly fragmented, protracted, and harmful to civilians, according to the 2026 ACLED Conflict Index released in November. Religions for Peace attended the launch of the index. While wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar continue to drive casualties, the report highlights the growing impact of non-state actors and organized criminal groups, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. ACLED identifies the spread of violence into new areas, fragmentation of armed actors, and persistent civilian targeting as key trends, warning that conflict risks are likely to remain elevated due to political instability, economic stress, climate pressures, and the diffusion of weapons and technology.

Disarmament, AI, and Ethics: Highlights from the 2025 UN First Committee 

The UN General Assembly’s First Committee concluded its 2025 session, adopting more than sixty resolutions on nuclear disarmament, conventional arms, outer space security, and emerging technologies. Member States reaffirmed support for the NPT, nuclear-weapon-free zones, and risk-reduction measures, while emphasizing the humanitarian impact of armed conflict. Notably, the Committee adopted—by 166 votes—its second-ever resolution on lethal autonomous weapons systems, alongside a resolution on the military use of artificial intelligence, reflecting growing concern over accountability and compliance with international humanitarian law. As part of its Strategic Priority 1, Religions for Peace is actively monitoring discussions and exploring opportunities for engagement, as they center on core ethical questions of human dignity, moral responsibility, and civilian protection, areas where faith actors bring distinct legitimacy and can contribute meaningfully to shaping more humane and responsible global security norms.