World Future Policy Award 2024Award Ceremony, November 27, Maison de la Paix, GenevaPeace & Future Generations

The World Future Policy Award celebrates top policy solutions for current and future generations. We raise global awareness of exemplary laws and policies, accelerating policy action towards a common future where every person lives in dignity on a healthy, sustainable planet. As the world’s premier policy prize, we showcase inspiring and effective policies, not individuals, on the international stage. Each year, we focus on one topic where progress is particularly urgent and receive nominations from across the globe. This year’s topic is Peace and Future Generations.

Enduring peace is perhaps the most critical component for the sustainable development of societies and the protection of both people and the planet. Our global community is in desperate need of creative and inclusive policy solutions at all levels to resolve conflict, prevent war, and foster a culture of peace.
The good news is, these policies exist!

From 47 nominations spanning 29 countries, our esteemed panel of international experts selected four Winning Policies, one Vision Award, and three Honourable Mentions. The winners were celebrated at the Award Ceremony at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva.

AND THE 2024 WINNERS ARE…

Kauswagan’s “From Arms to Farms” Programme (Philippines) (2010)

Launched in 2010 in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, the “From Arms to Farms” programme has reintegrated over 5,000 former combatants into society through sustainable agriculture. Under the leadership of Mayor Rommel C. Arnado, the initiative addresses poverty, distrust in governance, and historical inequalities, transforming the municipality into a model of peace and sustainable development. By reducing poverty rates from 80% in 2010 to 9.1% by 2020 and fostering peace between Christian and Muslim communities, the programme demonstrates how innovative, integrated solutions can drive lasting change.

Participants receive training in organic farming and financial literacy, equipping them to build stable livelihoods. Community dialogues and conflict resolution foster reconciliation, while bi-weekly meetings with local leaders ensure transparency and inclusivity. Over 6,000 hectares of land have been cultivated, significantly enhancing food security and revitalising the local economy. All 13 of Kauswagan’s villages are now 100% organic. Since 2012, no armed conflict-related crimes have been reported.

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WELL-BEING OF FUTURE GENERATIONS (WALES) ACT 2015


The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is a landmark policy designed to promote sustainable development across all public bodies in Wales. Its core aim is to enhance the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales, ensuring that present decisions do not compromise future generations. The Act mandates legal accountability for public bodies and prioritises community engagement at all levels, fostering economic resilience, environmental preservation, and social cohesion.

The Future Generations Commissioner supports these goals by encouraging long-term thinking and monitoring public bodies’ progress in meeting their well-being goals. This holistic system positions Wales at the forefront of sustainability efforts in line with global objectives. Highlighting such pioneering policies that protect the rights of future generations is both timely and essential.

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THE MORIORI PEACE COVENANT (NUNUKU’S LAW) (15TH CENTURY – ONGOING, REHOKU, NEW ZEALAND)


The Moriori Peace Covenant (Nunuku’s Law) is an extraordinary example of a long-standing commitment to peace, non-violence, and future generations. Established in the 15th century, it prohibits violence among the indigenous Moriori of Rēkohu (Chatham Islands, New Zealand). Despite facing immense aggression and oppression from Māori tribes Ngāti, Mutunga and Ngāti Tama, and later discrimination from European settlers, the Moriori upheld their commitment to non-violence.

Though this led to tragic losses, the Covenant became a powerful symbol of resilience and integrity. Recognised globally, Nunuku’s Law has influenced modern peace efforts and contributed to Moriori cultural revival, making it a model for intergenerational peacebuilding and sustainability. Despite influencing renowned non-violent leaders like Te Whiti, Tohu, and Mahatma Gandhi, the Covenant remains relatively unknown both in New Zealand and globally – a situation that calls for greater recognition.

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CANADA’S FEMINIST INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE POLICY (2017)

Since 2017, Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) has placed gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls at the heart of its international development strategy. Recognising that inclusive societies are more peaceful and prosperous, FIAP addresses systemic inequalities by promoting women’s leadership, enhancing access to education and healthcare, and fostering inclusive economic growth. Developed through consultations with over 15,000 participants across 65 countries, FIAP demonstrates Canada’s commitment to implementing UNSCR 1325 and advancing gender equality in peacebuilding and sustainable development.

FIAP’s feminist framework includes marginalised women and girls while engaging men and boys to challenge harmful gender norms. It prioritises innovation and partnerships, invests in research, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and supports communities in adapting to climate change by empowering women in agriculture and environmental decision-making.

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VISION AWARD 2024

A Vision Award policy has strong design and objectives, showing considerable potential for transformative impact, though it may lack proven implementation due to being relatively new or facing challenging circumstances.

The Nigeria National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security (2021)

The Nigerian National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security (NNAPYPS) was developed in response to UN Security Council Resolution 2250, making Nigeria the first African country and second globally to adopt such a policy.

It seeks to engage youth in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, focusing on vulnerabilities like unemployment and empowering young people as peacebuilders. Despite contextual challenges, NNAPYPS shows great potential and has already improved youth engagement and representation, with incremental replication at the state level.

Emerging from a youth-driven grassroots movement, NNAPYPS is a significant achievement in peacebuilding, though still in its early stages, with the pilot phase nearing completion.

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PRESS KIT

Official Press Release

English
German
Spanish
French
Individual Winners Press Releases

Watch all our winner videos here.

EXPLORE THE 2024 AWARD BROCHURE!

Learn more about our winners and honourable mentions in our official brochure.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

These 3 policies narrowly missed out on an Award but were considered so strong by our jury that they merited international recognition with an Honourable Mention.

Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948, embedding this in the Constitution (Article 12), followed by the Proclamation of Active, Unarmed, and Perpetual Neutrality in 1983 and the Proclamation of Peace as a Human Right and of Costa Rica as a Neutral Country in 2014. These milestones removed military influence from politics, promoted international peace, and directed resources to social and economic development.

Costa Rica, a global leader in peace and disarmament, has resolved disputes diplomatically, including cases with Nicaragua at the International Court of Justice, and played a central role in the Central American Peace Process. Its neutrality has fostered regional stability, democracy, and a culture of peace, ensuring public funds are focused on development instead of military spending.

The Great Law of Peace, established in the 12th or 13th century, united the Haudenosaunee nations in what is now New York and Canada under a governance system prioritising peace, consensus decision-making, and sustainability. Key features include gender equity through the role of Clan Mothers and a commitment to long-term environmental stewardship. Its influence extended beyond its region, contributing to modern democratic principles and treaty law.

This federalist structure embodies subsidiarity, consensus, sustainability, restorative justice, and equity – principles that resonate today. Its focus on intergenerational responsibility and environmental stewardship makes it a powerful model of sustainable governance, maintained over centuries.

The Bougainville peace process is a uniquely successful example of regionally supported, locally led conflict resolution. The New Zealand-led Pacific Partnership for Peace (1997-1998) played a key role in this process after nearly a decade of civil war. The initiative’s main components, the Burnham Talks and the Truce Monitoring Group, used a ‘light intervention’ approach characterised by inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, unarmed truce monitoring, and diplomacy. This policy contributed to a sustainable, locally-led ceasefire and stabilisation of the conflict.

At a time when successful models of international support are urgently needed, this policy could inspire similar approaches in other conflict-affected regions.

Caveat on Attribution: While highly effective, the primary credit belongs to the Bougainvilleans for creating and sustaining peace, with essential cooperation from the Papua New Guinean government.

REMAINING FINALISTS 2024

Our winners and honourable mentions were chosen from a pool of 12 finalist policies, each recognised for their exceptional contributions to sustainable peacebuilding and the well-being of both current and future generations.

Learn about the remaining finalists here:

Photo Credit: Captain Dorothea Bade, UNFICYP

Finland’s third National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security builds on previous plans to enhance gender equality in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. It prioritises women’s participation in peace processes, mediation, gender mainstreaming in security sectors, and the protection of women and girls in conflict zones, while addressing new global security challenges. The plan exemplifies Finland’s leadership in the international WPS agenda, with strong civil society involvement ensuring an inclusive and adaptable approach.

This collaborative approach, coupled with its forward-thinking adaptability to global security challenges, serves as an inspiring example for nations seeking to integrate gender perspectives into peace and security frameworks.

Executive Order No. 570, implemented in the Philippines institutionalises peace education in basic and teacher education. Its goal is to promote a culture of peace by equipping students and educators with conflict resolution and nonviolent skills. The policy integrates peace education into the formal curriculum and fosters collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, schools and universities. Key outcomes include reduced school violence and the empowerment of educators and students to address the root causes of conflict, contributing to national unity and social cohesion.

While the policy has faced some challenges in implementation it remains a pioneering initiative with significant potential.

Rwanda’s Peace Education Programme (RPEP) aims to promote peace, social cohesion, and reconciliation following the 1994 genocide. It integrates Peace and Values Education into the national curriculum, focusing on empathy, critical thinking, and conflict prevention. The programme uniquely employs a Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) and narrative-based teaching, using survivor testimonies to deepen understanding of peacebuilding. Key outcomes include improved social cohesion and a stronger culture of reconciliation, positioning the programme as a strong model for peace education.

Despite some challenges in implementation, RPEP has significantly strengthened social cohesion and laid a strong foundation for future generations. Its success offers valuable lessons for other post-conflict nations.

Switzerland’s Active Neutrality Policy, declared in 1815 and embedded in the Swiss Constitution in 1848, was codified in international law through the Hague Conventions of 1907. Its aim is to safeguard Switzerland’s independence and security by avoiding military involvement in wars while actively promoting global peace through diplomacy and humanitarian aid. This blend of military neutrality with diplomatic engagement has led to Switzerland’s leadership in the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), mediation in international conflicts, and providing humanitarian aid and refuge during crises. Over time, it has strengthened Switzerland’s stability, security, and role in global peacebuilding.

Switzerland’s Active Neutrality invests substantial resources into peace efforts, with mediation in over 50 international conflicts and additional behind-the-scenes peacebuilding, displaying its adaptability and enduring effectiveness.

We need effective peace policies now. The world is facing the largest number of armed conflicts since 1946, with a quarter of the world’s population living in conflict-affected areas (UN Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 and Global Peace Index 2023). More than 170,000 lives were lost to war and violent conflicts last year (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, US News, January 2024) and a record 114 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and human rights violations (UNHCR, October 2023). Armed conflict impacts both combatants and non-combatants including women, children and other vulnerable groups (indigenous peoples, elderly, disabled, people of low-income, internally displaced people and refugees). Currently, one in every five children worldwide (approximately 468 million) reside in armed conflict zones (UNHCR, November 2023).

Militarism and armed conflict have devastating impacts on the environment including military pollution, resource use/depletion, explosive damage and over 5% of global carbon emissions (Conflict Environment and Observatory, November 2022). The global economic impact of armed conflict and violence has risen to over $17 trillion per year (Global Peace Index 2023). Pressing global issues such as militarisation, extremism and climate change threaten to further exacerbate these figures in years to come.   

We welcomed nominations from representatives of international organisations, academia, NGOs, parliaments, governments, government agencies, and others.

Nominated laws, policies, and frameworks spanned national, subnational, regional, and local levels, covering sectors such as education, environment, development, foreign affairs, defence, governance, policing, constitutional reform, economic management, and human rights, including women’s, children’s, and minority rights.

The World Future Council was honoured by both the quantity and quality of this year’s nominations.

 

We encouraged nominations of policies that…

  • …are effective in reducing or resolving conflicts and building peace in ways that are identifiable or measurable and that meet the needs of current and future generations.

  • …address the root causes of conflicts to ensure the development of solutions that are sustainable over time.

  • …have been in existence for at least 2-3 years, demonstrating effective implementation and impact.

  • …reflect diverse and inclusive approaches to peace and security, including policies addressing gender & peace, ‘Sustainable Development Goal 16’ and the perspectives and rights of indigenous peoples, vulnerable groups, children/youth and future generations.

  • …are replicable in similar contexts.

  • …are transformative, innovative, and inspiring. 

“This year's winners demonstrate that bold, future-oriented
policies are not only possible, but are essential for ensuring peace,
justice, and sustainability for generations to come.”

Maria Fernanda Espinosa

73rd President of the UN General Assembly and
Jury Member for the 2024 World Future Policy Award

"Every day we hear depressing news about wars. It's easy to
feel disillusioned. The World Future Policy Award on
Peace and Future Generations provides inspiration and hope
that solutions exist, and a better world is possible for our
children and grandchildren."

Frank Otto

Media Entrepreneur, Ambassador World Future Council,
Benefactor for the World Future Policy Award 2024.

Alyn Ware

Councillor of the World Future Council
Co-Chair Commission Peace & Disarmament

"We urgently need innovative and impactful policiesfor peace.
The World Future Policy Award 2024 celebrates exemplary policies
which benefit currentand future generations.
A better future is within our reach."

Alexandra Wandel

Chair, Management Board
World Future Council

Alyn Ware

Councillor of the World Future Council
Co-Chair Commission Peace & Disarmament

"At a time when we are experiencing the highest number
and intensity of armed conflicts this century,
it is vital to find, analyse and learn from successful
approaches in conflict resolution and peace-building.
We are excited to have received a high number of nominations
of successful policies from a wide variety of places around the world.
We can be inspired by these to build a more peaceful world
for current and future generations."

Alyn Ware

Councillor of the World Future Council
Co-Chair Commission Peace & Disarmament

“In the tapestry of our shared future, peace is the vibrant thread
that binds us all. This year’s award-winning policies illuminate
the path forward, reminding us that our collective courage
and compassion can inspire a world where every child inherits
hope, not fear.”

Divina Stella Maloum

Founder of Children for Peace and
Jury Member of the 2024 World Future Policy Award

“In an increasingly polarized world, recognising and rewarding
initiatives and policies that promote peace is more important than ever.
Identifying the factors that lead to peace is also a crucial contribution
to future generations. The World Future Policy Award brings an
important contribution to this endeavor.”
A better future is within our reach."

Dr. Jean-Marc Rickli

Head of Global and Emerging Risks at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy
and Jury Member of the 2024 World Future Policy Award

Alyn Ware

Councillor of the World Future Council
Co-Chair Commission Peace & Disarmament

“The exemplary policies recognised by the 2024
World Future Policy Award offer more than just hope for a
peaceful world. They provide a practical blueprint for
policymakers worldwide, showcasing adaptable solutions to
today’s complex challenges.”

Teresa Bergman

Project Manager and Research Team Lead for the 2024 WFPA

Process

  • Call for Nominations

    Nominations are closed.

  • Selection Process

    Our research team applied the World Future Council’s ‘Future-Just Policy Principles’ to the nominations, alongside extensive qualitative research and interviews. The findings were then presented to a jury of renowned international experts, who selected the finalists.

  • The Award Ceremony

    The winners of the 2024 World Future Policy Award were announced and celebrated at a high-level award ceremony on the 27th of November 2024 at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva, Switzerland.

Contacts

Teresa Bergman

Teresa Bergman

Project Manager and Research Team Lead World Future Policy Award 2024

M: teresa.bergman@worldfuturecouncil.org

Alexandra Wandel

Alexandra Wandel

Chair, Management Board

M: alexandra.wandel@worldfuturecouncil.org