26 Changemakers Explore How Peace Begins Where we Live, Love and Learn
Over 2,000 participants from over 65 countries unite for the inaugural Peace Begins at Home Summit
From Dublin to Dhaka, voices from over 65 countries joined the inaugural Peace Begins at Home Summit, a one-day global virtual event that asked a radical question: What if peace truly begins at home?
Produced by the Center for Partnership Systems (CPS) and inspired by cultural historian Dr. Riane Eisler’s groundbreaking Partnership vs. Domination framework, the Summit brought together 26 changemakers from 17 countries to explore how patterns of domination learned in childhood ripple into our societies — and how shifting from domination to partnership can create a culture of peace.
“Peace is not just the absence of war,” said Dr. Riane Eisler, Founder and President of CPS. “It is a way of relating — to ourselves, to others, and to our planet. The first place we learn this is in the home.”
A Holocaust survivor and systems scientist, Dr. Eisler warned that the rise of authoritarian regimes, climate disasters, and the global mental health crisis are all linked by domination systems that normalise violence, hierarchy, and inequality.
Across continents and disciplines, participants shared stories and strategies proving that everyday acts of care, equality and courage can ripple out to change communities and nations.
First, we must learn unconditional love for all. Second, we must learn forgiveness — and always do what is right, no matter the consequences.
Key insights from the day
Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, called for a global Culture of Peace. “Education for peace, tolerance, and global citizenship must be woven into every classroom, every curriculum, and every conversation,” he said, urging that Peace Begins at Home become not just an inspiring phrase but a leading truth.
Ela Gandhi, peace activist and former South African MP, reflected on non-violence as the more courageous path: “First, we must learn unconditional love for all. Second, we must learn forgiveness — and always do what is right, no matter the consequences.”
Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid Ireland, highlighted the organisation’s 50 years of supporting women and children affected by domestic violence. “Many homes feel like war zones because of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is everyone’s business — and together, we can create safer homes and safer communities for all.”
Dr. Richard Davidson, neuroscientist and founder of the Center for Healthy Minds, recalled how the Dalai Lama asked him to study kindness through neuroscience. His research shows compassion and empathy can be taught, measured, and practiced like any other skill.
Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, reflected on her son Jesse’s extraordinary courage during the Sandy Hook tragedy, when his actions saved nine classmates. “Peace is possible everywhere” she said. “Our personal power is in our ability to choose, from moment to moment, how we thoughtfully respond.”
Dr. Gary Barker, founder of Equimundo, spoke on What Men Have to Do with Gender Equality. He showed how men’s involvement in care work drives equality and wellbeing. “When men do more care work, they live longer, have better mental health, and more fulfilled lives,” he said, highlighting policies like paid parental leave and access to childcare that help close the care and wage gaps.
The Voices of the Future segment spotlighted youth leaders from Afghanistan, the DRC, and beyond, calling for intergenerational collaboration and urgent action for peace.
Angela Sterritt, award-winning journalist and author, served as MC, weaving together themes of resilience, healing, and hope across the day’s sessions.
Turning insight into action
The Summit closed with a Solutions Showcase led by Diane Williams, Founder of the Source of Synergy Foundation, highlighting practical initiatives rooted in partnership and care — from education programs to community peace building models.
A Peace Begins at Home Handbook will share the Summit’s key learnings globally, inspiring policy, education and community action toward more caring and equitable societies.
The Summit marked the start of a global movement, showing that by nurturing peace at home, we can transform the world.
About Dr. Riane Eisler
Dr. Riane Eisler is a systems scientist, cultural historian, and author of The Chalice and the Blade. Named one of the world’s “great peacemakers” alongside Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Eisler has advised the UN, the EU, and the U.S. government. She shares the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation’s Distinguished Peace Leadership Award with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
About the Center for Partnership Systems (CPS)
The Center for Partnership Systems (CPS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing a global shift from domination to partnership through research, education, and practical tools. CPS works with institutions, governments, and communities to build more caring, equitable, and sustainable societies.
Learn more: www.peacebeginsathomesummit.org