Paris, France – The 7th edition of the Paris Peace Forum, held at the historic Palais de Chaillot on November 11–12, 2024, brought together global leaders, activists, and policymakers under the theme, “Wanted: A Functioning Global Order.” Among the distinguished invitees was Victor Destang, one of the leaders of THE SONAR INSTITUTE.
Personally invited by the forum’s organizers, Destang played a pivotal role in amplifying the event’s key messages to a global audience. Drawing on his expertise in digital outreach, he developed innovative strategies to engage younger audiences and foster meaningful dialogue about the challenges of modern peacebuilding. His real-time social media updates and incisive commentary garnered widespread attention, sparking conversations about global governance, conflict resolution, and multilateral action.
A Personal Dialogue with Trisha Shetty
One of the highlights of Destang’s participation was his exclusive one-on-one interview with Trisha Shetty, a renowned social activist, lawyer, and founder of SheSays, an Indian non-profit organization advocating for gender equality through youth and civic engagement. The interview took place at the iconic Palais de Chaillot, where they discussed critical issues ranging from gender-sensitive policymaking to youth leadership in advancing global peace.
Shetty, who also serves as the President of the Steering Committee for the Paris Peace Forum, shared her insights on the intersection of human rights, public policy, and grassroots activism. Under her leadership, SheSays successfully campaigned to make sanitary napkins tax-free in India and continues to advocate for equitable access to education, health, and safety.
Speaking after the interview, Destang remarked, “Trisha’s work exemplifies the transformative power of civic engagement in addressing systemic challenges. Her vision aligns perfectly with THE SONAR INSTITUTE’s mission to empower communities and inspire global change.”
Engaging with the Forum’s Central Themes
Victor Destang’s presence at the Paris Peace Forum extended beyond media engagement. He attended several high-level sessions, including the European Commission’s panel on “Freedom of Media in Conflict Zones.” The panel explored the challenges faced by journalists reporting from war zones and the growing threat of disinformation in the digital age. Destang emphasized the importance of strengthening legal protections for journalists and fostering independent media as cornerstones of democratic resilience.
Destang also participated in events which brought discussions on revitalizing multilateral institutions like the United Nations. These sessions highlighted the urgent need for grassroots involvement in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and addressing global inequities.
A Platform for Peace in Turbulent Times
This year’s forum took place against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, including ongoing armed conflicts across the Middle East and North Africa, the war in Ukraine, and disinformation campaigns exacerbating divisions worldwide. The Paris Peace Forum served as a critical platform for collaboration, with participants reaffirming their commitment to multilateral solutions.
For Destang, the forum was an opportunity to strengthen THE SONAR INSTITUTE’s partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders committed to advancing peace. “In these challenging times, the Paris Peace Forum reminds us of the power of dialogue, cooperation, and innovation in building a more equitable and stable global order,” he said.
A Vision for the Future
As the world grapples with intensifying global challenges, Victor Destang’s contributions at the Paris Peace Forum underscored the importance of engaging diverse voices—especially young people—in shaping the future of international governance. His efforts to amplify the forum’s messages and bridge generational divides exemplify THE SONAR INSTITUTE’s unwavering dedication to fostering understanding and collaboration in a fractured world.
With initiatives like Destang’s digital outreach strategies and thought-provoking dialogues with changemakers like Trisha Shetty, THE SONAR INSTITUTE continues to inspire hope and action toward a more peaceful, developed and inclusive global society.
