go-back
Go back
News
It is necessary to restore an international system centered on human security - Nobel Laureate Jody Williams
24.04.26

The global community must change its approach to international relations, where respect for the life and rights of every individual becomes the priority, rather than solely the protection of state interests. This was emphasized by the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Chair of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, Jody Williams, in an online address to the participants of the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, themed “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”
“The question I ask myself is: how do we begin rebuilding the international system so that it pays attention to human security, not just national security - meaning the protection of the state? Is the protection of the state more important than the protection of people? I believe they must go hand in hand,” Williams stated.
The Nobel Laureate emphasized that during the attacks on Ukrainian cities, the Russian dictator Putin deliberately targets civilians, hospitals, and schools –“everything that people need for life”.
She also expressed concern over new technological challenges, particularly the use of artificial intelligence in autonomous weapons and the nuclear sphere. “Imagine the combination of artificial intelligence with nuclear bombs. How does that fit into the concept of human security? It is not safe,” she emphasized.

Williams also commented on the activities of US President Donald Trump, noting that he failed to fulfill his promises to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war in a single day, and recalled his threats to destroy Iranian civilization. According to her, while neither Russia nor Iran are democracies, the focus of attention must remain on the protection of humanity.

“Changes are possible. We have an example of change - Orbán in Hungary. Sixteen years of this autocrat, and now he is gone. It can be done,” Williams noted.

She called on people to believe in the possibility of changing the world through collective efforts and announced her participation in building a global peace movement based on caring for people across the entire planet.

In conclusion, Williams expressed her support for Ukraine and called for more intensive work toward achieving a peace based on respect for human dignity. 

The Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 upon the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation. This year, it is taking place on April 23-24.

Share
© Arseniy Yatsenyuk Charity Foundation "Open Ukraine"
locationUkraine, Kyiv, 01001
ksf-logo
facebooktwitteryoutubeinstagram
open-logo
open-Ukraine
Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation
© Arseniy Yatsenyuk Charity Foundation "Open Ukraine"
ssl-protected