Navigating Peace and Sustainability in an Increasingly Complex World

This introductory chapter explores the intricate relationship between peace and sustainability in an increasingly complex world. It highlights the escalating challenges of global conflicts, climate change, and socio-economic instabilities that threaten both peace and sustainable development. The chapter emphasizes the interconnectedness of these concepts, as recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 16. It discusses the evolution of peace and sustainability research, noting the historical focus on conflict resolution and resource management, respectively, while advocating for a more holistic approach. The chapter synthesizes insights from various contributions to the third conference of the Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS 2024), covering topics such as environmental ethics, decolonizing environmental peacebuilding, social entrepreneurship in post-conflict regions, energy transitions, and environmental diplomacy. These diverse perspectives illuminate the multifaceted nature of the peace-sustainability nexus. The chapter concludes by outlining key implications for research and practice, including the promotion of indigenous entrepreneurship, the need for equitable energy transition policies, and the importance of stakeholder engagement in decision-making processes. This overview chapter sets the stage for a deeper exploration of strategies to navigate peace and sustainability challenges in our complex global landscape.