Memorial in Fresnoy-le-Grand, Aisne, liberated in October 1918 after the Allies broke through the nearby Hindenburg Line (Photo: Centenary News)

Armistice Centenary – Paris to host Peace Forum

France is convening an international forum in Paris on November 11 to promote peace, 100 years after the guns fell silent in the First World War.

The gathering will be inaugurated by heads of state and representatives of more than 80 countries who’ve been invited to attend the Armistice Centenary commemorations in France, President Emmanuel Macron has announced.

The French leader said it would be inspired by the 1918 promise of ‘Never Again’, reflecting the desire for an end to war after WW1.

Warning that peace was again in danger, President Macron called for ‘concrete proposals’ to drive forward multilateralism and international cooperation. He compared present-day divisions and fears to the nationalism and totalitarianism which had resulted in the Second World War.

The Paris Peace Forum will run from 11-13 November 2018. It aims to bring together a wide range of organisations, from governments and UN agencies, to non-governmental organisations and individual experts. See Mission Centenaire 14-18 to watch President Macron’s address – project proposals are invited by July 30.

Intended to be an annual event, the Forum is part of France’s commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, the ceasefire signed at Compiègne on 11 November 1918 ending the Great War.

Source: Mission Centenaire 14-18

Posted by CN Editorial Team