Why Trump Deserves the Nobel Peace Prize 2025: Is Peace a Single Winged Bird?

Peace, like a bird, requires two wings to soar—the wing of principle and the wing of results. What happens when the world only acknowledges one?

The Diplomatic Breakthrough: A 20-Point Roadmap for Peace

The centerpiece of President Trump's Nobel case is his comprehensive 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which represents the most significant breakthrough in the region in decades. This isn't merely a ceasefire proposal but a detailed roadmap for lasting transformation. The plan, which has been accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is under negotiation with Hamas, addresses the conflict's root causes while providing immediate humanitarian relief .

What makes this plan revolutionary is its structural comprehensiveness. It begins with an immediate end to hostilities and the secure release of all hostages within 72 hours of acceptance . But it looks far beyond these urgent measures, establishing a framework for Gaza's future as "a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours" while simultaneously launching "a Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energise Gaza" . This dual approach—addressing both security concerns and human development—demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of what sustainable peace requires.

Perhaps the most innovative element is the creation of a temporary transitional governance structure featuring a "Board of Peace" that will be chaired by Trump himself, alongside other world leaders including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair . This mechanism ensures international oversight while preparing Gaza for eventual self-governance. The plan further establishes an International Stabilisation Force to maintain security during the transition—a practical solution to the vacuum that often doom peace agreements .

 Key Elements of Trump's 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan

Component - Key Features - Significance 

Immediate Measures : Hostage release within 72 hours; ceasefire; humanitarian aid ; Builds trust and addresses urgent human needs .

Security Framework : Demilitarization of Hamas; International Stabilisation Force; border security ; Creates conditions for lasting security without occupation.|

Governance Structure : Technocratic Palestinian committee; international "Board of Peace" chaired by Trump ; Provides transitional stability while building toward self-governance .

Economic Development : Special economic zones; investment frameworks; infrastructure rehabilitation ; Addresses root causes of conflict through opportunity creation .

Long-term Vision : Pathway to Palestinian statehood; interfaith dialogue; regional integration ; Creates foundation for comprehensive peace beyond immediate crisis .

The Chorus of Global Acclaim: International Leaders Weigh In

What distinguishes Trump's peace efforts from mere political posturing is the overwhelming international support they have garnered across traditional ideological divides. This isn't praise from usual allies alone but represents a genuine global consensus that transcends typical geopolitical factions.

From the Arab world, a joint statement from the foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt welcomed "President Donald J. Trump's leadership and his sincere efforts to end the war in Gaza" and expressed "confidence in his ability to find a path to peace" . This endorsement from key Muslim nations, including those that have historically been critical of U.S. policy in the region, demonstrates the plan's diplomatic credibility.

European leaders, often skeptical of Trump's approach, have similarly voiced strong support. French President Emmanuel Macron stated he "welcomes President Trump's commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages," adding that "Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan" . German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted that "The US peace plan for Gaza offers a unique opportunity to end the terrible war in Gaza" and expressed gratitude "to US President Donald Trump and his Administration for his intense efforts to end the war" .

Beyond Europe, leaders across the world have recognized the significance of this moment. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed "the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict" as providing "a viable pathway to long term and sustainable peace" . Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba highlighted Trump's "leadership and efforts to end Gaza conflict," while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the "historic new Middle East peace plan" . This global recognition underscores how Trump's diplomacy has achieved what many thought impossible: building bridges across civilizations and interest groups toward a common peace agenda.

The Evolution of a Peacemaker: From Unilateralism to Multilateral Diplomacy

Critics who dismiss Trump's peace credentials based on his first-term approach are missing a crucial evolution in his diplomatic strategy. The president who once championed America First unilateralism has demonstrated a remarkable pragmatic adaptation in his second term, embracing the very multilateral engagement that peacemaking often requires.

This transformation is particularly evident in Trump's strategic partnership with Qatar. After Israel bombed Hamas leaders in Qatar last month, Trump dramatically changed course, personally directing Netanyahu to call Qatar's prime minister from the Oval Office to read an apology drafted by the White House . This wasn't merely damage control but reflected a sophisticated understanding that "Trump working with Arab partners, especially Qatar, has helped get things to this point" and that "He's changed the dynamics of what individual diplomacy looks like" . The shift has been so significant that Trump signed an executive order creating "a NATO-like security guarantee for Qatar, pledging that the U.S. would help defend it in the event of an attack" .

This diplomatic evolution extends beyond the Middle East. Trump's administration has engaged in shuttle diplomacy to de-escalate multiple global conflicts, with the president claiming to have "ended six wars" through interventions in conflicts between Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, and Thailand and Cambodia, among others . While experts like Dr. Samir Puri of Chatham House suggest there's "a huge difference between getting fighting to stop in the short-term and resolving the root causes of the conflict," they acknowledge that within Trump's "absurdity" of claims "there are sometimes grains of truth" .

Republican allies on Capitol Hill point to this evolution as evidence of Trump's growth as a statesman. As Senator Lindsey Graham noted, "One of the biggest accomplishments of President Trump is to get the Arab world involved in dealing with the Palestinian issue" . This development represents a significant maturation from the unilateral instincts of his first term to a recognition that complex conflicts require coalition building and regional ownership of peace processes.

The Nobel Question: Achievement Versus Ideology

The Nobel Peace Prize has always existed at the intersection of idealistic vision and practical achievement. When examining Trump's case through this lens, we must ask: Should the prize recognize only those whose methods and ideologies align perfectly with conventional diplomatic norms, or should it also acknowledge those who achieve tangible breakthroughs toward peace, even through unconventional means?

The historical precedent for rewarding presidential peacemaking is well-established. Four U.S. presidents have received the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt for mediating the Russo-Japanese War, Woodrow Wilson for his peace efforts after World War I, Jimmy Carter for decades of humanitarian work, and Barack Obama for "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy" . Trump's achievements—particularly his Gaza peace plan—arguably represent more concrete diplomatic breakthroughs than some previous recipients, notably Obama, who received the prize after less than a year in office based more on vision than accomplishment .

That said, legitimate questions remain about Trump's alignment with Nobel's criteria. The prize should go to whoever "has done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations," according to Nobel's will . Critics like Nina Graeger of the Peace Research Institute Oslo argue that Trump's withdrawal from international agreements and institutions "is not exactly what we think about when we think about a peaceful president or someone who really is interested in promoting peace" .

However, the Nobel committee has historically prioritized results over purity. The award to Henry Kissinger for the Vietnam peace agreement—however flawed—recognized the practical resolution of a devastating conflict. If Trump's Gaza plan leads to a lasting peace, even his critics must acknowledge its profound human benefits: an end to bloodshed, hostage reunification, and hope for millions trapped in cycles of violence.

The committee may also consider Trump's broader impact on global conflict resolution. His administration's work toward potential settlements in Ukraine, while less developed than the Gaza breakthrough, suggests a pattern of engagement in the world's most intractable conflicts . When we consider the sheer scale of human suffering these conflicts cause—and the potential for their resolution—the case for recognition becomes compelling regardless of ideological alignment.

Conclusion: Peace as a Single-Winged Bird?

The metaphor of peace as a single-winged bird reflects our current diplomatic dilemma. One wing represents the pure principles of peacemaking—the unwavering commitment to international norms, human rights, and diplomatic tradition. The other represents the practical achievements of peace—the messy, imperfect, but tangible resolutions that save lives and end suffering. A bird needs both wings to fly, yet we often privilege one over the other.

Donald Trump's Nobel Peace Prize case rests firmly on the second wing—the tangible results he has achieved. His 20-point Gaza peace plan represents the most significant breakthrough in one of the world's most intractable conflicts in generations. The broad international support it has garnered, from Arab capitals to European powers, demonstrates its diplomatic significance. His evolution from unilateral instinct to multilateral engagement reveals a learning curve that should inspire hope rather than skepticism.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee faces a fundamental question: Should the peace prize only recognize those whose methods and ideologies we find comfortable, or should it also acknowledge those who achieve historic breakthroughs through unconventional means? If the answer leans toward the latter, then Donald Trump's transformative peacemaking in 2025 makes him a deserving candidate.

Perhaps peace indeed has two wings—and for too long, we've been trying to fly with only one.

Article Credit : DeepSeek

The UN’s Struggle for Peace: How the World’s Peacekeeping Body Navigates a Turbulent Planet

 

The Elusive Quest for Peace in Our Time

In a world where global conflicts have reached alarming levels and international tensions simmer constantly, the United Nations stands as both a beacon of hope and a subject of criticism. As we observe the 2025 International Day of Peace with its powerful theme "Act Now for a Peaceful World," we examine how this complex organization grapples with maintaining its relevance and effectiveness in an increasingly polarized world. The UN's journey is one of aspirations versus realities, of institutional limitations confronting overwhelming global challenges—yet it remains our most comprehensive mechanism for collective security and peace.

1 The Geopolitical Minefield: Navigating Power Politics and Division

The Security Council Divide

The UN Security Council, with its five permanent members holding veto power, often reflects global divisions rather than solutions. Recent years have seen an alarming increase in geopolitical aggression and intransigence, where conflicts become protracted by intense rivalries between global powers supporting proxy wars overseas . The wars in Syria and Yemen serve as prime examples of how superpower rivalries can transform regional conflicts into prolonged humanitarian disasters. This structural dilemma means the UN frequently finds itself paralyzed when responding to crises involving major powers, unable to take decisive action even in the face of overwhelming human suffering.

The Sovereignty Paradox

Another fundamental challenge lies in balancing national sovereignty with the responsibility to protect. The UN Charter enshrines the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs, yet contemporary conflicts often emerge from internal violence that spills across borders. As Secretary-General António Guterres noted in his 2025 Peace Day message, "Our warring world is crying out for peace," emphasizing that "peace is everyone's business" because the impacts of war ripple around the world . This tension between sovereignty and intervention continues to challenge UN responses to internal conflicts and human rights crises.

2 The Changing Face of Conflict: Evolving Challenges

New Warfare, New Problems

Modern conflicts have evolved significantly from the interstate wars that dominated when the UN was founded. Today's violence often involves non-state actors, terrorist organizations, and criminal networks that operate across borders without accountability to international norms. The UN reports that in 2024, loss of lives amid armed conflicts surged 40% from 2023, marking the third consecutive annual rise . These conflicts are increasingly characterized by blurred lines between combatants and civilians, with devastating humanitarian consequences.

Table: Alarming Trends in Modern Conflicts

Trend	Impact	UN Response Challenge
Rising civilian casualties	40% increase in conflict-related deaths (2023-2024)	Protection of civilians in complex environments
Targeting of vulnerable groups	4x more children and women killed than previous biennium	Specialized humanitarian corridors and protection measures
Record displacement	Unprecedented 123.2 million forcibly displaced by end of 2024	Coordination of massive humanitarian response
Urban warfare	Destruction of cities and critical infrastructure	Difficulty accessing conflict zones with aid

The "Counter-Terror" Labeling Problem

A particularly troubling trend is how governments increasingly relabel conflicts as counter-terrorism struggles, leading to neglect of the actual factors and actors driving violence . This approach erodes the space needed for peacebuilding and political solutions, as we've seen in Syria, Egypt, Turkey and elsewhere. When leaders use the pretext of counter-terror to crush dissent and political opposition, it ironically escalates violent conflict rather than reducing it—creating a vicious cycle that undermines sustainable peace efforts.

3 The Struggle for Sustainable Peace: Beyond Quick Fixes

Addressing Root Causes

The UN's approach has evolved to recognize that peacekeeping alone is insufficient without addressing the underlying drivers of conflict. As outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 16, sustainable peace requires promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions . The UN now emphasizes that factors like inequality, exclusion, and lack of opportunity create fertile ground for violence. This understanding has led to more comprehensive approaches that combine security, development, and human rights initiatives—though implementation remains challenging.

The Financing Gap

A critical obstacle to sustainable peace is the mismatch between resources and needs. While global military spending hit a record high in 2024, soaring by more than nine percent from 2023 , peacebuilding efforts remain severely underfunded. The UN's Peacebuilding Fund supports projects in over 70 countries but operates with limited voluntary contributions that cannot match the scale of need. This imbalance reflects a global priority problem—we invest more in fighting wars than in building peace.

4 Innovation and Adaptation: The UN's Evolving Peace Toolkit

Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation

Recognizing that prevention is more effective and humane than responding to full-blown conflicts, the UN has increasingly emphasized preventive diplomacy and mediation . The Secretary-General's "good offices" function has been deployed in numerous crises to help de-escalate tensions and facilitate dialogue. Special envoys and representatives work behind the scenes in trouble spots worldwide, where sometimes their mere presence can prevent escalation. This quiet diplomacy rarely makes headlines but has prevented numerous potential conflicts from erupting into violence.

Peacebuilding Architecture

The UN has developed institutional mechanisms specifically dedicated to sustaining peace, including the Peacebuilding Commission (marking its twentieth anniversary in 2025) , the Peacebuilding Support Office, and the Peacebuilding Fund. These structures work to address the root causes of conflict such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination . The recent Peacebuilding Architecture Review recognizes the need to strengthen these mechanisms further, particularly in supporting countries undergoing political transitions and addressing the geopolitical dimensions of conflicts.

Harnessing Technology and Innovation

The UN has begun leveraging technology for peacebuilding and protection purposes, from early warning systems that detect potential conflicts to digital platforms that facilitate dialogue between opposing groups. The organization's recently adopted Pact for the Future addresses emerging challenges and opportunities in science, technology and innovation while supporting the active engagement of future generations . However, the UN also recognizes the dangers of technology when misused—from hate speech spread through social media to autonomous weapons—and seeks to build guardrails ensuring these tools serve humanity positively.

5 The Path Forward: Collective Action for Peace

Grassroots Engagement and People-Centered Approaches

Increasingly, the UN recognizes that sustainable peace requires engaging communities and grassroots organizations, not just dealing with national governments. This approach involves supporting those who work for peaceful change—in and out of government, including women and youth . The UN's "Peace Begins With Me" initiative exemplifies this people-centered approach, recognizing that while institutions are crucial, peace ultimately depends on the daily actions and commitments of ordinary people worldwide .

Climate Action as Peacebuilding

The Secretary-General's messages increasingly connect climate action with peacebuilding, noting that "we have just endured a decade of deadly heat" with the top ten hottest years on record happening in the last ten years . Climate breakdown acts as a threat multiplier, exacerbating resource competition and instability. Addressing the climate crisis through dramatic emissions reductions and supporting renewable transitions is thus essential not just for environmental sustainability but for global peace and security.

Rebalancing Security Spending

A key recommendation emerging from UN reports is the need to rebalance security priorities from military spending toward peacebuilding and sustainable development. The Secretary-General's report, The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future, urges Member States to recalibrate security and development priorities . This shift recognizes that true security comes not from superior military capability but from resilient societies with inclusive institutions that address citizens' needs.

Conclusion: Peace as a Collective Journey

The United Nations' struggle to maintain world peace reflects the complexities of our global community—divided by interests yet united by common vulnerabilities. As Secretary-General Guterres reminds us, peace "is not just a vision—it's a call to action that each of us can answer by promoting understanding, respect, and justice in our daily lives" .

The UN's limitations are ultimately our own limitations magnified on a global scale. Its failures reflect our collective failures to transcend narrow interests, and its successes demonstrate our capacity for cooperation despite differences. On this International Day of Peace, as we examine an international body straining under the weight of expectations and challenges, we must remember that the UN is only as effective as its member states and citizens allow it to be.

Peace cannot wait—and as the Secretary-General emphasizes, our work starts now . In a world crying out for peace, each of us has a role to play in answering that call, whether through demanding more effective diplomacy from our leaders, supporting organizations that build peace, or simply practicing the values of respect and understanding in our own communities. The journey to peace is long, and the obstacles are formidable, but the alternative—a world without any organized effort to transcend our conflicts—is unimaginable.

Secretary-General's message on the 

International Day of Peace 2025

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-09-21/secretary-generals-message-the-international-day-of-peace-scroll-down-for-french-version

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IAEWP World Peace Conference on Global Solidarity 2025

 

World Peace Conference Delegates Visit Thiksey Monastery to Convene Academic Session on Global Solidarity.

A grand three days World Peace Conference was organised by IAEWP and Leh, Ladakh, India under the Presidentship of Chancellor Dr Priyaranjan Trivedi and under the Convenorship of Ven Bhikkhu Sanghasena, IAEWP State Chancellor for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh on 23, 24 and 25 August 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings in August 1945.

More than 100 foreign and 150 Indian delegates participated from Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, Germany, Nepal, Brazil and many African countries.

High in the arid, majestic landscape of Ladakh, where the air is thin and the mountains touch the sky, a different kind of summit was taking place. This wasn't a meeting of diplomats in a bustling capital, but a gathering of hearts and minds at the serene Thiksey Monastery, followed by a profound academic session on global solidarity convened at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC).

The delegates for an international World Peace Conference journeyed to this remote Himalayan region. Their mission was not just to discuss peace in theory, but to experience it in practice, embedded within a community that lives and breathes compassion and service.

The journey began at the breathtaking Thiksey Monastery, a cascading white structure that embodies centuries of spiritual tranquillity and cultural preservation. For the delegates, the visit was more than a tour; it was an immersion. Walking through ancient halls adorned with thangkas, listening to the resonant chants of monks, and witnessing the devout mindfulness of practice, they experienced a palpable sense of inner peace. This tranquillity is not an escape from the world, but a foundation for engaging with it—a first lesson in the Ladakhi approach to harmony.

Following this spiritual immersion, the conference moved to the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Leh. Founded by the visionary Venerable Sanghasena, MIMC is a living testament to the idea that world peace is built on the twin pillars of inner transformation and selfless action.

As the delegates gathered, the agenda shifted from observation to discussion, convening a pivotal academic session on Global Solidarity. In a world often highlighted by conflict and division, the theme resonated deeply. The conversation flowed beyond theoretical diplomacy, touching on the very human elements required for unity.

Discussions centered on collective action, compassion, and resilience. Delegates explored how solidarity is not a passive concept but an active force—one that requires empathy, understanding, and a commitment to social justice. They spoke of human rights, equality, and the inclusion of all voices in the journey towards global peace. This wasn't just about policies; it was about fostering a genuine sense of community and togetherness that transcends borders.

The setting for these talks was itself a powerful statement. MIMC is not merely a retreat center or a place for silent meditation. It is a vibrant ecosystem of hope. As delegates learned, MIMC’s mission seamlessly blends spiritual practice with profound humanitarian aid.

They saw this vision in action all around them: in the schools MIMC runs for underprivileged children, offering empowerment through education. In the eco-friendly sustainable living practices that respect the fragile Ladakhi environment. In the care provided to the elderly and the sick, a direct expression of kindness and support. This holistic model demonstrates that well-being is multifaceted, addressing mental health, material need, and spiritual yearning simultaneously.

The connection became clear: the inner peace cultivated through meditation and mindfulness training is the fuel for outward activism and charity. The calm found in breathing exercises and the focus honed in practice enables the resilience needed for long-term volunteer work and advocacy.

For the delegates, the trip was a powerful digital detox from the noise of modern discourse. It was a getaway that provided not just rest, but clarity. The serenity of the Himalayas and the profound compassion of the MIMC community served as a living blueprint. They saw that true solidarity is built on this foundation of personal awareness and gratitude.

As the academic session concluded, the takeaways were profound. The delegates left with more than just notes; they left with an experience. They witnessed a model where peace is not a distant ideal but a daily practice. They understood that global solidarity begins with the individual choice to cultivate positivity, empathy, and a commitment to non-profit service.

The World Peace Conference delegation’s visit to Thiksey and MIMC was a beautiful fusion of ancient wisdom and modern aspiration. It was a reminder that the path to harmony is paved with both prayer and practical action, and that in the quiet mountains of Ladakh, a powerful ripple of hope for humanity is being nurtured, one compassionate act at a time.

As part of the World Peace Conference, delegates visited the renowned Thiksey Monastery where they joined the venerable monks in offering a special prayer for world peace. A Sangha Dana was respectfully offered on behalf of the organizing committee, symbolizing the spirit of harmony and generosity that underpins the conference.

Following the monastery visit, the delegates gathered for Academic Session II on the theme “Building Bridges: Dialogue, Inclusion, and Global Solidarity” at the Shesrap Skyadtsal Ling Library and Learning Centre Thiksay Conference Hall. 

The session was chaired by Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, who warmly welcomed the participants and expressed deep gratitude to His Eminence Thiksey Rinpoche for graciously allowing the use of the beautifully created conference hall. Geshe Jamyang Tashi of the Sherap Skitsal Ling Library and Learning Centre also addressed the gathering, extending a heartfelt welcome and assuring that the Centre remains open for future collaborations and initiatives dedicated to peace.

The academic session was enriched by a series of inspiring presentations from eminent speakers. Dr. Markandey Rai highlighted the urgent responsibility of global citizens in preventing wars, reminding the gathering that peace is not merely the duty of governments but a shared obligation of humanity. Maj. Gen. Dr. Yash Mor emphasized the concept of a peace economy, calling for resources to be shifted from destructive military pursuits towards welfare, education, and development that uplift societies.

MAAsterG spoke about the transformative power of interfaith dialogue, stressing how genuine conversations across traditions can dissolve mistrust and heal divisions. Prof. P.R. Trivedi presented his vision for building strong global alliances that can sustain peace in the long term, noting that cooperation across nations is the only way to address challenges that transcend borders. Ambassador Deepak Vohra shared his insights on the role of diplomacy over division, underlining how dialogue, when pursued with sincerity, prevents conflicts from escalating into wars. Finally, Mr. Ram Rohan Panta explored mindfulness and meditation as practical tools for fostering inner peace, resilience, and compassion, demonstrating how these practices can contribute directly to harmony within families, communities, and nations.

A highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the World Peace Award to Padma Shree His Eminence Nawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin Thiksey Rinpoche, the 9th reincarnation of Jangsem Sherab Zangpo and the revered Head of Thiksey Monastery. The award was conferred in profound recognition of His Eminence’s lifelong dedication to world peace, compassion, and universal brotherhood.

Contact

Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre

P.O. Box No 22

Leh Ladakh 194101, India

Tel: 91-19 82-264372

Fax: 91-19 82-264155

http://www.mahabodhi-ladakh.info/