Can we defy the seeming indifference to the long-term as well as immediate consequences of the state-sanctioned horror we call war?

I am honoured to have been asked to speak in Canberra on Thursday, 24 April 2025, at the annual fundraiser for the Medical Association for the Prevention of War (MAPW https://www.mapw.org.au/ “working for health by working for peace”). You do not need to be “medical” to join the Association, and all are welcome at the dinner which has a bigger purpose than essential fund-raising. My guess is that every one of us needs the companionship and encouragement of those who share our passion for a safer, kinder world. Meeting others who are like-minded is vital.

My plan is to speak about my own long-held defiance of the view that “war” is a justifiable response or “solution” to problems between tribes or nations. Or to ideological differences where the humanity of the “other” is lost. Violence of all kinds, but most especially war, betrays the qualities of conscience and consciousness that make us fully human. That was clear to me as a post WW2 teenager. It is so much clearer to me now.

Whether war is cloaked in myths of religious or racial supremacy, or ideological fanaticism, or is simply another contribution to the mammoth global arms trade, it remains the uber-brutal transactional “game”.

As overwhelming as these issues indisputably are, it continues to matter how each of us personally responds to this moment in human history, to these crises, to our shared world. What is at stake is the environmental, social, economic, intellectual and ethical heritage we leave for emerging generations. Our youngest ones deserve much much better.

The health effects of disempowerment or despair are widely known. We can experience them in our own lives. Defying – and re-defining – “the bleak inevitable” contributes something significant collectively and personally. The vigour and intelligence of our mutual encouragement remain pivotal to that vital regeneration of hope. Again, however we can support one another is a powerful contribution at a time when the notion of “power” is itself abused. We can and must do better.

This is the booking link. https://www.mapw.org.au/dr-stephanie-dowrick/. Please do not hesitate to make yourself known to me on the night. The event will be chaired by Dr Sue Wareham, OAM.