An independent Stockholm-based institution advancing peace literacy, conflict science and non-violent transformation since 2017.
Mission & Vision
A world in which every person has the literacy and skills to understand conflict, address its roots, and transform it cooperatively — making sustainable peace a lived reality.
Peace, for us, is not the absence of tension. It is the presence of justice, trust and fair institutions capable of handling disagreement without violence.
Our Story
The PACS Institute was established as an independent institution in Stockholm in 2017, the same year it was registered. From the beginning, our work has connected rigorous conflict research with practical peace education.
In 2021, after an independent review by the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, the United Nations Economic and Social Council granted the Institute special consultative status — recognition of our contribution to peace and social development.
Our Values
We reject violence as a method and model constructive alternatives.
Peace is built by everyone; gender equality and broad participation are essential.
Our work is grounded in scientific method, data and transparent reasoning.
Lasting solutions are co-created with communities and partners.
We cultivate the attitudes, institutions and structures that sustain peace.
We focus on what people can build, not only on what is broken.
Consultative status is granted by ECOSOC to qualified independent non-governmental organisations that can contribute to its work. The PACS Institute was granted special consultative status in 2021.
The status allows us to attend relevant United Nations meetings, submit written statements, and share evidence from our research and field practice. Our first quadrennial report, covering 2021–2024, was taken note of by the Council.
A profile in the UN civil society database does not in itself connote affiliation; our formal standing is the ECOSOC special consultative status held since 2021.
About Our Status
Governance
The Institute is governed by a Member's Assembly, its supreme decision-making body, which convenes twice a year. The Assembly reviews progress, approves projects and goals, and adopts strategies through democratic vote; changes to the Institute's core values require a two-thirds qualified majority.
Daily operations are entrusted to a Board of Directors — comprising a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer — which meets every three months to implement the Assembly's decisions, supported by thematic committees carrying out practical project work.
Our independence matters. The Institute is funded through membership fees, donations and grants from domestic sources, and transparent fundraising campaigns. We never allow funding to compromise our non-violent, evidence-based mandate.
Non-violence · Inclusion & Equality · Evidence · Cooperation · Positive Peace · Hope
Milestones
Peace, for us, is not the absence of tension. It is the presence of justice, trust and fair institutions capable of handling disagreement without violence.
Explore Our WorkThe Institute is founded and registered as an independent institution.
We develop our first structured curriculum for learners and facilitators.
Partnerships take shape with organisations in Mexico, the United States and Costa Rica.
A social statistics framework for peaceful community development is piloted.
The United Nations grants special consultative status to the Institute.
Our 2021–2024 quadrennial report is taken note of by ECOSOC.
Work continues across four countries, rooted in peace literacy and non-violence.
Partner with us, volunteer your skills, or support independent peace research and education. Every contribution strengthens a culture of non-violence.
