Three generations after the Second World War, Terry says that the “never again” spirit no longer exists. She sighs in a determined rather than depleted way, adding: “We have to ask ourselves whether we – each and every one of us – have done enough to convey this very sentiment that was passed onto us by our parents and grandparents to our own children.”

When I think about the scenes from countries in conflict that I have visited as a peace blogger, I know that Terry is right. We have failed to keep the “never again” spirit alive. Peace has no voice and the same is true here in safe Switzerland.

Terry is from Palestine and works for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Jerusalem. This was one of dozens of discussions I had with members of the SDC’s Conflict and Human Rights network at its meeting in Geneva from June 18 to 20. Over 100 people from more than 30 countries came here to exchange experiences, challenges, and solutions.

The issue of how to improve communication about peace cropped up again and again in the discussions. We need more efficient communication to combat the increasing normalization of violence. Being able to explain peace work is key to it being understood and financed. You can find more on this topic in my latest blog and appeal for strategic peace communication.