Let’s make peace work Lecture

Our world today is plagued by numerous wars and conflicts. How can these be understood, and more importantly: be resolved and prevented? PAX is a Dutch organization trying to end armed conflict and building inclusive peace. Director Rolien Sasse, who has a lot of experience in conflict areas, published the book Vrede. Wat het is en waarom het kan (2025) in which she distinguishes hard power (weapons) from soft power (diplomacy). Soft power is often overlooked, but indispensable for lasting peace.

Moderator: dr Steven Dorrestijn (Saxion)

This program is part of the Dutch Peace Week 2026. In cooperation with Saxion Ethics & Technology research group, UT Peace Center, Enschede voor Vrede, Novel-T SMART, UNICEF Student Team Enschede and Amnesty International Students Twente.

about Rolien Sasse

Photo: Gabriela Hengeveld

Rolien Sasse is director of the peace organisation PAX as of February 2023. She has a long track record in various leadership roles within international cooperation, most recently focusing on the relationship between water, climate and conflict. She also has extensive leadership experience as a manager and mediator.

From a young age, Rolien has lived and travelled all over the world for her work in development cooperation, including various conflict zones. She has lived in Sierra Leone, Cambodia, South Africa and Kenya at pivotal moments and has recently travelled to Ukraine, Israel and Palestine. She drew on these experiences to write her first book, Vrede. Wat het is en waarom het kan (Peace: What it is and why it is possible).

More about PAX

PAX is a Dutch peace organisation committed to protecting civilians from the violence of war and promoting sustainable peace worldwide. PAX works closely with local partners in conflict zones across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, amongst other regions. Through dialogue, mediation and support for civil society initiatives, PAX helps to prevent conflicts, reduce tensions and promote reconciliation. The organisation also focuses on issues such as human rights, security, arms control, and the protection of civilians from violence, for example through campaigns against landmines and autonomous weapon systems.

A key principle of PAX is that sustainable peace is only possible where there are justice and inclusivity. That is why the organisation actively involves local communities in developing solutions and encourages the participation of young people and women in peace processes. PAX is also committed to influencing international policy, for example at the United Nations and the European Union, to bring about structural change.

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