[Peace In Your View] “Peace is a House Built Daily” : From the Heart of Politics to the Frontlines of Peace, Orry Van de Wauwer

Peace In Your View is an initiative developed under HWPL’s efforts to realize Article 10, Spreading a Culture of Peace, of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). By conducting in-depth interviews with individuals actively contributing to peace, the project seeks to illuminate diverse perspectives, experiences, and philosophies. Through stories shared by leaders, practitioners, and community members from various backgrounds, Peace in Your View aims to inspire readers to reflect on how they can promote peace, inclusion, and social cohesion in their own communities.

In this episode, Stella Seong speaks with Orry Van de Wauwer, Director of Pax Christi Flanders. A former Belgian Federal Senator and NATO representative, Van de Wauwer shares his courageous “value-based transition” from high-level politics to grassroots activism. Their dialogue explores how redefining leadership through empathy and human dignity can transform peace from a mere absence of war into a deliberate, daily practice shared by all.

I. Finding “Human Value” Beyond Political Limits

Q. You chose Pax Christi after a distinguished career in the Belgian Senate and NATO. What triggered such a significant career shift?

“I entered politics at 17 and ran for office at 18 because I wanted to ensure young voices were heard. I was drawn to the Christian Democrats because of their founding conviction: ‘Every human being matters.’ However, over time, the party’s positions on migration and development began to drift away from my personal convictions. I realized I couldn’t sincerely ask people to vote for positions I no longer believed in. That was the moment I knew I had to prioritize human dignity over a political career.”

Q. How does your political background influence your current work as a peace advocate?

“Pax Christi Flanders is a sociocultural organization officially recognized by the Flemish government—ironically, I helped shape the legislative framework for such organizations during my time in parliament. Today, I use that system to champion human rights and foreign affairs from a value-driven perspective rather than a profit-driven one. My experience with international bodies like the OSCE and NATO allows me to advocate for humanitarian law with a deep understanding of how policy is actually made.”

II. The Heart of Pax Christi: “Peace Spirituality”

Q. Pax Christi is rooted in Catholic social teaching. What does this spiritual foundation mean for the organization today?

“For me, faith is a personal search. However, I recognize the immense value of spirituality and connection. Pax Christi’s foundation in Christian social doctrine reflects universal humanistic values: the dignity of every person and the protection of all life. This ‘Peace Spirituality’ is our guiding thread. It’s not just an abstract concept; it’s a practical commitment to non-violence inspired by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Hannah Arendt, and Emmanuel Levinas.”

Q. Can people without a religious background still find a home in your organization?

“Absolutely. We are a pluralistic and open organization. We work closely with secular peace groups because we share the same goals. What distinguishes us is that we offer a ‘why’ behind the actions. This spiritual grounding attracts volunteers seeking a deeper sense of purpose. Whether religious or not, anyone who believes in the sanctity of human life is welcome.”

III. 2025 Milestone: 1,000 Daily Peace Builders

Q. Your “Peace Builders” campaign in 2025 was a major success. What was the core message?

“We started with a simple belief: War exists not only because of conflict, but because peace is not built every day. We wanted to activate citizens as daily peace builders. We organized 60 ‘Peace Labs’ across Flanders and Brussels, bringing together 1,000 participants—including refugees, students, prisoners, and expats—to share stories and create symbols of peace.”

Q. Those symbols eventually became a public installation called the “Temple of Peace,” didn’t they?

“Yes. We transformed those shared stories into flags and assembled them into a massive public installation. For 10 days, this ‘Temple of Peace’ hosted a festival featuring debates and arts programs focused on the four pillars of security: Diplomacy, Development, Democracy, and Defense. The flags weren’t just fabric; they were deeply personal political statements on migration, ecology, and solidarity.”

IV. Looking Toward 2026: Beyond Ceasefires

Q. What is on the horizon for Pax Christi in 2026?

“Our goal is to translate the grassroots energy from the Peace Builders campaign into policy influence. We plan to engage political parties to promote a broader, more human-centric understanding of security. We are also planning a second Peace Builders campaign, including a new ‘Temple of Peace’ in the city of Ypres in May 2026, co-created with the local community.”

Q. Any final message for our readers?

“A ceasefire alone is not peace. Peace is a continuous process grounded in dialogue and shared security. It is something that must be renewed every single day. I hope everyone finds a way to be a ‘Peace Builder’ in their own daily lives.”

What is Pax Christi?

Founded in 1945 to promote reconciliation between France and Germany after WWII, Pax Christi is an international Catholic peace movement. Today, it operates in over 50 countries, working on disarmament, human rights, and peace processes in conflict zones.

· Interviewer: Stella Seong, Coordinator of Religious Department, HWPL Global 08 Branch

· Interviewee: Orry Van de Wauwer, Director of Pax Christi Flanders

This interview has been edited and finalized by Public Relations Department of HWPL Global 08 Branch