The Sydney Peace Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organisation committed to universal human rights, social justice, nonviolence, and respect for the environment. Founded in 1998, we believe in the importance of promoting openness and diversity to encourage a more compassionate and equitable world. Through our advocacy, programs, and annual Sydney Peace Prize, we highlight remarkable stories of hope and courage that inspire us to act for peace with justice.
About Us
Our Founding Story
The Sydney Peace Foundation was founded in 1998 by Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees AM, an Australian academic, human rights activist and author. Since then, the Foundation has been dedicated to working towards peace by addressing underlying structural injustices and inequalities.
Professor Rees has worked in community development in India and Sri Lanka, and as academic in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. He has been involved in peace negotiations in Cambodia, Israel/Palestine, and initiatives in West Papua and the Occupied Palestinian Territory / Israel.
Peace With Justice
Meaningful peace cannot be achieved without justice. When people are denied their rights, excluded from opportunity, or subjected to discrimination and exploitation, the conditions for lasting peace do not exist.
The Sydney Peace Foundation is guided by the belief that peace must be built on justice, human rights, and equality.
By protecting human rights, ensuring accountability, and promoting fairness and dignity for all, communities can build the foundations for genuine and enduring peace.
Our Patrons
Dame Marie Bashir is honoured as our posthumous patron for her contribution to peacebuilding across many decades.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore
I commend the Sydney Peace Foundation on its dedication to promoting peace and honouring champions of human rights. As Australia’s only international award for peace, the annual Sydney Peace Prize reminds us of the urgent need to address conflict and discord where we see it. It inspires us to think more deeply about the world in which we live and the values we hold dear.
The Hon. Dame Professor Marie Bashir AD CVO
As the former Governor of New South Wales and as a former Chancellor of The University of Sydney, I am immensely proud of the important work which the Foundation undertakes. The Foundation eloquently advocates for peace with justice, which is central to achieving fair and just livelihoods, with adequate access to food, health, education, and most certainly to human rights, dignity and freedom.
We are extraordinarily grateful for the generous support of the City of Sydney, our major partner in peace, as well as our community of supporters who believe in our mission of peace with justice.
Our work is wholly dependent on donations from people like you. Please consider supporting us to continue our work for a more peaceful and compassionate world.