Scilla Elworthy (UK)

➡️ SCILLA ELWORTHY – Distinguished Peace Activist, Author & Anti-Nuclear Weapons Advocate

Scilla Elworthy has dedicated her career to building a more peaceful and less violent world. Over several decades, her work has earned her the Nobel Peace Prize nomination 3 times.

In 1982, she founded the NGO and charity Oxford Research Group, which focused on issues related to peace, security, and justice. They worked to foster dialogue between nuclear weapons policymakers and their critics.

"The future will be envisioned and built collaboratively - or not at all. The world is in crisis. It needs people who have the skill to combine inner power with outer action." - Scilla Elworthy

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• Peace & Nonviolence

• Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution

• Nuclear Disarmament

• The Deadly Arms Trade

• The Elders

• The World Future Council

• Gender Equality

• The Quakers

• World Peace Festival 2011

Elworthy's work with the Oxford Research Group occurred during and immediately after the Cold War, a period marked by significantly strained geopolitical tensions. The group brought together policymakers, academics, the military and civil society to discuss the five major nuclear states at the time. They also provided independent research on security. She was awarded the Niwano Peace Prize in 2003 for her achievements.

Shortly after, Elworthy stepped down to establish Peace Direct, a charity which supports and funds the work of local peace-builders in conflict areas. It was named 'Best New Charity' at the London Charity Awards in 2005. The foundation helps to support grassroots peacebuilders in areas of conflict by empowering them with the tools and skills they need to resolve conflict and build lasting peace in their own communities.

From 2005 to 2009, Elworthy became a valued advisor to Peter Gabriel, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Sir Richard Branson in setting up The Elders - an organisation of global leaders who work together to advocate for social justice, human rights, and peace.

The Elders today play an essential role in providing independent, ethical leadership and guidance on global issues. Their mission is to build a world where people live in peace, are conscious of our common humanity and our shared responsibilities for each other, the planet, and future generations.

Elworth's TED Talk 'Fighting With Nonviolence’, which she delivered in 2012, has now received over 1.3 million views. In her speech, she maps out the skills nations and individuals need to fight extreme violence without using violence in return.

In 2013, Elworthy co-founded Rising Women Rising World. This movement was created to build a community of women across all continents who are experts in their fields and are committed to forging a better world that works for everyone. The women involved are pioneers in economics, business, governance, security, health, ecology, media, the arts, education, and indigenous knowledge.

Elworthy is a longstanding member of the World Future Council, a nonprofit foundation which assists decision-makers in developing and implementing future just policies. Its online database is comprised of existing and proven policy solutions addressing some of the world's most pressing issues, including peace and disarmament, children's rights, energy, sustainable development, and ecosystem protection.

In 2023, Elworthy received the Goi Peace Award in recognition of her lifelong dedication to prevent and transform conflicts and build sustainable peace throughout the world.

The Cost of Peace vs War

Throughout her many projects and publications, Elworthy consistently demonstrates how grassroots movements and informed negotiation can lead to long-lasting and sustainable peace. In her book 'The Business Plan for Peace: Building a World Without War,' she demonstrates how tried and tested strategies for preventing war could be expanded and extended over many years to prevent armed violence around the world.

She calculates that the total cost to implement such strategies came to as little as $2 billion. Global military expenditure increased to $2718 billion in 2024, the 10th year of consecutive rises. Time and time again, it is demonstrated that the cost of peaceful solutions is significantly less than the cost of death, destruction and suffering.

Her book explains brilliantly how people in any country can learn the necessary skills to prevent conflict and apply them in their own communities, schools, workplace and families.

*****

Elworthy's extensive work in the field of peace, nonviolence, and effective dialogue makes her a noteworthy expert in conflict resolution. She shows the world that military-first and strategies based on vengeance are never the answer.

Better World Info shares her profound belief in the human capacity for empathy, compassion, kindness, and cooperation. We can all help to make our world a more peaceful and harmonious place.

Author: Rachael Mellor, 18.09.25 licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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