International Peace Bureau - IPB
➡️ INTERNATIONAL PEACE BUREAU (IPB) – Advocating for Peace, Disarmament, and a World Without War
Founded in 1891, the IPB is an important organisation in the peace movement dedicated to the promotion of a world without war.
Under the expert leadership of Sean Connor, one of their primary missions is disarmament for sustainable development with a focus on the reallocation of rampant military expenditure.
In 2024, world military expenditure reached an unprecedented $2718 billion. This represents an increase of 9.4% from the previous year and the steepest annual rise since the end of the Cold War (SIPRI).
This level of militarisation comes at the expense of social funding such as education, healthcare, and welfare. It also fuels conflicts around the world, increases geopolitical tensions, and significantly contributes to climate change.
Jump straight to our resources on the ➡️ IPB
Explore our comprehensive guides on -
- The Sean MacBride Prize
-
GCOMS – Global Campaign on Military Spending
-
Military, NATO & Military Expenditure
-
Weapons Disarmament
-
The Ukraine War
-
Military & War as a Cause of Climate Change
-
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Over 400 member organisations across 100 countries form a global network which brings together the best in expert knowledge and campaigning experience. The IPB were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1910, as well as 14 IPB officers over the years. The IPB is a proud endorser of our work here at Better World Info and regularly recommends our resources to its members.
Through educational campaigns, conferences, research, webinars and collaboration, the IPB is a major player in the peace and social justice movements that continue to inspire individuals and governments to finally start prioritising peace and people over conflict and profit.
The Sean MacBride Prize
The Sean MacBride Peace Prize is a prestigious award given annually by the IPB. The prize is named after Sean MacBride, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1974, former Foreign Minister of Ireland, and former chairman and president of the IPB.
The prize was established in 1992 to honour individuals, organisations, and movements that have made outstanding contributions to world peace, disarmament, and human rights.
Notable recipients include whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, Jeremy Corbyn, Noam Chomsky, Chelsea Manning, Mayors for Peace, Hibakusha, and Mordechai Vanunu.
Recipients of the Sean MacBride Peace Prize are recognised for their courage, dedication, and significant impact in promoting a more peaceful world. They are chosen by the IPB Steering Committee.
"The big powers are travelling on the dangerous road of armament. The signpost just ahead of us is 'Oblivion.' Can the march on this road be stopped? Yes, if public opinion uses the power it now has." - Sean MacBride.
GCOMS – Global Campaign Against Military Spending
GCOMS is an international initiative that aims to raise awareness and advocate for a significant reduction in military spending worldwide. Its primary objectives include redirecting military expenditure towards social and environmental needs, promoting transparency and accountability in defence budgets, and fostering global disarmament.
GCOMS operates under the belief that excessive military spending detracts from vital resources that could otherwise address pressing global challenges such as poverty, education, healthcare, and the climate crisis.
More than 100 organisations from 35 different countries have joined the campaign, which is promoted by the IPB and Centre Delàs of Peace Studies.
A central focal point of the organisation is the annual spring campaign ➡️ GDAMS - Global Days of Action on Military Spending. The event coincides with the release of the annual SIPRI Report on global military spending, Earth Day, Europe Day, International Workers' Day, and the C7 Summit, which confronts the G7 on issues such as sustainability, peace, and social justice.
Author: Rachael Mellor, 31.07.25 licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
For further reading on the IPB see below ⬇️