For too long, peace has been misunderstood as a dream, when in fact, it’s a design challenge, and the next generation is solving it.

Every major study now points to the same truth: peace drives prosperity. The Institute for Economics & Peace estimates that armed conflict costs the global economy over $17 trillion annually; that’s roughly 13% of our global GDP. By contrast, nations with higher peace indices enjoy stronger investment climates, higher innovation rates, and faster recovery after crises.

The next wave of innovators knows this and they’re transforming peacebuilding into an ROI strategy.From youth entrepreneurs in Lagos developing solar microgrids that prevent energy-driven conflict, to social innovators in Bogotá training former combatants as green builders, to Gen Z founders in London designing apps that track misinformation before it fuels unrest. This generation isn’t just building companies, but cultures of peace. Every code, every product is more than a business opportunity.

This is the new global economy, one where collaboration replaces competition, and sustainability replaces short-term gain. Peace isn’t charity, it’s strategy. It’s the infrastructure for every thriving market, startup, and society, and we, at the Peace Innovation Initiative, believe this is the decade to scale it! The younger generation isn’t asking if peacebuilding is possible, they’re telling us how fast we can make it happen.

And the truth? The tools are already in our hands… clean energy, ethical AI, open data, inclusive education, the list goes on. Now all we need is leadership brave enough to connect the dots and invest. Because peace isn’t an expense on the balance sheet, it’s our world’s greatest asset class.

Are you ready to invest in the next generation of peacebuilders?