Presence as Power: Lessons from the Paris Peace Forum
g100 Paris Peace Forum Meetings, France — 29–30 October 2025
In October 2025, the G100 Delegation was led at the Paris Peace Forum by Lucia de Luca, G100 Global Chair of Pay Parity & Corporate Transformation, at a gathering that felt more urgent than ever. In a world where conflicts are multiplying and violence is on the rise, the Paris Peace Forum 2025 wasn’t just another conference—it was a call to action. The honour of leading the G100 Delegation as Global Chair of Pay Parity & Corporate Transformation carried a deep sense of responsibility.
The Delegation arrived in Paris from different regions of the world to listen and to act. “It became clear that real change doesn’t happen behind screens; it happens in the rooms where decisions are made, where ideas clash, and where partnerships take shape,” said Lucia de Luca, commenting on the gathering.
Too often, there is an assumption that progress can be achieved through virtual engagement alone. The Forum served as a reminder that impact requires presence. It is about rebuilding connections, engaging in face-to-face discussions, and leaving with more than just business cards—it is about leaving with actionable next steps.
The energy in those rooms was palpable: leaders from governments, civil society, and tech weren’t just talking; they were negotiating, challenging, and committing to solutions.
At the meeting, members discussed various topics, including the validity of the United Nations’ model. The question wasn’t whether the United Nations is still relevant, but how it can adapt. The consensus was clear: the veto system must evolve, financing models need overhaul, and collective action is non-negotiable. For the UN to remain effective, it must reflect today’s global realities—not those of 80 years ago. It is time for a Madame Secretary, a new kind of leadership that embraces complexity.