Code of Conduct

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Peace in Our Cities is committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment conducive to the exchange of ideas across regions and inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, ideas, and experiences. This Code of Conduct outlines key expectations for participation in PiOC activities, exchanges, and events, whether virtual or in-person. This includes expected behavior; safety and security protocols; and reporting and enforcement tools that may be used by the Secretariat. It applies to all PiOC members, Secretariat members, and event participants, including attendees, speakers, guests, and organizers.

Expectations for Behavior and Communication

Constructive, cooperative, and transparent relationships and interactions are essential to our partnerships and our effectiveness. Members and participants are expected to treat others with dignity, empathy, kindness, courtesy, and respect at all times. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

Peace in Our Cities is dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of age, color, race, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, religious affiliation, socioeconomic status, citizenship status, or other identities. We strongly encourage respect- and consent-based communication, free from assumptions, bias, or aggressions of any kind.

We will not tolerate harassment, bullying, discrimination, or hate speech in any form. Participants asked to stop any harassing, discriminatory, or bullying behavior are expected to comply immediately. Participants who feel that they have been subjected to any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination, or believe they have witnessed unacceptable professional behavior, including a breach of values outlined in this code of conduct or otherwise, are encouraged to report their experience to the organizers as soon as possible.

Consent and Respect for Privacy

To help create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, all participants are expected to:

• Confirm with the organizers or request approval before quoting or attributing comments made during PiOC events or discussions.
• Secure permission from all individuals in any potential photo before taking or sharing photos, screenshots, or recordings of any individual or group during events or working meetings.
• Be mindful of cultural differences when interacting with others at PiOC activities.

These practices apply to everyone involved in our spaces—participants, organizers, facilitators, and guests—and help ensure that all individuals feel safe and respected.

Safety and Security Protocols

Individuals attending an in-person or virtual event are expected to follow safety and security protocols as prescribed by the locality, venue, and organizers. These will be provided as needed on a case-by-case basis.

Reporting and Enforcement

All those who engage in PiOC activities, including PiOC members, Secretariat members, and event participants, including attendees, speakers, guests, and organizers, are required to observe this code of conduct. The Secretariat and/or event organizers will uphold this code throughout all stages of PiOC events and activities.

Participants who fail to follow the code of conduct, or to comply with the requests of the organizers or venue staff, may be asked to leave the event and personally incur any costs associated with their departure. In egregious cases, the Secretariat may require removal from the Peace in Our Cities Network.

Thank you for helping make this a safe and welcoming network for all.

Last reviewed July 29, 2025.