Guila Clara Kessous is a renowned French philosopher, writer, and educator known for her interdisciplinary approach to ethics, culture, and human rights. She explores contemporary philosophical questions through a blend of critical theory, literature, and social activism. Kessous’s work delves into the complexities of identity, memory, and justice, emphasizing dialogue across cultures and generations. As a committed educator, she fosters critical thinking and ethical awareness among students and public audiences. Her contributions span academic research, public lectures, and writings that inspire reflection on how philosophy can engage with social challenges and promote a more inclusive and compassionate world.
What inspired your recent visit to Greece and how does this trip align with your work as an Artist for Peace and Vice-President of the United Nations Federation?
I was invited to Greece by the President of the French Greek cultural movement, Le Soleil Foundation, Mrs Ada Iliopoulou. We also discussed some upcoming plans in Greece.
My visit to Greece was inspired by its rich history and enduring cultural heritage. Greece is a living testament to the power of art, philosophy and tradition in shaping societies. This journey reinforced my commitment to using art and culture as tools for peace, showing that our shared heritage can inspire harmony and collective responsibility across nations.
Can you share key experiences during your visit that resonated with your mission for peace?
Meeting Mr. Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, highlighted how the Olympic Games can serve as a platform for peace, culture and social progress. Being honored as a citizen of Paleo Faliro by Mayor Yiannis Fostiropoulos reflected the deep historical connection of the port as a place of exchange and dialogue. When I arrived in Paleo Faliro, the name “Trocadero” immediately caught my attention. It recalled the Trocadéro in Paris, a place dedicated to human rights, justice and freedom. This connection felt like a poetic bridge between historic and contemporary struggles for dignity and liberty.
Releasing a dove from this location became a symbolic gesture: a bridge between cultures, a dialogue between past and present and a reminder that the pursuit of peace is universal. The dove carries the resilience of the Mediterranean waves, soaring above divisions and fears, embodying hope and the power to overcome adversity. Choosing this Trocadero was a way to honor history while declaring that peace can cross borders and awaken hearts everywhere.
I was also inspired by Kostis Georgiou, whose work demonstrates how creativity can foster empathy and understanding across borders. These encounters reminded me that peace thrives through cultural exchange and shared vision. I also met some more important artists like George Voucanos, who was honored at the 2025 Intercontinental Music Awards, in the USA, in the Classical Pangaia category, for his work “For You Became the Sun”, which focused on the historical background of the Ancient Theater of Ilidas. I met many interesting people. It was a beautiful experience.
How do you use your art to advocate for peace and international cooperation?
I use my art to create spaces where dialogue, empathy and understanding flourish. Through diplomatic entrepreneurship, I link civil society with diplomatic initiatives, turning creativity into a tool for social transformation. Projects combining exhibitions, workshops and educational programs show that grassroots action complements diplomacy. Art becomes a universal language, bridging divides and transforming dialogue into concrete collaboration.
What is your vision for the role of artists in global peacebuilding?
Artists are catalysts for social transformation. Art transcends borders, inspires empathy and shapes narratives of reconciliation. At the World Art Day International Forum, I bring together artists, educators and leaders to explore creativity as a tool for cultural dialogue. Art is not a luxury; it is essential for transforming societies, healing divides and inspiring a future grounded in justice and empathy.
As Vice-President of the United Nations Federation, what are your priorities connecting culture, art and peace?
I focus on promoting the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Humanity (UDHR), emphasizing responsibilities to humanity, nature and future generations. Beyond advocacy, I submit UN proposals, train women as diplomatic negotiators and develop art projects for peace education. Peace is not merely a concept; it is a practice requiring courage, dedication and concrete action.
How has your career evolved from artist to international peace advocate?
My artistic journey evolved as I realized that creativity is a tool for dialogue and social change. Receiving my PhD alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel allowed me to bridge storytelling with diplomacy, showing how narratives and art foster empathy and reconciliation. Today, I use art to amplify marginalized voices and turn ideals of peace into tangible action, connecting civil society, diplomacy and cultural dialogue.
What message do you hope to convey about the power of art?
Art unites and heals. It transcends borders, creating spaces for empathy, dialogue and shared humanity. By engaging communities in collaborative projects, we amplify the voices of those who are marginalized and develop opportunities for cooperation. Art turns empathy into understanding and understanding into lasting peace.
How does Greece’s cultural heritage contribute to your work in peace and dialogue?
Greece’s history, from democracy and philosophy to the Olympic Truce, shows that dialogue and shared values are timeless tools for resolving conflict. Its heritage reminds us that art, sport and civic engagement are interconnected pathways to reconciliation. Drawing on this legacy strengthens initiatives that unite communities and transform ideals of peace into global action.
What challenges have you encountered in combining art with diplomacy and how have you overcome them?
Being an artist and a diplomat can seem irreconcilable; one thrives on freedom, the other on strategy. Projects like “Woman on Rope” allowed me to reconcile these worlds, transforming personal artistic expression into a platform for advocacy. Creativity strengthens diplomacy and diplomacy amplifies art’s impact, turning inspiration into concrete action for peace.
You had a shooting in which you tried to ride the rope. How did this idea come up and can you tell us more about its inner meaning?
The project “Woman on Rope” is not merely a photoshoot; it is a profound metaphor for the delicate balance we all seek in our journey toward peace. The goal of this project is to create a short film that presents the evolution of women’s rights as an ascent on a rope, each knot representing a milestone, each grip a struggle, each movement a step toward equality.
For years, I hesitated to undertake this physical and symbolic challenge. Yet, confronting my own fears and limitations allowed me to transcend personal boundaries and embody the collective ascent of women worldwide, striving for dignity and justice.
The short film will be presented on March 8th at the United Nations in Geneva, New York, and at UNESCO Paris, highlighting the global significance of women’s rights and their essential role in building peace. Each scene captures different stages of women’s struggle, accompanied by voices speaking in their native languages, creating a polyphonic tapestry of shared hope. The culmination is the release of a dove, symbolizing resilience, freedom and the universal quest for equality.
“Woman on Rope” is more than art; it is a call to action, a reminder that courage, solidarity and perseverance are necessary to reach both personal and societal peace.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for expanding your peace advocacy through art?
I aim to build stronger bridges between civil society, artists and diplomacy. I plan initiatives that train young artists and women as agents of peace, while fostering international collaborations that amplify marginalized voices. My vision is to make art an integral, measurable force for connection, understanding and global cooperation, showing that creativity and diplomacy together can shape a more empathetic and united world.