Held on May 14, 2025, at Maison du Futur in Bickfaya, the conference opened with remarks by President Amine Gemayel, Founder and Chairman of Maison du Futur. In his address, he emphasized that collective memory should be a source of reconciliation rather than division, calling for peaceful solutions to internal conflicts, greater national resilience in the face of external pressures, and the reaffirmation of sovereign decision-making. He urged all parties to commit to dialogue, peace, truth, and shared responsibility.
Mr. Michael Bauer, Head of the KAS Lebanon Office, underscored the urgency of national dialogue in his opening speech, stating:
“We gather here under the title ‘Overcoming Divisions: A Conference for Lebanon’s Future’ with a clear and urgent purpose: to confront the enduring divides that challenge Lebanon’s cohesion and to contribute to a national conversation grounded in dialogue, understanding, and shared responsibility.”
He added:
“For us, dialogue is not merely an exchange of opinions—it is a method of rebuilding trust across communities, bridging historical narratives, and forging a collective vision for a peaceful and sovereign Lebanon.”
The conference featured three core sessions:
- Remembering the Past, Imagining the Future – Moderated by Abboud Bejjani, with speakers Paul Carmichael, Joseph Maila, and Jean-Paul Chagnollaud.
- Non-Violent Solutions to Internal Conflicts – Moderated by Carole Dagher, featuring Ali Hamdan, Adel Nassar, and Mohammad Sammak.
- Strengthening National Resilience – Moderated by Albert Kostanian, with speakers Walid Joumblatt and Samy Gemayel.
The event brought together a high-level audience of political leaders, academics, civil society actors, and international partners. Discussions tackled Lebanon’s persistent internal divisions and emphasized the urgent need for a foundational national dialogue. Core themes included restoring trust among sectarian communities, breaking the cycle of violence, fostering a shared national identity, and strengthening sovereignty through cohesive defense and governance strategies.
International speakers enriched the conversation by offering comparative insights from countries that had to deal with similar national crises.
The event was widely recognized for creating a much-needed space for open dialogue and forward-looking debate on Lebanon’s future.