MIDDLE EAST

Rebuilding Hope

5th World Peace Congress

Caux, Switzerland, July 21-25, 2025

Some people believe that peace is totally illusory and hopeless, that only an apparent state of temporary security achieved by force is the only outcome that can be obtained. Today, the concept “reconciliation” is unthinkable, a word that can no longer be genuinely utter, a concept almost indecent, for the vast majority of populations in conflict. Yet, without any angelism, we are convinced that there are other paths than hatred, violence and revenge. That true peace will eventually come, not through coercion but through a deliberate choice agreed to by all. It will take time, and we urgently need to start now, because we have no more time to wait.

It would be naïve to believe, even to imagine, that in the current situation, this fifth congress would have the power to work out a political solution. But it would be even more unconscious, totally hopeless and mortifying not to act, with faith and confidence, to set off today along paths that have already proved their worth.

The first World Peace Congress for the Middle East organized by Hommes de Parole - my organization that has now changed into EquiLibre Solidarite - was held in Caux in 2003. It brought together civil society actors from Israel and Palestine eager to renew dialogue and work together to find solutions. This was followed by the World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace, held in Brussels in January 2005. The historic event formally pioneered the revival of global Muslim-Jewish dialogue that was severed in the aftermath of the Israeli-Arab war in 1948. The Congress of Brussels was followed by two other world congresses in Seville and at UNESCO in Paris.

In the face of the prevailing sense of powerlessness and defeatism, this 5th World Congress for Peace, «Rebuilding Hope», aims to bear witness to the fact that a third way does exist, a way of conscience that favours living together, dialogue, solidarity and reconciliation. It will bring together actors from civil society to reflect on and propose concrete, peaceful and realistic solutions for today and tomorrow. In these most challenging times, I am more than ever personally committed to put my 40 years of experience in the field of international humanitarian aid and peacebuilding and mediation at the service of the 5th Congress.

 Alain Michel

The massacres that took place in Israel on October 7, and the massive violence and destruction that followed in Gaza have profoundly rekindled tensions and hatred far beyond the battlefield.

However, it is essential to recognize and bear witness to the fact that there are, and always will be, alternative paths to peace, based on dialogue, mutual understanding and forgiveness.

The 5^th World Peace Congress will focus on three areas:

• 1^st axis: Testimonies from field actors from Israel - Palestine - Lebanon. (Local humanitarian aid, families, local peacebuilders).
• 2^nd axis: Presentation of inspiring actions underway, locally and abroad, to respond to the humanitarian crisis and contribute to the advent of peaceful coexistence.
• 3^rd axis: Conferences and workshops to deepen reflection and co-create solutions for the present and the future.

The workshops will address themes essential to peaceful coexistence, such as mediation, women’s leadership, mental health initiatives to support children, education in the culture of peace, art, entrepreneurship in the service of coexistence... Art and culture will be given pride of place to foster a convivial atmosphere and encourage dialogue, as well as anything that can contribute to improving the living conditions of the civilian population, especially mothers and children.

Each participant agrees to:

• Take an active part in exchanges
• Unreservedly recognizing the humanity, dignity and rights of others
• Approach exchanges and discussions with serenity and humility
• Listen to others’ points of view without reservation, with respect and open-mindedness
• Proposing concrete, viable solutions for peaceful coexistence
• Work in synergy with others to develop initiatives that promote peace and security for all

ABOUT US

ÉquiLibre Solidarité is a humanitarian and fraternal non-profit organization whose aim is to help, whenever possible, any person or population in distress, whatever their beliefs, religion or nationality.

It considers spirituality to be the very essence of life. It is independent, belonging to no religious, political or economic movement or structure. It also works to renew and develop dialogue between people. Its aim is to act through fraternity on the causes of conflict and the main problems of our time in relation to the future of the planet and world peace (extract from ÉquiLibre’s corporate purpose).

ÉquiLibre Solidarité has taken charge of the organization of these new meetings with members of the teams of the former Swiss Foundation « Hommes de Parole », organizer of the first 4 World Peace Congresses (Caux, Brussels, Seville, UNESCO Paris).

Alain Michel president « ÉquiLibre Solidarité »

“40 years of experience in the field of humanitarian aid and peacebuilding/Mediation”

Led major international humanitarian initiatives:

• +20 countries: Poland, Romania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, France, Russia, Albania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Israel, Palestine, Madagascar, Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Lebanon, Iraq...
• 25 million people directly helped during humanitarian crises
• 760,000 metric tons of goods transported to various countries
• Rehabilitation of 550 buildings, including schools, orphanages, dispensaries and hospitals
• 42 training programs
• 28 medical programs

Among the humanitarian partners:

• European Union: Echo, DG VIII
• UNHCR, UNICEF, UNESCO, WFP, WHO
• U.S. government (USAID, OFDA)
• Swiss federal authorities
• Italian cooperation
• German Cooperation
• French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• French Ministry of Cooperation

ORGANIZED MAJOR INTERNATIONAL INTERFAITH AND INTERCULTURAL MEETINGS AND PIONEERED INTERNATIONAL JUDEO-MUSLIM DIALOGUE SINCE 2003

(Hommes de Parole’s World Congresses for Peace)

• Israeli-Palestinian Congress of Caux (2003)
• World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace, Brussels, 2005 under the patronage of H.M. Albert II, King of the Belgians and H.M. Mohammed VI, King of Morocco
• World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace, Seville, 2006 under the Patronage of H.M. Mohammed VI, King of Morocco and H.M. Juan Carlos, King of Spain
• World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace, Paris, UNESCO, 2008 under the patronage of UNESCO and the President of Senegal, H.E. Maître Abdoulaye Wade (President of the eleventh session of the Islamic Summit Conference)
• Hommes de Parole/ World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace’s humanitarian convoys to support the children of Gaza and Sderot in the immediate aftermaths of the 2008-2009 Gaza War/ Operation Cast Lead

Center for Humanitarian Action and Training, Verosvres, Bourgogne (France).

In a world where crises of all kinds are multiplying exponentially, more and more young people refuse to remain indifferent to human suffering.

An increasing number of them reject a world driven by competition, dominated by the economy, power, and money. They want to take action, commit themselves, give meaning to their lives, and uphold the values of fraternity—where the other, all others, truly matter. They aspire to be active participants in solidarity, working to build a better world.

From now on, they will carry out projects dedicated to children in suffering countries in the Middle East and will take part in initiatives defined during the 5th World Congress for Peace.

BUDGET AND FINANCING

The budget for the congress (includes event/initiatives follow up until December 31, 2025) is estimated at 483,000 Euros. The budget will cover:

• 190,000 Euros: venue rental, accommodation and meals for the 125 participants and 11 staff, as well as event logistics. (Technical services, Audiovisual equipment, Meeting rooms, Translation booths, Catering, etc.)
• 115,000 Euros: partial reimbursement of travel expenses.
• 150,000 Euros: the remuneration of a full-time team of 5 people over 11 months to coordinate, implement and monitor the event.
• 20,000 Euros: Capture, communication and video equipment
• 8,000 Euros: Miscellaneous expenses (travel, communication, small materials)

HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Your generous contribution will support the organization of this event that will rebuild hope and will reenergize, mobilize civil societies, local actors. Fostering local change, building a global network of activists and peacebuilders. The Congress will create synergies between local and international stakeholders to support education and mental health support for Palestinian, Israeli and Lebanese children, empower women grassroots peace organizations, enhance interfaith dialogue sessions and community-building initiatives for peace (through arts and business).

CONGRESS FOLLOW UP - MONITORING AND INDICATORS

Your generous and much-needed contribution will support our initiative - the 5th World Peace Congress - that will rebuild hope, energize, and mobilize civil society, local and global peace stakeholders.

We will accompany local initiatives of change and strengthen a global network of activists and peace-builders.

The 5th World Peace Congress will help develop effective synergies between local and international stakeholders to support peace education initiatives and provide immediate mental health care to Palestinian, Israeli, and Lebanese children. Middle East Women peace organizations will be prominently featured and given an opportunity to gain more visibility, resources, and international connections. Your gift will enable - through the Congress - the improvement of inter-religious dialogue and the adoption of joint initiatives for peaceful reconstruction through arts, business, etc.

Previous World Peace Congresses received an extensive media coverage (radio, television and newspaper) with more than 200,000 articles (ex: Brussels Congress was featured in 57,650 articles (Google sources), the Congress in Seville was featured in 112,643 articles (Google sources)…

In the face of escalating violence in the Middle East, this congress is no longer an option, but a necessity.

It will be a platform for hope through action, where diverse voices of living together, in all its forms, will come together to bear witness that a future of coexistence, respect and understanding is possible.

Peace must not be a distant dream, it is an imperative that grows more urgent every day. We reject the idea that the conflict is insoluble.

This congress will be a catalyst for concrete action, not just a forum for discussion.

By bringing together key players from diverse backgrounds, we will build a third way, for a situation in the Middle East where dialogue and openness prevail over vengeance, hatred and violence.

We are consciously committed to long-term peace-building.

The time has come to act with courage and determination. Together, we can rebuild hope for the peoples of the Middle East.

«Witnessing to the eyes and ears of the whole world that violence and hatred are not inevitable, are not the future, but that fraternity and hope are on the way».