The HEC Imagine Fellows were invited to attend the conference “Cities and the Challenge of Peace”.

HEC scholarship holders and Ambassadors for Peace were invited on April 16 to attend a conference organized by Les Guerrières de la Paix and the City of Paris to take part in the international conference “Cities and the Challenge of Peace”.

This unprecedent conference brought together Israeli and Palestinian activists committed to peace and justice in the Middle East, as well as mayors coming from Norway, Ukraine, Morocco, Iceland and Sarcelles, also called “French little Jerusalem”, where 2 large Jewish and Muslim communities coexist.

Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris also introduced the conference by saying that many cities of the world where many communities live side by side, are peace laboratory. They are key players in the peace process.

During the conference, 3 round tables discussed the following topics:
 

• “Concrete and local initiatives” led by the cities of Paris, Oslo (Norway), Reykjavik (Iceland), Essaouira (Morocco), Bolohorodka (Ukraine) and Sarcelles (France). 
   
• “What is women's role in conflict resolution and peace making?” With women activist from Afghanistan, Isreal, Palestine and Ukraine such as  Huda Abu Arqub, lthe rabbi Nava Hafets Céline Bardet.
   
• “Daily peace action in the Middle East” presented by Israeli and Palestionian civil societies presented by  Maoz Inon, Alu Abu Awwad, Amira Mohamed, Ibrahim Abu Ahmad.

It was a great opportunity for our Fellows to hear and meet with inspiring and fearless activists committed daily for peace.

Gal’s testimony proves it: “It was incredibly meaningful to listen to Israeli and Palestinian peace activists, including members of Standing Together (a movement I’m proud to be part of) as well as international mayors leading efforts for peace. To many more events like this fostering unity, hope, action, and lasting change”.
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