Peace Dialogue and Cooperation in the Middle East eng

Peace Dialogue and Cooperation in the Middle East ara

PRESS RELEASE
WSCF Prepares for International Peacebuilding Training in Alexandria, Egypt

The World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) is moving forward with preparations for the in-person phase of its International Project: Peace, Dialogue and Cooperation in the Middle East, to be held in Alexandria, Egypt, from October 10 to 13, 2025.

This project, launched earlier this year, aims to equip ecumenical students and youth from the Middle East with practical tools for interfaith dialogue, reconciliation, and grassroots peacebuilding. The initiative brings together +25 selected participants from the region (Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and Iraq) and builds on the Federation’s global commitment to justice, peace, ecumenism, and youth leadership.

Project Progress

The first online phase began with the Global Webinar on Peacebuilding, titled “Paths to Peace: Exploring Inter-Religious Cooperation and Conflict Transformation”, held on June 28. This powerful conversation amplified voices committed to justice and peace amid global and regional crises, especially in the Middle East, with a focus on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the escalation of war.

The webinar brought together faith-based insights and critical perspectives to challenge dominant narratives around conflict, empire, and coexistence. Featuring Phillip Peacock and Nayla Tabbara, two globally respected figures in justice and interreligious dialogue, the event opened space for bold theological reflection and a collective call to action rooted in dignity, justice, and resistance to oppression.


“This project emerges amid strong tensions and war in the region and the shadow of an ongoing genocide in Gaza, where Student Christian young people members refuse to stand by. In Alexandria, they will think together about how to advocate and promote dialogue and justice, which is the only way to peace.” Said Marcelo Leites, WSCF General Secretary.

The next phase is the in-person training in Alexandria, which will focus on:

  1. Understanding conflict and decolonial peacebuilding frameworks
  2. Develop critical thinking frameworks from a socio-political and a theological perspective
  3. Nonviolent communication and dialogue simulation
  4. Youth leadership for peaceful communities
  5. Grassroots advocacy and ethical storytelling from a human rights perspective

As a result of the in-person meeting, based on participants’ conclusions, and in connection with other WSCF peacebuilding initiatives taking place throughout the year in other regions, a digital campaign will be launched (November-December) to amplify youth-led narratives for peace from a critical and context-aware perspective across the region.

This interregional and interfaith project affirms WSCF’s belief that young people are not only agents of change but key to sustainable peace in their communities. The in-person training in Egypt will be a transformative opportunity for participants to build trust, deepen knowledge, and strengthen their commitment to peacebuilding.

APPLICATIONS:
https://forms.office.com/e/C3vR4aPuj8
The application is for members of the SCMs and will be carried out through the movements and the Regional Secretary

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