Conversation on Palestinian-Israeli Diplomacy

On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the Paris Peace Forum and Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) brought together political and civil society leaders to discuss the next steps of the peace process between Israel and Palestine and the pivotal role of civil society in building a pathway towards lasting peace and security in the region.

Our Director General, Justin Vaïsse, moderated exchanges with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, Ambassador Helga Maria Schmid (VP of the MSC), Nivine A. Sandouka and Kari Fuglesten Reid (ALLMEP), and Gidon Bromberg (EcoPeace Middle East).

Speakers stressed that this moment must mark the beginning of a true healing and reconciliation process. Yet they were unequivocal: reconciliation cannot be imposed from the top down. Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that this is precisely why civil society is essential. While governments are bound to defend national interests, civil society sustains dialogue at the human level — where the value of reconciliation and convergence is most tangible.

Last June 13, the Civil Society Conference for the Two-State Solution, Regional Peace, and Security, held in Paris, contributed directly to the emergence of the New York Declaration, proving that genuine civil society dialogue can help move the peace agenda forward.

Governments and civil society leaders now carry a shared responsibility: to ensure that the New York Declaration does not remain a promise, but becomes a reality, by taking active part in the implementation of the peace plan. 

Several examples shared during the discussion illustrated how civil society organizations are already delivering real change on the ground:

• Grassroots groups are working together to deliver humanitarian aid and trauma support in Gaza
• Israeli and Palestinian organizations are working on the ground in the West Bank
• Nearly 200 joint initiatives continue their work, even during wartime
• Civil society-led projects are already laying the groundwork for regional economic integration

The Paris Peace Forum remains committed to convening and connecting all stakeholders working toward regional integration, where a State of Palestine and a State of Israel can live side by side in peace and security.

"The reason why this dialogue is best conducted by civil society than by governments is that governments work in the field of national interests — civil society undertakes and conducts dialogue at a human level." - French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot.