The conference “Beyond the Frontiers of Peace” took place on September 30, 2024, in Rome, at the Sala Zuccari in Palazzo Giustiniani, the seat of the Presidency of the Senate of the Republic. The event, organized by Remind, was opened and closed by Paolo Petrecca, Director of Rai News24, Televideo, and Rainews.it, and Roberto Natale, Director of Rai for ESG Sustainability. It provided a platform for dialogue and reflection on topics related to peace, international dialogue, and cooperation, with the participation of prominent figures from the civil, business, and religious sectors, as well as representatives from major political forces.
The opening remarks were given by President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, who expressed gratitude to Lucio Malan, President of the Brothers of Italy group in the Senate, and the Remind Association, led by President Paolo Crisafi. Crisafi emphasized the importance of open and respectful dialogue in achieving peace, urging participants to approach conversations with an open mind and a willingness to find common ground, even with differing perspectives. The conference aimed to move towards a shared and comprehensive vision of peace through understanding and inclusivity.
Messages were also sent by Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and various group leaders from both majority and opposition parties in the Senate, including Maurizio Gasparri, Beatrice Lorenzin, Stefano Patuanelli, and Massimiliano Romeo. They highlighted the need for dialogue, negotiation, and respect for different viewpoints in resolving conflicts and promoting peace, especially in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East. The importance of finding common ground and working towards a sustainable peace that respects international law and the freedom of peoples was underscored.
Representatives from the Catholic Church also participated in the discussion, emphasizing the importance of peacebuilding efforts and dialogue in the face of escalating conflicts and humanitarian crises worldwide. They called for a renewed commitment to peace and justice, highlighting the shared humanity and suffering of all those affected by violence. The discussion touched upon the urgent need for a holistic approach to addressing conflicts and promoting peace through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
Additional insights were provided by speakers from various sectors, including Marco Daviddi and Gabriele Scicolone from the business community, Giulio Gravina from the security sector, and Massimo Ponzellini from the housing culture committee. They stressed the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors in peacebuilding efforts, advocating for a shift towards sustainable practices and responsible business initiatives as key components of fostering peace.
The day concluded with reflections from Marco Rago on foreign policies and diplomatic efforts to address ongoing conflicts, as well as Renato Loiero’s remarks on the importance of values like peace and cooperation in shaping economic and political paradigms. The conference ended with a tribute to fallen soldiers from around the world, symbolized by a performance of “The Silence” by Stefano Abitante, the Trumpet Master of the Pontifical Music Band. Ultimately, the event aimed to inspire renewed commitment to peacebuilding efforts and dialogue as essential pillars of a more just and peaceful world.
