Report by Ms. Lorena Schlicht, Mayors for Peace France
On April 16, the City of Paris partnered with Guerrières de la Paix—a grassroots peace movement nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize—for a landmark conference at City Hall. Bringing together mayors from across the globe and peace activists from Israeli and Palestinian civil societies, the event emphasized the critical role of cities and women in building lasting peace in the Middle East.
The first roundtable featured mayors from Paris, Oslo, Reykjavik, Essaouira, Bilohorodka, and Sarcelles, who shared local initiatives promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The second panel focused on women’s leadership in conflict resolution. Speakers included Huda Abu Arqub (Palestine), Rabbi Nava Hafetz (Israel), and Céline Bardet (France), who highlighted the transformative role of women as mediators, activists, and defenders of justice.
The third roundtable gave voice to Israeli and Palestinian civil society activists such as Maoz Inon and Ali Abu Awwad, who showcased their daily efforts to promote non-violence and reconciliation.
An elected official representing Mayors for Peace France participated in the conference to engage with fellow mayors, raise awareness about Mayors for Peace international network, and explore avenues for future collaboration.
To conclude, a multilingual message of “Peace” was projected onto the Eiffel Tower at 9:30 p.m., symbolizing a collective call from global cities for unity and hope.
Link to the Eiffel Tower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVLiwvpnJG4
Photos: courtesy of Mayors for Peace France