Global peace or conflict: debate in Rome
On February 13, 2026, the meeting “Global Peace or Conflict? An analysis of international dynamics,” sponsored by Assadakah – International Association of Italian-Arab Friendship, in collaboration with Welcome Association Italy.
The event was a moment of public reflection on the tensions running through the current geopolitical scenario and the role of diplomacy as a tool for crisis prevention and building international stability.
International dynamics between tensions and new challenges
We live in a historical phase characterized by:
- Regional conflicts with high global impact
- Redefinition of geopolitical balances
- Crisis of multilateralism
- Pressures on international law
- Political polarization and narrative
From the Middle East to Latin America, passing through scenarios that test cooperation between states, a central question emerges forcefully: are we moving toward global fragmentation or toward a new season of dialogue?
The discussion explored precisely this tension between conflict and diplomacy, analyzing the risks of escalation but also the opportunities for cooperation that are still possible.
The protagonists of the confrontation
Moderating the meeting was Maddalena Celano, a writer and analyst.
Among the speakers:
- Talal Khrais, journalist and founder of Assadakah News, with long experience in international crisis contexts
- H.E. Bruno Scapini, diplomat and former Ambassador of Italy
- Carlo Palumbo, Deputy National Secretary of Welcome Association Italy
They also took part in the discussion:
- Damián Delgado Vázquez, Political Counselor, Embassy of Cuba in Italy
- Fabrizio Casari, journalist
The presence of diplomatic representatives from Latin America helped enrich the analysis, offering a multilateral perspective on the transformations taking place and the implications for Europe and Italy.
The role of diplomacy and international cooperation
One of the central points that emerged during the meeting was the value of preventive diplomacy as a tool to prevent conflict escalation.
It has been pointed out that:
- Diplomacy is not just negotiation between governments
- Intercultural dialogue to be an integral part of international security
- Civil societies play a growing role in peacebuilding
In a context marked by distrust and polarization, rebuilding channels of communication between states and between peoples becomes a strategic priority.
The contribution of Welcome Association Italy
In his speech, Carlo Palumbo stressed that the issue of peace cannot be reduced to an exclusively geopolitical issue, but must be interpreted as a shared responsibility.
He reiterated that:
- Peace is a process, not an event
- Social inclusion is a condition of stability
- Intercultural dialogue is a concrete tool for crisis prevention
The experience of Welcome Association Italy, which is engaged on a daily basis in bringing together international communities in Italy, shows how building trust starts from the bottom up, through human relations, cultural exchange and concrete cooperation.
Young people at the center of the debate
Special emphasis was placed on the participation of the young people in attendance.
In a world shot through with conflict and uncertainty, the younger generation represents:
- A strategic resource for dialogue renewal
- A bridge between different cultures
- A key player in cultural diplomacy
The debate turned into a space for intergenerational discussion, stimulating reflections on the role of Italy and Europe in the contemporary global scenario.
Global peace or conflict: a collective responsibility
The meeting highlighted how peace is not an abstract concept, but a daily construction that requires:
- Political responsibility
- Listening to each other
- Multilateral cooperation
- Investment in education and cultural exchange
In an increasingly complex international context, dialogue remains the only sustainable way to prevent conflict from becoming normality.
Welcome Association Italy confirms its commitment to promoting moments of discussion, international cooperation and active participation of civil society, with the aim of contributing to the building of bridges between institutions, communities and generations.
