With conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East reshaping the global order, speaking about peace — and even more so about just peace — has become both a political and moral act.
The cog. Promoted by the Med-Or Italian Foundation, together with the Chamber of Commerce Venezia Giulia, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, and the International Strategic Network, the event brought together political and diplomatic voices to question the very meaning of peace in a world fragmented by wars and crises.
- But what does “just peace” actually mean?
The Big Question. The debate revolved around a single question: Can peace be without justice?
- “Just peace” emerged as a twofold concept:
- Ethical, as it requires reconciliation and dignity for all parties involved.
- Pragmatic, since stability is also an economic prerequisite for reconstruction, trade, and sustainable growth.
The Context: Gorizia, which will become the European Capital of Culture in 2025 together with Nova Gorica, provided a symbolic setting: a city once divided that today represents dialogue and reconciliation at the heart of Europe.
Key Voices:
- Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, warned about internal radicalisation:
- “A part of society, I hope always a minority, is starting to look with favour at terrorist organisations that have massacred defenceless civilians. As long as Hamas exists in Palestine, peace will not be possible.”
- Francesco Maria Talò, Italy’s Special Envoy for the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC), stressed the need for realism:
- “We should aim not for an ideal peace, but for the most just one — the peace that can be achieved.”
- Antonio Paoletti, President of the Chamber of Commerce Venezia Giulia, reminded the audience of the primacy of diplomacy:
- “You don’t make war by destroying buildings and killing people: diplomacy always wins.”
- Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, closed the conference with a symbolic message:
- “Gorizia is a city that was once divided, today a symbol of European brotherhood.”
The Med-Or Perspective. According to Letizia Colucci, Director General of the Med-Or Foundation, the success of the initiative showed how reflection on peace can unite generations and expertise:
- “We contributed to a high-level debate on fundamental issues, before an attentive audience largely composed of young people. Gorizia is a symbolic place to discuss peace, economy, and international politics.”
What We’re Watching:
- The IMEC Corridor — Trieste, one of its European terminals — is central to the strategic vision of connecting India, the Gulf, and the Mediterranean.
- Italian Diplomacy – Rome’s role in peace negotiations could be strengthened, supported by the network built by Med-Or.
- The Political Signal – The coincidence between the Gaza agreement and the Gorizia laboratory reinforces the idea that peace today is not a destination, but a process.
