PeaceMed Initiative Strengthens Cooperation for Peace in the Mediterranean

Istanbul, Türkiye – February 27, 2026 – Representatives from 31 organizations, including national Caritas branches and civil society groups from across the Mediterranean region, the Horn of Africa, and neighboring countries, convened in Istanbul to solidify plans for future collaborative peacebuilding efforts. The meeting, a key step in the PeaceMed project, focused on establishing a network to implement strategies developed throughout 2025 and early 2026.

Promoting Peace as a Common Good

The PeaceMed project – Promoting peace as a common good – aims to foster peace and sustainable development within communities by preventing and managing conflicts through civil society strengthening. In the complex Mediterranean region, PeaceMed represents a collaborative effort transcending geographical, cultural, and religious boundaries.

Focus on Youth and Collaborative Training

Recent project activities have concentrated on enhancing organizational capabilities, providing tools and methodologies for training educators and young people in cooperation, dialogue, and regional integration. A particular emphasis has been placed on empowering youth, recognizing their role not merely as beneficiaries but as active participants in peace and sustainable development processes.

Istanbul as a Hub for Intercultural Dialogue

“Istanbul is a city shaped by encounter. For centuries it has been a place where cultures, traditions and faiths met. Living together hasn’t always been easy, but it has created depth and resilience. Perhaps this makes it a suitable place for a meeting dedicated to strengthening cooperation for peace in the Mediterranean,” stated Fr. Petru Varga, Director of Caritas Türkiye, welcoming the PeaceMed group.

Building Relationships and Shared Visions

The collaborative journey, including residential meetings in Cyprus and Rome, and online training sessions facilitated by Rondine, Cittadella della Pace, has fostered relationships, trust, and shared visions among participants. The project is co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Key Principles for Lasting Peace

Archbishop Sabri Anar, President of Caritas Türkiye, emphasized that “the common good is an indispensable condition for real and lasting peace,” adding that “Peace cannot exist without justice, without respect for human dignity, without equal access to resources and without acceptance of our differences.”

Fr. Petru Varga reiterated Caritas Türkiye’s commitment to the PeaceMed network, stating, “The creation of this network represents a concrete step towards a deeper partnership.” Rondine’s Director highlighted the belief that “Peace is not an abstract ideal but a skill that can be learned, practiced and transmitted.”

The Peace Economy and Training Manual

Discussions during the Istanbul meeting included the importance of a “peace economy” – one that provides access to basic protections, transparent institutions, ecological management, investment in social issues, ethical finance, and trust-building. Massimo Pallottino (Italian Caritas) introduced this concept during the meeting.

Laura Coser, from Rondine, presented the Peacemed training manual, a practical tool designed to equip trainers with methodologies for peacebuilding. The manual covers fundamental concepts of peace, conflict, relationships, and relational approaches to dispute transformation, offering guidance for designing and facilitating both in-person and online training sessions.

Caritas Türkiye: A Local Partner

Caritas Türkiye, a member of the Caritas Internationalis network, operates a National Office in Istanbul and Diocesan Offices in Iskenderun, Istanbul, and Izmir. The organization aims to create an active, equal, and cohesive community that supports and advocates for the vulnerable and poor without discrimination [Caritas Türkiye].

Caritas Türkiye has been actively involved in humanitarian aid, particularly in the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes, providing shelter, food, water, and other essential items to affected populations [Caritas Türkiye].