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    PATHWAYS TO PEACE

    Addressing Critical Challenges Facing Western Institutions

    June 9, 2026 | Washington, DC

    Sponsored by: Culture for Peace Institute

    CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

    This one-day conference examines paths to sustainable peace and pressing questions facing Western institutions. The morning focuses on frameworks for global cooperation and the role of religious leadership in conflict resolution. The afternoon explores domestic challenges in higher education and immigration policy through evidence-based discussion.

    PROGRAM SCHEDULE

    June 9, 2026

    PATHWAYS TO PEACE

    9:00 – 10:00 AM
    Registration & Continental Breakfast
    10:00 – 10:15 AM
    OPENING REMARKS
    Introduction by Martin Oliner, Founder, Culture for Peace Institute
    Keynote Address: TBD

    10:15 AM - 12:00 PM | MORNING SESSION: PATHWAYS TO PEACE
    10:15 – 11:15 AM
    PANEL 1: FRAMEWORKS FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE How do we build lasting peace in regions with deep historical divisions? This panel examines practical approaches to conflict resolution and cooperation, including lessons from recent diplomatic initiatives such as the Abraham Accords and ongoing challenges in the Israeli-Palestinian context. Key questions include:

    • What conditions enable peace agreements to endure beyond the tenure of individual leaders?
    • How can economic interdependence support diplomatic progress while addressing popular concerns?
    • What role do regional security frameworks play in maintaining stability?
    • How do we balance pragmatic cooperation with addressing fundamental differences?
    • Can normalization succeed when political elites pursue peace while populations remain skeptical or hostile?

    Tentative Panelists: TBD

    11:15 – 11:30 AM
    Break
    11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    PANEL 2: THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP IN PEACE BUILDING Can religious leaders contribute meaningfully to conflict resolution? This discussion explores interfaith dialogue, theological obstacles to cooperation, and examples where faith communities have bridged divides. With particular attention to Middle Eastern conflicts where religious identity intersects with political disputes, the panel examines questions such as:

    • What mechanisms allow religious leaders to influence peacemaking efforts?
    • How do different faith traditions approach concepts of coexistence and tolerance?
    • What role can interfaith cooperation play in reducing community tensions?
    • Are there successful models of religious leaders working across theological differences?
    • Can religious education systems adapt to support coexistence while maintaining traditional teachings?

    Tentative Panelists: TBD

    12:00 – 1:00 PM
    LUNCH
    Keynote Address: TBD

    1:00 - 4:30 PM | AFTERNOON SESSION: CONTEMPORARY POLICY CHALLENGES
    1:00 – 2:15 PM
    PANEL 3: HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY American universities face questions about mission, financing, and outcomes. Some observers raise concerns about ideological imbalance on campus and whether educational institutions are fulfilling their core mission of preparing students for productive citizenship. This panel examines data on educational trends and explores policy considerations:

    • How have university budgets, time allocation, and educational outcomes changed over recent decades?
    • What is the appropriate balance between international students and domestic enrollment?
    • How should federal student aid be allocated across disciplines?
    • What role does foreign funding play in university operations, and what transparency is appropriate?
    • What is the role of the university system in creating good citizens and a healthy society?

    Tentative Panelists: TBD

    2:15 – 2:30 PM
    Break
    2:30 – 3:45 PM
    PANEL 4: IMMIGRATION POLICY AND CULTURAL INTEGRATION With significant demographic changes in Western nations, policymakers face questions about immigration levels, selection criteria, and integration outcomes. This discussion examines:

    • What factors predict successful immigrant integration across generations?
    • How do different countries approach immigration selection and cultural compatibility?
    • What is the relationship between immigration policy and social cohesion?
    • How should democracies balance humanitarian commitments with capacity constraints?
    • What role should shared values or cultural factors play in immigration criteria?

    Tentative Panelists: TBD

    3:45 – 4:00 PM
    Break
    4:00 – 4:30 PM
    PANEL 5: PATHS FORWARD - POLICY OPTIONS AND PRIORITIES A synthesis discussion exploring actionable approaches to the day's topics. What policy tools are available? Potential areas for consideration include enrollment caps to prioritize domestic students, restructuring federal aid to emphasize certain fields of study, temporary pauses on specific immigration categories to assess current systems, and enhanced transparency requirements for foreign funding. What areas need further research? Where is bipartisan cooperation possible?

    Tentative Panelists: Selected panelists from earlier sessions

    4:30 – 5:00 PM
    CLOSING REMARKS & RECEPTION
    Introduction by Martin Oliner, Culture for Peace Institute
    Closing Address: An inspirational address on doing big things, pushing boundaries, and the American spirit of exploration, from space to innovation to cultural renewal. How do we reclaim the ambition and courage that built Western Civilization?
    Tentative Speakers: TBD