On the 50th anniversary of its founding, the Maison du Futur (House of the Future), in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation, hosted a high-level conference under the theme “Overcoming Divisions: A Conference for Lebanon’s Future,” bringing together politicians, academics, and students from across Lebanon and abroad. The event was held at the think tank’s headquarters in the historic Serail of Bikfaya.

The event tackled Lebanon’s enduring internal divisions, underscoring the need for a foundational national dialogue focused on rebuilding trust between the country's sectarian communities, curbing the proliferation of weapons, and promoting a shared national identity. Speakers stressed that any future vision for Lebanon must be rooted in national reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and a sovereign, stable state.

Discussions addressed a broad range of structural and political challenges, including the need to end cycles of domestic violence, reinforce a unified national defense, and develop strategies to limit foreign interference. Panelists called for paving the way toward full engagement in a state-building project that lays the groundwork for lasting peace and stability.

International speakers also contributed to the debate, offering comparative insights from countries that have successfully navigated periods of unrest and deep societal fractures. Their interventions provided examples of reconciliation processes that could offer relevant models for Lebanon as it struggles to emerge from years of political paralysis and economic collapse.

Former President Amine Gemayel, founder of the Maison du Futur, opened the conference with a keynote speech that focused on the role of collective memory in national reconciliation. He warned against allowing memory to become a source of division and instead urged it be used as a tool for unity and healing.

Gemayel called for peaceful solutions to Lebanon’s internal disputes, highlighting the importance of resilience in the face of external pressure.

“We must reclaim our sovereign decision-making and commit ourselves to dialogue, peace, truth, and shared responsibility,” he said. 

Michael Bauer, Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation's office in Lebanon, emphasized the significance of the 1989 Taif Agreement as a vital roadmap for coexistence. He noted that despite persistent divisions, recent political developments offer a glimmer of momentum. Bauer called for a renewed national dialogue to rebuild trust among Lebanon’s diverse communities and to chart a shared vision for the future.