Istanbul is preparing to host an important gathering aimed at amplifying the voice of Middle Eastern peoples wounded by decades of war, occupation, and injustice. The Social Justice Association (SAHİ) will organize this major event, titled “The Middle East Conference”, on December 6–7, 2025, with the participation of academics, journalists, politicians, and civil society representatives from various countries.
A Quest for Peace, Justice, and a New Language
In its statement, the Association summarized the purpose of the conference as follows:
“Our region has lived for decades under wars, occupations, oppressive regimes, and human rights violations. The hopes of our people for peace, security, justice, and prosperity are fading day by day. Yet life continues, and our societies cannot remain silent. We must speak new words and open new paths.”
The organizers emphasized that the absence of a strong collective voice amid the suffering of Middle Eastern peoples represents a major loss for the region’s future. The Middle East Conference, they said, aims to break this long-standing silence.
Sessions Addressing Regional Crises
Over two days, the conference will feature multiple sessions focusing on the Palestinian question, developments in the Syrian crisis, and a general session on the state of the Middle East, in addition to panels on social movements and civic networks, as well as the Kurdish issue in Turkey.
Local and international experts, scholars, and activists will gather to discuss ways to strengthen peace initiatives in conflict zones and rebuild diplomatic channels rooted in human rights.
Towards a Permanent Civil Platform
The closing session will focus on establishing a lasting initiative — a permanent regional network bringing together civil society organizations and individuals committed to peace and justice.
The organizers hope this network will become a sustainable bridge for communication and cooperation among justice advocates across the region and the world.
An Independent, Conscience-Driven Initiative
The Social Justice Association emphasized the full independence of the conference:
“Our association is not affiliated with any political or commercial entity. The conference is entirely funded by individual donations and, in this sense, represents a free and independent initiative born of human conscience.”
The organizers underlined that regional crises cannot be resolved through state rivalries, but through the courage and conscience of civil society.
Broad International Participation
The conference is expected to host representatives of civil society organizations, academics, and journalists from the Middle East, Turkey, and Europe.
Participants will include figures representing peoples living amid conflict, as well as researchers and activists involved in global peace initiatives.
The conference aims to present fresh perspectives on current crises, particularly those concerning Palestine, Syria, and the Kurdish question, from a humanitarian and peaceful perspective.
The Need for a New “Language of Peace”
The statement’s phrase “We must speak new words and open new paths” reflects the core philosophy of the organizers.
After decades dominated by the language of conflict, the Association believes the region now needs a new discourse grounded in justice and dialogue.
Accordingly, several sessions will explore the concept of a “shared ethic of peace” that transcends religious, national, and class divisions.
A Call from Istanbul
The organizers noted that Istanbul has always been a crossroads of civilizations and cultures throughout history and that The East Conference continues this legacy.
“This land holds both the memory of pain and the memory of hope. We want to transform that memory into peace,” said representatives of the Association.
At the end of the conference, an “Istanbul Declaration” will be issued, containing specific recommendations for ending regional conflicts, ensuring the dignified return of refugees, preventing human rights violations, and strengthening regional solidarity mechanisms.
The Voice of Conscience Instead of Silence
The organizers stressed that the silence of international institutions in the face of the suffering of Middle Eastern peoples has become unacceptable.
They called for the collective voice of conscience to rise against oppression.
The East Conference, to be held in Istanbul on December 6–7, is not merely an intellectual symposium but a human cry for justice and peace in the region.