The Second Regional Promotional Forum of the Social Peace building Center(SPBC) Conakry, Republic of Guinea November 18-19, 2025

The Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) participated in the Second Regional Promotional Forum of the Social Peace building Center SPBC, held on November 18-19, 2025, in Conakry, Republic of Guinea. The ICIC delegation consisted of:

1- His Excellency Ambassador Ali Bouhadma, ICIC President.

2- Dr. Mohamed Hamad Elasbali, ICIC Executive Director

This forum was organized by the ICIC and the SPBC, a joint organ between the ICIC and the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) , in cooperation with the Guinean Red Cross Society (GRCS), under the slogan: “Social Peace is Our Path: A Call to End Conflicts and Promote Coexistence.” Representatives from Red Cross societies and a number of governmental and community organizations and institutions concerned with social peace, from  :Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Chad attended, as well as delegations from the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) , the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, the Libyan Red Crescent Society, the Tunisian Red Crescent Society, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International Organization for Migration.

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In addition, the ICIC, in cooperation with the GRCS, organized the second workshop on raising awareness of the dangers of irregular migration for 20 members from the branches and headquarters of the GRCS. Two experts from the Libyan Red Crescent Society and the Tunisian Red Crescent Society participated in conducting this workshop.

The proceedings of these events commenced with official remarks by H.E. Sheikh Ibrahim Osman, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, on behalf of the Guinean government; H. E. Ambassador Ali Buhedma, ICIC President ; H. E. Dr. Yassin Abbas, IRCS President; H. E. Youssouf Traoré, GRCS President; H. E. Ms. Assitane Coulibaly, President of the Malian Red Cross Society, on behalf of the participants; and H.E. Ambassador Tariq Bakheet, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Cultural, Social, and Humanitarian Affairs.

After a break, the forum’s topics were presented: the ICIC vision for social peace; the strategy for social peace building; the experience of our country in achieving social peace in Africa; peace and security in Africa; local development as a sustainable driver of social peace in Africa; social peace on the African continent: challenges and opportunities; and national and regional experiences in managing local conflicts. Participants from national associations and organizations then presented on some of their national experiences and practices related to social peace.

Following a review of the topics presented, an exchange of experiences, and a discussion of the challenges and opportunities related to social peace and the prevention of local conflicts in Africa, the proceedings began, the discussions at this forum concluded by affirming the vital role of the Center for Social Peacebuilding as a specialized platform of the ICIC within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The forum emphasized the importance of disseminating a culture of civil peace and strengthening peacebuilding mechanisms. It commended the collaborative efforts of the ICIC, the Red Crescent and Red Cross societies, and national organizations concerned with social peace and supporting community stability in Africa. The forum also recognized the necessity of integrating efforts among humanitarian organizations, governmental bodies, civil society, and religious, media, and cultural institutions in addressing local conflicts.

 Furthermore, the forum recommended strengthening regional cooperation by establishing continuous communication and coordination channels among participating social peace organizations and societies to exchange experiences and expertise. It also recommended adopting joint training programs to build capacity in mediation, national reconciliation, and conflict reduction at the local community level. The forum further recommended supporting initiatives by youth, women, and social, religious, and cultural leaders in promoting social peace and empowering them to play an active role in conflict prevention. Finally, it recommended encouraging research and studies related to patterns of local conflicts in Africa and proposing practical solutions to address them. Finally, it recommended expanding partnerships with governmental bodies, academic institutions, and media organizations to disseminate a culture of peace and coexistence, and adopting a joint action plan to follow up on the outcomes of this forum. The forum and the periodic assessment of progress in implementing its recommendations were held, and participants affirmed their commitment to continuing joint efforts to consolidate social peace and build a more stable future for African countries. They called upon all partners to translate the outcomes of this forum into practical and implementable programs.

Several meetings were held with delegations from participating national societies and international organizations to discuss bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

At the conclusion of the forum, the participants expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude to the Republic of Guinea and the Guinean Red Cross Society for their excellent hospitality and organization, and to the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent for its ongoing efforts to promote a culture of social peace. They also thanked the Iraqi Red Crescent Society for its material and moral support to the center’s administration and for funding the forum’s activities. The forum further acknowledged the participation of all delegations, experts, and institutions that contributed to its success.

The Conakry Declaration was issued regarding the Second Regional Forum of the Center for Social Peacebuilding and the workshop on raising awareness of the dangers of irregular migration.

Certificates of participation and commemorative gifts were presented.