Mahdi Yahya Meets German Leaders to Advance Peacebuilding and International Cooperation
Dresden, Germany | 16 June 2025
On 16 June 2025, Mahdi Yahya, Founder and Chairman of Peace of Art International, participated in the Social Democratic Party of Germany’s (SPD) Summer Gathering in Dresden, following an invitation from Abdulaziz Bashouri, Head of the Foreigners’ Group of the SPD in Dresden. The event brought together political leaders, government representatives, educators, civil society actors, and community stakeholders to discuss issues related to social cohesion, integration, violence prevention, and international cooperation.
The gathering provided an important opportunity for dialogue between decision-makers and representatives of civil society organizations working to promote inclusion, peacebuilding, and intercultural understanding. As the founder of Peace of Art International, Mahdi Yahya engaged in discussions highlighting the role of culture, education, and community engagement in addressing contemporary social challenges.
One of the key moments of the event was a meeting with Petra Köpping, Minister of Health and Social Affairs of the Free State of Saxony, as well as representatives from the Ministry’s department responsible for violence prevention initiatives. The discussions focused on approaches to preventing violence, strengthening community resilience, supporting social inclusion, and promoting intercultural dialogue.
Mahdi Yahya participates in the SPD Summer Gathering in Dresden, Germany, meeting policymakers, community representatives, and civil society leaders to discuss peacebuilding, integration, cultural diplomacy, and international cooperation.
During the exchange, Yahya presented the work of Peace of Art International and shared the organization’s experience in implementing peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and cultural dialogue initiatives in Lebanon, Germany, and across the Euro-Mediterranean region. He highlighted the importance of preventive approaches that address the root causes of conflict, discrimination, and social exclusion while empowering communities to become active participants in creating positive change.
As part of the conversation, Yahya extended an official invitation to Minister Köpping to visit Lebanon and learn more about Peace of Art International’s projects and partnerships on the ground. The invitation reflected the organization’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and facilitating direct exchanges between policymakers and civil society actors working in different cultural contexts.
The event also provided opportunities to connect with Martin Dulig, former Deputy Minister-President of Saxony and former Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport, as well as artists, educators, school principals, and representatives of various social initiatives. These exchanges highlighted the importance of collaboration between cultural institutions, educational organizations, and policymakers in building stronger and more inclusive communities.
A significant topic discussed during the gathering was migration and labor market integration. Abdulaziz Bashouri shared insights into current integration policies and labor market needs in Germany, emphasizing the importance of creating pathways that enable migrants and refugees to contribute effectively to society. Discussions also explored opportunities for future cooperation, including potential initiatives related to the recruitment of skilled professionals from Lebanon and Syria to address workforce shortages while creating sustainable opportunities for qualified workers.
For Peace of Art International, participation in the SPD Summer Gathering represented another step in expanding its international network and strengthening relationships with institutions and leaders committed to dialogue, inclusion, and social development. The event demonstrated the value of bringing together actors from different sectors to exchange ideas and identify areas for collaboration.
The discussions reinforced a shared belief that peacebuilding extends beyond traditional diplomatic efforts and requires active participation from communities, educators, policymakers, and civil society organizations. Through dialogue, cultural exchange, and cooperation, sustainable solutions can be developed to address social challenges and strengthen democratic societies.
As Peace of Art International continues its work across Europe and the Middle East, engagements such as the SPD Summer Gathering provide important opportunities to build partnerships, share experiences, and promote initiatives that advance peace, social cohesion, and human dignity.
The organization extends its appreciation to Abdulaziz Bashouri and all participants for their constructive engagement and looks forward to continuing these conversations through future collaborations in Germany, Lebanon, and beyond.
